Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park: Waterfalls, Snow & Lake Dobson (Ultimate Travel Guide)
Lake Dobson, Tasmania.
Why Mount Field National Park Should Be on Your Tasmania Bucket List
If there was one place in Tasmania that completely caught me off guard, it was Mount Field National Park.
We’d seen waterfalls, forests and mountains all over the island, but nothing quite prepared me for how much diversity we’d experience here in a single day. One minute we were wandering through lush green rainforest, the next we were staring at snow-dusted mountains with light snow falling from the clouds. This is a day trip not to be missed in Tasmania.
Getting to Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park is one of the easiest national parks to access in Tasmania, making it a perfect day trip from Hobart.
Distance from Hobart: ~1 hour (75 km)
Road conditions: Fully sealed roads to the visitor area (unsealed road to Lake Dobson)
Park entry: Valid Tasmania Parks Pass required
Tip: Buy your parks pass online in advance or from the automated machine at the park entrance. We had a 12-month pass and just left it on the dashboard for the entire trip.
Russell Falls: The Most Impressive Waterfall We Saw in Tasmania
I don’t say this lightly, Russell Falls was the most impressive waterfall we saw in Tasmania.
The walk to Russell Falls is short, flat and incredibly accessible, following a well-maintained path through dense rainforest. And then suddenly, there it is… a dramatic, tiered cascade, framed by towering ferns and trees.
It’s one of those places that feels almost cinematic.
Helpful tips:
Allow 20-30 minutes return
Visit early or late to avoid crowds
It’s stunning year-round, but especially powerful after rain
Tip: Russell Falls is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. Read the list to discover more great walks just like this one.
Horseshoe Falls: Don’t Skip This One
Just a little further along the track is Horseshoe Falls, and it would be a mistake to turn around early.
Smaller and more delicate than Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls feels quieter and more intimate.
Tip: Do both waterfalls together, they’re best combined into one walk.
Tall Trees Walk: Walking Among Giants
After the waterfalls, we jumped back in the car and drove a short distance to the Tall Trees Walk.
This short loop takes you through a forest of towering swamp gums, some of the tallest flowering plants in the world. Standing at the base of these trees really puts things into perspective… you feel tiny in the best possible way.
It’s a gentle walk.
Three Falls Circuit: The Ultimate Walk
If you’ve got the time (and the stamina), I recommend doing the Three Falls Circuit, combining Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls… as well as the Tall Trees Walk. Allow 2-3 hours for the 6km circuit.
The impressive Russell Falls.
The Drive to Lake Dobson: From Rainforest to Alpine Wilderness
Now this is where Mount Field really surprised us.
From the Russell Falls area, we drove up towards Lake Dobson, and this drive alone feels like an experience. The road is unsealed, narrow, winding, and much longer than we’d expected.
Important road notes:
Suitable for 2WD vehicles
Not suitable for caravans, campervans or large vehicles
Two-way traffic, but narrow in sections (drive slowly and with caution)
Allow around 45 minutes each way
As we climbed higher, the temperature dropped rapidly. The lush forest slowly thinned out, and suddenly we broke through the trees to a jaw-dropping alpine landscape. Ahead of us were snow-capped mountains… a sight I absolutely wasn’t expecting. We pulled over to step out of the car to take in the landscape.
At 12:30pm, it was 4°C. There was ice on the ground. And then… it started snowing.
We visited in late November (just weeks away from Summer), and didn’t expect to touch snow. It’s one of those unexpected moments that stay with you.
We nearly turned back. We weren’t prepared for snow, and neither was the car. The road was slippery and conditions were becoming dangerous.
But my parents had been here years before, and my dad had told me it was his favourite day in Tasmania. He’d seen Lake Dobson covered in snow… and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we needed to see it too.
So we made the decision to continue on to Lake Dobson.
Lake Dobson: A Cold, Surreal, Unforgettable Moment
Lake Dobson was one of the most surreal moments of our entire Tasmania trip.
The lake sat quietly, surrounded by snow capped mountains, completely still. It was freezing. Wild. Beautiful. It almost feels out of place amongst its surroundings. And we were the only people there. Then… it started snowing again. This exact moment was one of our favourite memories of the entire trip.
If you have a little extra time, the walk around the lake is beautiful and highly recommended.
Tip: Always pack warm layers, even in summer. Alpine weather here changes fast.
Turn It Into a Full Day: Lark Distillery
On the drive back towards Hobart, we stopped at Lark Distillery in Pontville, and it was the perfect way to end the day.
Set inside a stunning 1800s building, the distillery feels steeped in history. You can book guided tours and tastings, but we opted for a relaxed cellar door tasting and wandered the grounds ourselves.
Incredible whisky, a stunning setting, and a very welcome way to warm up after snow.
Highly recommend, even if you’re not a big whisky drinker.
Lark Distillery is full of history (and great whisky of course).
How Long Do You Need at Mount Field?
Half day: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees
Full day: Add Lake Dobson + distillery stop (recommended)
Extra time: Explore seasonal snow play or longer alpine walks
Best Time to Visit Mount Field National Park
Mount Field is spectacular year-round, but each season offers something different:
Spring: Full waterfalls, lush greenery, fewer crowds
Summer: Best hiking conditions (still cold at altitude)
Autumn: Crisp air and golden forests
Winter: Snow at Lake Dobson, magical, but unpredictable
Tips for Visiting Mount Field National Park
Dress in layers, even in warmer months
Expect rapid weather changes (even snow)
Allow most of the day if visiting Lake Dobson
Avoid large vehicles on the narrow Lake Dobson road
Bring snacks and water… facilities are limited
Where Mount Field Fits Into Your Tasmania Itinerary
Mount Field pairs beautifully with:
A Hobart-based itinerary
A Huon Valley or distillery day
A slower-paced Tasmania road trip
Discover the Top Things to Do in Hobart.
Why Mount Field Stays With You
Mount Field is one of those places that reminds you why Tasmania is so special.
In one day, we walked to waterfalls, stood among ancient trees, drove into alpine terrain, watched snow fall in the middle of the day, and finished with whisky in a heritage building. The moments you talk about long after the trip is over.
If you’re planning a Tasmania itinerary and wondering whether Mount Field is worth it… trust me, it absolutely is.
Discover more of the Best Day Trips From Hobart.
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