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A Guide to Mount Field National Park

A Guide to Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is located just over an hour's drive from the centre of Hobart, and is home to a great variety of scenery ranging from temperate rainforest to alpine peaks. With a rich diversity, stunning landscapes and a number of different hiking options to suit everyone (see below for more detail), this is one of the best national parks in Tasmania, even more so if you love to go hiking. 

Where - Located west of Hobart, take the Brooker Highway north out of the city and follow the signs for New Norfolk. Pass through the town and follow the signs for Westerway and then Mount Field National Park. The Visitor Centre is located over the Tyenna River, just off Gordon River Road.

Stay - There are accommodation options to suit most people within a short drive of the park but be sure to book early if you want to visit during peak season.

Eat/Drink - While dinner options are limited around Mount Field, there are still some nice places to grab a meal or a coffee.

  • Waterfalls Café & Gallery - Located in the Mount Field Visitor Centre, they serve a range of light meals and takeaway options. Also a great place to grab a coffee before heading into the alpine sections of the park.

  • National Park Hotel - The best (and only) place close to the park to grab dinner, enjoy this historic hotel with plenty of food and beverage options available. 

  • Possum Shed Café - Located in Westerway, a short drive east of the park, this is a warm and inviting place to grab breakfast, lunch or your morning coffee.

  • Fika Time Café - Located in Maydena to the west of the park, this traditional Swedish café offers a range of breakfast and lunch options along with coffee.

  • MBP Canteen - Located at the Maydena Mountain Bike Park, they have breakfast and lunch options along with tea and coffee.

Fuel/Groceries - If you're headed to Mount Field and beyond to Lake Pedder then you'll need to stock up on groceries because there aren't any towns near the national park that have supermarkets. 

  • Groceries - New Norfolk (40 minute drive) is your best option if you're coming from Hobart with a Woolworths and IGA Express to choose from. The Fika Time Café in Maydena has a limited General Store with the basics. 

  • Fuel - There are fuel pumps either side of Mount Field at Westerway and Maydena but sometimes services can be down. The nearest chain fuel station is Ampol at Bushy Park, a 20 minute drive east of the park.

 

Anything Else?

  • Railtrack Riders - Enjoy a journey along the old railway line here on a pedal car taking you from Maydena either east or west along the track. 

  • Paddle With the Platypus - A guided kayak tour of the Upper Derwent where you might find a shy platypus or two.

  • Maydena Bike Park - If you're bringing your mountain bike then Maydena is home to some great trails (73 in total). Bring your own or hire a dual suspension Trek from the shop and enjoy the hills and technical trails around Maydena.

The Waterfalls
Explore the Temperate Rainforest

Waterfall Hikes in Mount Field National Park

Lady Barron Falls Circuit

Length - 6.5km (Loop)

Vertical Climb - 198m

Exploring the temperate rainforest around the Mount Field Visitor Centre, linking up Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls on this fantastic hike.

Russell Falls Walk

Length - 1.7km (Loop)

Vertical Climb - 31m

One of the most iconic places in Tasmania, a trip to Mount Field is not complete without seeing the stunning Russell Falls, a short walk from the Visitor Centre.

Waterfall Hikes in Mount Field National Park

Alpine Country
Tarns, Mountains and Pandani

Alpine Hikes in Mount Field National Park

Mount Field East

Length - 11.3km (Loop)

Vertical Climb - 569m

Walking past pristine alpine lakes and up into boulder strewn landscapes, the hike to the summit of Mount Field East provides some stunning views and great walking.

Mount Field West

Length - 20.2km (Return)

Vertical Climb - 816m

The highest point in Mount Field National Park, Mount Field West is a tough but rewarding hike up and down some truly spectacular wilderness where you'll get some epic views.

Mountain Hikes in Mount Field National Park
Short Walks in Mount Field National Park

Pandani Grove Nature Walk

Length - 1.6km (Loop)

Vertical Climb - 26m

Circling the shores of Lake Dobson, the Pandani Grove Nature Walk is a great little track getting you close to the endemic and beautiful Pandanis that thrive along the edge of the lake.

Tarn Shelf Circuit

Length - 15.6km (Loop)

Vertical Climb - 604m

One of the best day hikes in Tasmania, the Tarn Shelf Circuit takes you up into the mountains and along a stretch filled with idyllic alpine tarns. Fantastic hiking.

Tarn Shelf Circuit

Further Afield
Summits, Caves and Waterfalls

Hikes near Mount Field