Mount Field National Park: Tasmania’s Wilderness in Miniature

Less than an hour’s drive from Hobart lies one of Tasmania’s most accessible and diverse natural treasures — Mount Field National Park. Home to towering eucalypt forests, glacier-sculpted alpine plateaus, and some of the most photogenic waterfalls in Australia, Mount Field is often called a “wilderness sampler” — a place where you can experience the essence of Tasmania’s raw, rugged beauty in a single day.

As Tasmania’s oldest national park, Mount Field has long been a sanctuary for plants, wildlife, and walkers — a haven where nature unfolds across every elevation, from mossy rainforest to alpine tundra. Whether you’re here for a short walk, a long hike, or a peaceful weekend surrounded by silence and birdsong, Mount Field never fails to reward.

A Brief History of the Park

Mount Field was declared a national park in 1916, alongside Freycinet, making it one of Australia’s first national parks. But its significance stretches far deeper.

The land is part of Palawa Country, and Aboriginal Tasmanians have lived in and moved through this area for tens of thousands of years, using its rivers, forests, and highlands for seasonal hunting and cultural practice. Though much Indigenous heritage was lost during the colonisation of Tasmania, the land remains spiritually significant, and interpretation of Aboriginal history is growing within the park.

European settlers were drawn to the area for its dense forests and waterfalls. The spectacular Russell Falls became a celebrated tourist attraction in the late 1800s — so iconic it was featured on Tasmania’s first postage stamp. Conservation efforts soon followed, leading to the park’s formal protection.

What to See and Do in Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls and Rainforest Walks

The star attraction for most visitors is Russell Falls — a three-tiered cascade framed by lush tree ferns and towering swamp gums. The 20-minute return walk from the visitor centre is fully accessible and paved, making it perfect for families and all fitness levels.

Nearby, you can extend your walk to the Tall Trees Walk, where some of the tallest flowering plants in the world — Eucalyptus regnans — rise like columns into the canopy. These giants can grow over 90 metres tall and live for hundreds of years.

Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls

A short extension from the Russell Falls loop leads to the picturesque Horseshoe Falls, framed by mossy rocks and dense undergrowth. For more of a workout, the Three Falls Circuit (6 km) includes Lady Barron Falls, and loops through dense forest, stepping into a world where every log and leaf seems alive with water and light.

Lake Dobson and the Alpine Plateau

Drive 30 minutes up a winding road into a different world entirely — the subalpine and alpine zones around Lake Dobson. Here, the trees give way to snow gums, cushion plants, and glacial tarns, creating landscapes more akin to New Zealand or the Scottish Highlands.

Popular hikes in this area include:

Pandani Grove Walk: An easy loop around Lake Dobson, named for the Richea pandanifolia, the world’s tallest heath plant.
Seagers Lookout: A moderate climb with rewarding views over the Derwent Valley.
Mount Mawson: A longer walk across alpine moorland, and in winter, the site of one of Tasmania’s few ski fields.

Wildlife and Ecology

Mount Field National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, showcasing three distinct ecological zones — temperate rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and alpine heathland.

Here, you might spot:

Pademelons, echidnas, or platypus near streams.
Wedge-tailed eagles and yellow-tailed black cockatoos soaring above.
Green rosellas, tasmanian scrubwrens, and rare pink robins in the undergrowth.

The park is also home to endemic plant species, including celery-top pine and the ancient King Billy pine, some of which are thousands of years old. During spring and summer, the higher altitudes come alive with alpine wildflowers, and in autumn, deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii) paints the hills in copper and gold — one of the few native deciduous trees in Australia.

Geology: Carved by Fire and Ice

Mount Field’s landscape is shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion. The lower valleys are underlain by Permian mudstone and sandstone, while higher elevations show evidence of ancient glaciers, including moraines, cirques, and U-shaped valleys carved into the landscape during Tasmania’s Ice Ages.

This combination of ancient rock, flowing water, and glacial history gives the park its incredible diversity in terrain — from rainforest gullies to windswept ridgelines.

When to Visit Mount Field National Park

Mount Field is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own character:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Best time for alpine hikes, wildflowers, and longer days.
Autumn (Mar–May): Spectacular fagus foliage, cool air, and quieter trails.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow blankets the alpine zone — great for snowshoeing or a rustic winter getaway.
Spring (Sept–Nov): Waterfalls are full, and the lower forests come alive with new growth and birdsong.

Weather in alpine areas can change rapidly, even in summer, so always dress in layers and check conditions before hiking.

Getting There and Practical Info

Location: 75 km northwest of Hobart (about 1.25 hours by car)
Access: Sealed road to the visitor centre; gravel road to Lake Dobson (usually accessible to 2WD)
Facilities: Visitor centre, café, toilets, picnic areas, and a campground
Parks Pass: Required for entry (available online or at the visitor centre)
Stay Nearby: Accommodation is available in Maydena, Westerway, and National Park village, as well as in Hobart for day trippers.

Conclusion: Mount Field — A Microcosm of Wild Tasmania

Mount Field National Park is more than just a beautiful place — it’s a living archive of Tasmania’s natural heritage, from its tallest trees to its oldest rocks. Whether you’re following the splash of a waterfall, walking beneath a forest canopy, or standing on an alpine ridge with clouds below your feet, the park offers something profoundly grounding and awe-inspiring.

It’s easy to reach, hard to forget, and rich with the quiet power of Tasmania’s wild heart.

The Tasmanian devil is a small, carnivorous marsupial that is native to Tasmania, an island state located off the coast of Australia. With its black fur, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws, the Tasmanian devil is one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable animals. Despite its reputation as a fearsome predator, the Tasmanian devil is a fascinating and important species that is facing serious threats to its survival.

The Tasmanian devil is the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial in the world, with males reaching up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) in length and females up to 60 centimeters (24 inches). They have a stocky build, with powerful jaws and teeth that are perfect for crushing bones and tough meat. Despite their intimidating appearance, Tasmanian devils are shy and solitary animals that are most active at night.

The Tasmanian devil is a scavenger that feeds on a variety of prey, including dead animals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, which is often accompanied by loud growls and screeches. This behavior, along with their black fur and sharp teeth, has contributed to their reputation as fierce and dangerous animals.

In the past, Tasmanian devils were widely distributed across Tasmania and were an important part of the island’s ecosystem. However, in the 20th century, the population of Tasmanian devils declined dramatically due to habitat loss and disease. The most significant threat to the species is a transmissible cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), which is spread from one animal to another through bites during feeding. The disease causes tumors to form on the face and neck, making it difficult for the animal to eat and eventually leading to death.

In response to the decline of the Tasmanian devil, conservation efforts have been undertaken to protect and conserve the species. This includes captive breeding programs, disease management, and habitat restoration. In addition, the Tasmanian government has established several protected areas, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, to help conserve the species and its habitat.

The Tasmanian devil is a fascinating and important species that is facing serious threats to its survival. Despite its reputation as a fierce predator, the Tasmanian devil is a shy and solitary animal that is an important part of Tasmania’s ecosystem. With continued conservation efforts, we can help ensure that this iconic species continues to thrive for generations to come.

Kategorie: 2018

TASMANIA 2018 – Video