This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2021. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Known to Tassie locals as simply ‘National Park’, Mount Field is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular nature escapes.
Just after the COVID lockdowns had lifted, I ventured south to Tasmania to visit my family for the first time in over a year. After being stuck in our small apartment for months on end during lockdowns, my husband and I were both craving some leafy smells and fresh air once the state borders had reopened.
Mount Field was truly the perfect place to get it. An escape from the big city to see mountains with alpine lakes, flowing waterfalls, dense rainforest and local wildlife provided some much needed quiet time to ground ourselves and refresh our minds.
If you’re looking to explore some of Tasmania’s incredible landscapes, I guarantee that this national park itinerary will be one worth travelling for! Here’s all the details on planning a Mount Field road trip from Hobart.
Quick summary:
Escape Hobart for waterfalls, rainforests, and alpine lakes at Mount Field National Park. This guide covers the best walks, scenic stops, and tips for planning a day trip or relaxed weekend itinerary.
Recommended tour:
🌿 Mount Field, Mt Wellington & Bonorong Day Tour – See Russell Falls, wildlife encounters, and alpine viewpoints on a full-day small-group trip.
Where to stay at Mount Field:
🛏️ Mt Field Retreat – Modern self-contained forest cabins just minutes from the national park entrance; ideal for early walks and overnight stays.
When is the best time to visit Mount Field National Park?
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Mount Field National Park, the good news is that this area is beautiful year-round. Most of the photos in this post were actually taken on a summer visit — even though the weather up here can change constantly due to the alpine environment.
Summer (December–February) brings warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the chance to add berry picking or nearby attractions to your itinerary. Just keep in mind that Tasmania’s bushfire season runs from October to March.
The shoulder seasons (autumn and spring) are ideal for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant colours. Visiting during the Tasmanian winter is also absolutely possible — and magical — as the higher alpine areas often see snowfall.
Just note that the road between the visitor centre and Lake Dobson can close depending on Mount Field weather and road conditions. It’s a good idea to check for alerts on the National Parks & Wildlife Service website before your visit.
How to get to Mount Field National Park from Hobart
The park is incredibly easy to reach, making it one of the most popular day trips from Hobart. If you’re driving to Mount Field National Park, the journey takes just over an hour from Tasmania’s capital.
The main sealed road to the visitor centre is suitable for all vehicles, but the gravel road to Lake Dobson isn’t recommended for caravans or campervans. Note that if you’re driving, you’ll have to pay for a parks pass for your vehicle.
🌿 If you’d prefer not to drive, this Mount Field Day Tour from Hobart combines Mount Field with other popular stops such as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond, and Mt Wellington. It’s a faster-paced way to see the area, but a great option if your Tasmania itinerary is tight.
Where to stay near Mount Field National Park
If you’re looking for accommodation near Mount Field National Park, there are a few options. We stayed overnight at a cottage in the nearby town of Westerway. My parents booked the private rental as gift for Christmas and we really enjoyed our stay in the historic cottage.
🛏️ If you’d prefer to stay closer to the national park entrance, Mt Field Retreat is one of the best places to stay at Mount Field.
The property is just a few minutes from the visitor centre and offers modern, self-contained cabins surrounded by peaceful forest. It’s a great base if you want to maximise your time on the walking tracks or explore early in the morning before the day-tour buses arrive.
What to bring for a Mount Field National Park hike
Before you set off, it’s worth knowing that Mount Field weather can shift quickly — even if it’s sunny and warm in Hobart. This alpine region is cooler, wetter, and more unpredictable, so having the right gear will make your visit much more enjoyable.
If you’re doing any Mount Field hiking, wear layers that you can take on and off easily. A waterproof jacket (and ideally an umbrella) is essential, as rain showers can pass through at any time. Good shoes are also important: many of the trails include a mix of paved paths, boardwalks, gravel sections, and muddy patches. I wore sneakers on the first day, but switched to my mum’s Blundstone boots on day two — and was very grateful for the extra water protection in the rain!
Even if you’re visiting in summer, pack warm clothes like a beanie, gloves, and a cosy jacket. The alpine areas near Lake Dobson and the Tarn Shelf are significantly colder than Hobart. For sunny days, add sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to your Tasmania packing list.
Mount Field map guide:
1 – Hobart
2 – Westerway (Raspberry Farm, cafe)
3 – Mount Field (visitor centre, Russell Falls)
4 – Lake Dobson (Tarn Shelf walk)
5 – Plenty (Salmon Ponds)
Mount Field National Park itinerary
Day 1 – Russell Falls walk + Westerway Raspberry Farm
Morning
On your way to Mount Field, stop in at the Westerway Raspberry Farm. This berry farm and shop is open during the summer growing season in December-January. If you have appropriate footwear for traipsing around a farm, you can go inside the gates to pick your own berries! We did this option and I have to say, eating raspberries fresh picked from the tree with my own two hands was extremely satisfying (and delicious). If you’re feeling lazy, you can forego the picking and just taste the produce and berry products in the farm gate shop.
