Mount Field National Park

The basics

The star attraction in Mount Field National Park is the tiered cascade waterfall, Russell Falls. A 20-minute, paved walk from the visitor center leads to the thundering waterfall through enormous fern forests and some of the world's tallest trees. Adjoining hiking tracks meander through gum forests, and Lake Dobson—another park favorite—is located towards the upper reaches of the park.

Guided day tours of Mount Field regularly depart from Hobart while some multi-day tours combine the park with other top attractions such as Cradle Mountain and Montezuma Falls—a great option for those without their own transport who want to see as much as possible.

Things to know before you go

• Mount Field National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts who want an easy day trip from Hobart.
• There is a daily park fee (a multi-day pass is also available).
• The pathway to Russell Falls is wheelchair-accessible.
• Accommodation is available in nearby Westerway, Ellendale, and New Norfolk. Camping and caravan facilities are also available near the park entrance.
• The park has a visitor center, shop, and café, as well as numerous picnic facilities.

How to get there

From Hobart, it’s around a 1.5-hour drive northwest to Mount Field National Park. As there’s no public transportation that can get you there, a guided tour is the best alternative to driving your own vehicle.

When to get there

During April and June, the upper slopes of Mount Field National Park are ablaze in the colors of fall with deep reds and bright oranges. As for winter, there is enough snowfall from July until September to sustain a ski lodge—popular with both downhill/cross-country skiers and snowboarders. For the best hiking conditions, visit between November and March, when the weather is warm but not too hot.

Junee Cave

There are several caves dotted around the park, but most are only suited to experienced cavers. The mouth of Junee Cave—in the Junee State Reserve, just south of the national park— is easy to access. It is part of a large cave system stretching 19 miles (30 kilometers) through 295 caves, including Niggly Cave, which is the deepest cave in Australia and should only be explored by experienced cave divers.