Beginning
When I first got to Tasmania to see my husband, I had no idea how much I would love its natural beauty. There was always something new to do, but nothing moved me like our trip to Mount Field, Tasmania. I experienced a profound connection with nature, from the cascading waterfalls to the snow-covered trails. That day wasn’t just about hiking or seeing things; it was also about feeling small under big trees, laughing in the snow, and finding peace in silence. What began as a simple day trip turned into a deep experience that will stay with me forever.
Mount Field Tasmania: A Day That Changed My Life
My name is Brishti, and I’m from Bangladesh. I went to Tasmania for a month a few months ago to see my husband, who works there. Tasmania seemed like a magical island from a storybook, and I was just a small part of its story. We went to a different place every day. Sometimes it was a beach, sometimes a valley, and sometimes an old town that was lovely.
But what about the fifth day? That was something special. That was the day we went to Mount Field in Tasmania. I’ll never forget it. The Trip Starts: Renting a Car and Little Thrills
Mount Field National Park is about 80 kilometres from Hobart, and there is no public transportation going all the way there. We rented a car the day before. My husband took care of the paperwork: his Australian driver’s licence, a quick payment with his card, and boom! We were ready.
We packed some food, filled our water bottles, and left around 9 a.m. the next day. The road to Mount Field, Tasmania, was like a movie set, with trees, small houses, and soft hills all around it. I sat still and watched the scenery go by, whispering to myself, “Am I really here?” Russell Falls: The First Stop—Pure Magic
We went straight to Russell Falls as soon as we got to Mount Field National Park. And wow, what a beautiful sight!
There are three levels to Russell Falls, and it looked like silver water falling from the sky. The sound of the water falling and the cool mist on my skin all at once made me feel calm, strong, and emotional. I sat still on a stone and stared at the water, lost in my thoughts. My husband asked me, “Why are you so quiet?” I smiled and said, “Because I’m amazed at how beautiful this world can be.”
We were there for more than an hour, taking pictures, touching the cold water, and laughing like kids. I even sent my mum a video that said, “Look, Mum, I’m standing in front of a real waterfall!”
Tall Trees Walk—Nature’s Soft Touch
After Russell Falls, we went to the Tall Trees Walk, a trail through the woods where the eucalyptus trees are so tall that they almost touch the sky. I felt small as I walked under them. But instead of being scared, I felt safe. It was like I was walking through a cathedral made of leaves and light.
“These trees have been here for more than 400 years,” my husband said. Just as you once stood besides me, so did I. His poetic moment made me laugh, yet it deeply moved me.
Only the sound of birds, the rustling of leaves beneath our feet, and the occasional cool breeze felt like a familiar companion.
Lake Dobson: Ice, Cold, and Crazy Fun
We drove up a hill to see Lake Dobson, a beautiful but lesser-known lake in Mount Field, Tasmania. There was still some snow here and there because it was the end of winter.
We weren’t ready for snow, but we went anyway. I threw a little snowball at my husband’s face. Boom! The timing was perfect. He yelled in fake pain and then threw another snowball at me. We sprinted, tumbled, and giggled like children. I promise you that was the funniest thing I’ve seen in years.
The lake was calm and still, and it looked like a mirror. I experienced a sense of timelessness during my visit. Shadow Creek Lookout: A Hidden Gem
Most tourists only go to the waterfalls, but we found a secret place called Shadow Creek Lookout. Not many people know about this short trail. We strolled along moss-covered narrow paths filled with silence. The silence was enchanting.
The view from the top was strange: green hills rolling under a wide, open sky. I stood there, closed my eyes, and listened to the wind. I felt like nature was talking to my soul. Coffee and a picnic are both fun things to do.
We brought a simple lunch with us: bread, peanut butter, some fruit, and a thermos of hot tea. We ate at a wooden bench and listened to the birds around us. A little bird even hopped up on the edge of the table to watch us. I said quietly, “Do you want a bite?” It blinked but didn’t leave.
On the way back, we stopped at The Coffee Farm, a small café just outside the park. I got hot chocolate, and my husband got steak and fries. The food cost a lot (about 30–40 AUD per person), but the warmth, comfort, wooden interiors, and view of the mountains made it worth every penny.
Things to Remember (So You’re Ready)
Put on hiking shoes that won’t get wet. Some trails are wet and slippery.
Bring a rain jacket because the weather can change quickly in Tasmania.
