You’ll Fall for Mt Field National Park!

May 26th, 2010 |

When do you Think Mt Field National Park?

Think Mt Field National Park when you want the full spectrum of an outdoor Tasmanian adventure in one convenient location!

Russell Falls… and more!

Waterfalls are the pivotal focus of this Tasmanian icon, particularly Russell Falls. On the day of my visit, there was a mountain-load (excuse the pun!) of melted snow flooding over the face of rock opposite the platforms. In fact, it was difficult to protect the camera from the sheer volume of water.

Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park

Only a little further up the gentle incline and you come to Horseshoe Falls – nothing like a two-for-one arrangement. The track leading to both waterfalls is safe and easy to navigate.

Mt Field National Park Alpine Territory

A half-hour drive on from the falls leads to the alpine, high-country of Mt Field National Park. The narrow road is quite steep with lots of sharp bends, but the rain-forest views make the trip worthwhile.

View of the Derwent Valley from the alpine road

Capturing a Tasmanian Wombat

Mt Field National Park even turned on a sprinkling of snow for my visit, with enough of the white stuff at Lake Dobson for a snowman, even! And if that wasn’t exciting enough, I then met my first Tasmanian wombat. I was so stunned that I could barely whip off the gloves and camera lens to “capture” the cute creature. The excitement was all mine obviously; he barely offered me a second glance as he wandered right by my feet.

Encounter with a Tasmanian wombat at Mt Field National Park

Lake Dobson

The boardwalk and 4WD track around tranquil Lake Dobson mark the start of some serious bush-walking trails for more robust types. Plus there is the opportunity for snow skiing – although the prospect of a 30-minute walk to reach the downhill area would reduce the appeal, no doubt.

Back down the mountain to discover the kids playground and picnic area, which also has a privately operated camping facility attached. Lots of space for kids to run, kick a ball and generally have fun in the fresh mountain air.

Snow-capped mountains of Mt Field National Park

Mt Field National Park: the Nasties!!

The only downer of the day: my encounter with a particularly nasty set of stairs. Must have been upwards of 250 steps on the home run from the Lady Barron waterfall and it left me very breathless (that’s putting it politely). The Tall Trees Walk is a better option for anyone wanting a leisurely stroll. This section was awesome (and easy!) and the magnitude of the swamp gums, the world’s tallest flowering plants, puts your place on the planet into perspective.

Swamp Gums on the Tall Trees Walk, Mount Field

Russell Falls is apparently also a habitat for glow worms. I can’t confirm this just yet, so the next visit to Mt Field National Park might need to be at night: for another fascinating wildlife meeting.

*Fees apply for entry to Tasmanian national parks. You can purchase passes for a single day, an entire holiday or a whole year. The fees are obviously put to good use, as the facilities for visitors are first-class and well maintained.

*For more details: cost of entry to Mt Field National Park.

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