Lunch
Afterwards, stop in at The Possum Shed Cafe for lunch. Unfortunately it was closed for our visit, but I’ve heard that it has some great food options for hungry visitors.
Afternoon
When you first enter Mount Field National Park, you’ll need to stop at the visitor centre to grab a parks pass for your car. A day pass, which grants the vehicle entry into the national park for 24 hours, costs $47.70 AUD (as of 2025). If you buy this in the afternoon then you can come back in to the park tomorrow morning without having to purchase another pass.
After you’ve purchased the pass, you have free access to the national park. Start by walking from the visitor centre to Russell Falls. This waterfall is about a 10-15 min walk away through gorgeous fern-covered rainforest and extremely tall trees that are hundreds of years old. It was raining lightly while we did this walk, but that didn’t bother us at all. We even spotted a Tasmanian Pademelon foraging beside the path as we walked back to the visitor centre. Pretty cool!
If you’re up for a bigger walk, you can continue on to Horseshoe Falls before turning back, or keep walking along the Tall Trees Walk until you reach the gravel road before walking along the road to get back to the visitor centre.
Evening
Drive back to your accommodation to relax and recover some energy for tomorrow’s activities. My husband and I took along a bottle of wine and some microwave meals along to our accommodation as there aren’t many dinner options in the area and the pub was closed when we were there (booooo).
Day 2 – Tarn Shelf Track from Lake Dobson
Morning
If you want to include a proper hike on your parks pass from yesterday, be sure to head out fairly early in the day. The Tarn Shelf track from Lake Dobson is truly a gem at Mount Field! My parents suggested that we do a family hike here, and I’d say it was suitable for beginner-intermediate hikers. My 6-year-old nephew managed a large portion of the hike, as did my mother (who will surely kill me if I reveal her age).
The initial walk uphill from Lake Dobson to the Mount Mawson ski field is nice though not particularly exciting. It’s when you get to the top and start trekking along the boardwalk that covers the alpine environment that it gets really awesome.
The rocky shelf has amazing views out over the mountains and lakes. The tarns (which are kind of like large pools of water) are worth visiting for the serene scenery and sound of birdsong floating through the air. The return hike from Lake Dobson to the tarns and back took us approximately 3 hours. There is a public toilet and water bottle refill station at the ski area, which is about 45 minutes into the hike.
If you want to do a bush walk but aren’t keen for anything too long or difficult, you can just walk around Lake Dobson at the base of this hike. It’s a pretty spot!
Afternoon
On the drive back to Hobart, stop at the Salmon Ponds. This large garden has numerous man-made ponds filled with salmon. The cost to enter the gardens is $10 AUD (as of 2025). They are really lovely to walk around, especially in autumn when the leaves are changing colour. There’s also a mini-museum and you can feed the fish to see them jumping about in the water.
The previous time that my husband and I were at the Salmon Ponds, we were fortunate enough to see a platypus swimming in the ponds with the fish! These little Australian animals are super cute and are a rare sight!
On this most recent visit we also tried out the on-site pancake cafe. They do make good pancakes! We shared the banana maple option and left very satisfied.
Mount Field National Park FAQ
How long do you need at Mount Field National Park?
You can see Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls in 1–2 hours, but allow at least half a day for a relaxed visit. If you want to hike the Tarn Shelf or explore Lake Dobson, plan a full day or stay overnight.
Where should I stay near Mount Field?
Mt Field Retreat is the closest accommodation to the park entrance, offering modern forest cabins.
Can you visit Mount Field National Park without a car?
Yes — a guided Mt Field day tour from Hobart includes stops at Russell Falls, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Mt Wellington. Without a tour, public transport isn’t available, so driving is the easiest option.
Is Russell Falls an easy walk?
Yes. The walk to Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s most accessible tracks. It’s a short 10–15 minute stroll on a sealed path, suitable for families and visitors of most fitness levels.
Is the Tarn Shelf hike difficult?
The Tarn Shelf Track is a moderate alpine hike with some uphill sections. Most reasonably fit visitors can complete it in around 3-4 hours return. Weather can change quickly, so pack warm layers.
When does it snow at Mount Field National Park?
Snow is most common from June to September in the higher alpine areas near Lake Dobson. Roads may close during heavy snowfall, so always check conditions before driving up.
Do you need a parks pass for Mount Field National Park?
Yes. A 24-hour vehicle pass is required and can be purchased at the visitor centre. If you plan to visit several Tasmanian national parks, consider the 8-week Holiday Pass for better value.
Is Mount Field worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. The rainforest is lush after rain, waterfalls are flowing, and the alpine areas often have snow. Just pack warm layers and check road conditions if you’re heading up to Lake Dobson.
Are there places to eat near Mount Field?
Dining options are limited. There is a cafe inside the visitor centre at Mount Field that is open daily, and there’s also The Possum Shed Café in nearby Westerway (though the opening hours can be sporadic). Many travellers bring snacks along or cook their own food at their accommodation.
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