Get an offline map because the signal on your phone isn’t always strong.
Wild animals may look adorable, but they are still wild, so don’t get too close.
On the narrow mountain roads, drive slowly and always be on the lookout for animals.
Funny things that are worth sharing
I slipped on a wet rock while hiking and fell right on my back. Nobody was there… but a wallaby. I swear it looked at me like, “Really?
Why didn’t you bring the GoPro? my husband asked. I said, “I don’t need a GoPro; I’ve got you!
A girl at the café asked me if I was Indian. I said, “No, I’m from Bangladesh.” She seemed interested and asked, “Can you spell it?” I laughed and said, “Yes, I can, but it will take a minute!”
Questions That People Ask a Lot—My Honest Answers
| Question | Answer |
| Where is Mount Field Tasmania? | About 80 km northwest of Hobart, in southern Tasmania. |
| What are the main attractions? | Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees Walk, Lake Dobson, and hidden trails like Shadow Creek. |
| When’s the best time to visit? | Spring (Sep–Nov) and late summer (Feb–Mar) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. |
| Do I need a car? | Yes. There’s no direct public transport. A rented car is the best option. |
| How much does it cost? | Entry is around 20–30 AUD, food is 20–40 AUD per meal, and car rental is approx. 70–80 AUD/day. |
| Are there restrooms and picnic areas? | Yes! The park is well-maintained with clean toilets and benches. |
Tasmania’s Mount Field Where it is and how to get there
Mount Field, Tasmania, is in the southeastern part of the state, about 80 kilometres north-west of Hobart. Russell Falls, alpine forests, and ancient eucalyptus trees draw thousands of visitors to this national park every year. It is one of the oldest and most famous in the area.
To get to Mount Field, tourists must first go through New Norfolk and then take C616 (Gordon River Road) until they get to National Park Village, which is the entrance to Mount Field National Park. There are clear road signs, so it’s easy to find your way around with Google Maps or an offline GPS app.
There is no public bus that goes directly to the park, so renting a car is the best option for people who want to go on their own. Most people start their trip in Hobart, where there are many places to rent cars.
Driving to Mount Field, Tasmania
The best and most beautiful way to get from Hobart to Norfolk is through New Norfolk. Depending on how many stops you make, the trip will take about 1.5 hours. While most roads are in good condition and sealed, some areas near Lake Dobson transition to gravel and become twisty.
Costs of Renting a Car:
The average daily rate is AUD 60–90.
The cost of gas for the entire round trip is approximately AUD 25.
You need a passport and a valid driver’s licence (an international permit for foreign licences).
In the winter, it’s important to check the road conditions to Lake Dobson because snow and ice can make it hard to get there without a 4WD vehicle.
Fees for Entry and Parking
All visitors to Mount Field Tasmania are required to have a valid Tasmanian Parks Pass. These can be purchased online or at the visitor center.
| Type | Price (AUD) | Validity | Includes |
| Daily Pass | $44.75 | 24 hrs | All passengers in vehicle |
| Holiday Pass | $89.50 | 2 months | All Tasmania National Parks |
| Annual Pass | $95.00 | 12 months | Locals or frequent travelers |
The daily pass is ideal for short visits, while the Holiday Pass is great for those exploring other parks like Cradle Mountain or Freycinet.
The best hiking trails in Mount field Tasmania
Russell Falls Walk: 1.4 km round trip
Level of difficulty: Easy, paved, and wheelchair-friendly
Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Iconic two-tiered waterfall with many ferns around it
The Horseshoe Falls Track has a length of 1.6 km for a round trip.
Difficulty: a little steep but not too hard
Time: 40 to 50 minutes
Add-on: Walk to Russell Falls and back.
Length: 1.2 km loop for the Tall Trees Walk
Feature: It has some of the tallest flowering trees in the world.
Eucalyptus regnans trees can grow up to 100 metres tall!
Lady Barron Falls Circuit: Full Circuit Length: 6.5 km
Moderate level of difficulty
Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Description: A trail through the rainforest with waterfalls, birds, mushrooms, and views of the rainforest canopy.
Lake Dobson Trail: 1.5 km loop (Pandani Grove)
Location: 16 km up from the Visitor Centre
Environment: Alpine landscape with plants that are not found anywhere else
Weather: In the winter, it often snows.
Places to stay near Mount Field in Tasmania
There are a few good places to stay inside and near the park.
Mount Field Campground
There are sites with and without power.
Clean bathrooms, showers, and kitchen space
Barbeques and fire pits
Price: AUD 16 to 30 per night
Make a reservation through Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.
Cottages and the Giants’ Table
Place: National Park Village
Offers cabins with kitchens and views of the mountains that are separate from each other
Good for couples and families
Cost: AUD 120–180 per night
Cottages on the Tyenna River
The cottages by the river are quiet and private.
Price range: AUD 130 to 200
Near both the Maydena adventure area and Mount Field
Food Choices for Guests
There aren’t any full-service restaurants in Mount Field National Park, so it’s best to either bring your food or plan to stop nearby.
Inside the Park: The Waterfalls Café is at the visitor centre. It serves coffee, sandwiches, snacks, and cakes. Closes early, between 3:30 and 4:00 PM.
Cafes Close By
The Possum Shed Café (10 minutes away) is known for its fresh scones, strong coffee, and lovely deck by the river.
New Norfolk Eateries (45 mins): On the way back to Hobart, you’ll pass by big fast food chains, bakeries, and supermarkets.
Bring at least water in bottles.
Lunch boxes or sandwiches
Granola bars or fruit are good trail snacks.
Napkins and reusable utensils are recommended.
Weather in Mount Field, Tasmania
The weather at Mount Field changes quickly because of changes in elevation and the area. Always look at the weather forecast before you leave.
Season Average Temperature Notes
10–25°C in the summer (December to February)
The area is ideal for hiking, boasting moderately flowing waterfalls.
Fall (March to May)
5–17°C
Trees with bright colours and fresh air.
Winter in Tasmania lasts from June to August and has temperatures ranging from 2 to 10°C.
Lake Dobson gets snow, so bring chains if you need them.
Spring (September to November): 6–18°C
The waterfalls are at their highest, and green ferns surround the area.
Always bring a jacket that won’t get wet.
Base layers that keep you warm in the winter
Shoes for hiking
Gloves and beanies for snowy areas
Animals and nature at Mount Field
Many native Tasmanian species find shelter in Mount Field. People often see wallabies and pademelons near trails in the early morning and at dusk.
Wombats are eating grass near the campsite.
Platypus near creeks (not common, but possible)
Birds like pink robins, wedge-tailed eagles, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos
Frogs and fungi, especially when it rains
You can’t feed wild animals because it can hurt them. Always watch from a distance, and don’t use flash when taking pictures.
Phone and Internet Signal: Telstra has the best coverage in the area, but it can be spotty inside the park.
There is no WiFi in the park.
Get Google Maps or Maps on your phone. I was offline before.
There is an emergency landline at the visitor centre.
Things to Bring: Notes and Essentials
Shoes for hiking
Strong and waterproof
A jacket for rain
It’s common for it to rain suddenly.
Hat and sunscreen for summer hikes
Water to drink
There are no water faucets on trails.
Lunch and snacks
No stores on trails
Battery pack
Mobile signal drains battery quickly. Use a camera to capture stunning scenery.
Optional: trekking poles, bug spray, binoculars for birds, and gloves in the winter.
Tips for Staying Safe
Follow the designated paths; it’s surprisingly simple to lose your way.
Watch out for areas that are steep or slippery after it rains.
If you’re going hiking alone, let someone know.
Bring a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and painkillers.
Before going to Lake Dobson in the winter, check the roads.
Don’t hike at night; the sun can set earlier in the woods.
Quick Look at Useful Information
Information: Distance from Hobart: about 80 km (1.5 hours)
Cost of Entry: $44.75 for a daily vehicle pass
Main Paths
Russell Falls, Tall Trees, and Lady Barron Falls
Parking is free with a park pass.
Lodging
Campgrounds and cabins are close by.
Food: There is a café at the visitor centre and other cafés are nearby.
Signal on a mobile device
Weak or none; use maps that don’t need the internet.
The Best Time to Go.
Hiking is best in the spring and summer, and snow is best in the winter.
In conclusion
Mount Field, Tasmania, gave me more than memories; it gave me peace of mind. The sound of Russell Falls, the quiet of the tall trees, and the cold air at Lake Dobson all made me feel like I was there and alive. Don’t miss this national park if you ever go to Tasmania. It’s not just a place to go; it’s a beautiful reminder of how magical the world can be if we take the time to look. No photo or blog can fully capture the magical essence, but I hope my work comes close.
