Mount Field

Mount Field National Park protects 16,260 hectares of Tasmania's central highlands, showcasing the island state's remarkable altitudinal diversity within a compact area. The park ranges from tall temperate rainforest dominated by swamp gums—among the world's tallest flowering plants—through to alpine moorland at elevations exceeding 1,400 meters. Russell Falls, a spectacular three-tiered cascade just minutes from the visitor center, is one of Tasmania's most photographed natural features and provides an accessible introduction to the park's rainforest environments. Lake Dobson, accessible via a winding mountain road, offers subalpine scenery and serves as a trailhead for walks across the plateau country. The park protects habitat for numerous endemic Tasmanian species including platypus, Bennett's wallabies, and the endangered Tasmanian devil. Mount Field was Tasmania's first national park, established in 1916, reflecting early recognition of the area's scenic and conservation values. Winter brings snow to higher elevations, historically supporting Tasmania's first downhill skiing operations, while lower areas remain verdant year-round in the temperate maritime climate.

The park hosts diverse wildlife, including many endemic Tasmanian species. Common mammals include Bennett's wallabies, pademelons, wombats, and platypus, which can often be seen at dusk. The park is home to several endangered species, including the eastern barred bandicoot and eastern quoll. Bird life is abundant, with species such as pink robins, green rosellas, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos frequently observed. The park's streams contain several species of native fish, and various endemic invertebrates inhabit the alpine regions. Nocturnal animals like possums and owls are also present throughout the park.

Mount Field showcases remarkable plant diversity across its various elevation zones. The lower regions feature tall swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), some of the world's tallest flowering plants. The understory contains lush fern forests, including tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica). As elevation increases, the vegetation transitions through rainforest dominated by myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) to alpine communities. The park is famous for its ancient pencil pines (Athrotaxis cupressoides) and deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), which provides spectacular autumn colors. The alpine meadows burst with colorful wildflowers during summer.

The park's landscape was significantly shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, approximately 20,000 years ago. The area features distinctive dolerite columns and caps formed during the Jurassic period, along with sedimentary rock formations. The park's topography ranges from deep valleys to plateau-like highlands, with numerous glacial features including cirques, moraines, and tarns. The famous Russell Falls flows over horizontally bedded marine Permian siltstone, creating its distinctive stepped appearance. The park's elevation ranges from around 160m at the visitor center to 1,434m at Mount Field West.

Mount Field National Park experiences a cool temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers (December-February) are mild with average temperatures between 10-20°C, while winters (June-August) are cold with frequent snowfall and temperatures often dropping below 0°C. The park receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 1500mm. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the park's elevation range, and visitors should be prepared for sudden weather shifts even during summer months. The alpine areas are frequently snow-covered in winter, making it popular for cross-country skiing.

Mount Field became Tasmania's first national park in 1916, along with Freycinet Peninsula. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s, particularly for its skiing opportunities and natural beauty. The park played a crucial role in early Tasmanian conservation efforts, especially in protecting the state's tall forests. Indigenous Australians, particularly the Big River tribe, maintained connections to this land for thousands of years before European settlement. The park's development for tourism began in the early 20th century, with the construction of skiing facilities and walking tracks that continue to be used today.

The park region holds significance for the Big River Nation and other Aboriginal groups who used these lands for thousands of years before European colonization. The area was explored by Europeans in the 1850s, with early appreciation for the scenic waterfalls and unique vegetation leading to tourism even before formal protection. Mount Field National Park was established in 1916, becoming Tasmania's first national park and one of Australia's earliest protected areas, initially covering just 2,020 hectares around Russell Falls. The park expanded significantly in later decades, eventually reaching its current size and extending protection to alpine environments on Mount Field West and surrounding peaks. Early park development included construction of walking tracks, a ski village at Lake Dobson in the 1930s, and basic visitor facilities. The park has served as an important site for ecological research, particularly studies of buttongrass moorland ecology and alpine plant communities. Management approaches have evolved from primarily recreational focus to encompass broader conservation objectives including protection of threatened species and maintenance of ecosystem processes across elevation gradients.

Russell Falls, a three-tiered waterfall, is the park's most iconic attraction and one of Tasmania's most photographed waterfalls. The Tall Trees Walk showcases some of the world's tallest hardwood trees, including specimens over 80 meters high. Lake Dobson provides access to the alpine region and is popular for fishing and hiking. The Tarn Shelf walk offers spectacular alpine scenery and glacial lakes. The park features extensive skiing facilities at Mount Mawson during winter months. Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls complete the park's waterfall circuit. The visitor center provides comprehensive information and facilities, including a café and interpretation displays about the park's natural and cultural heritage.

Mount Field National Park is located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Hobart, easily accessible via the Gordon River Road. The main visitor area at Russell Falls features a Parks and Wildlife Service visitor center, cafe, picnic facilities, and well-maintained walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels. The short Russell Falls walk follows a paved circuit to viewing platforms, making it wheelchair accessible and family-friendly. More extensive track networks lead to Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, and through tall eucalypt forest and temperate rainforest. The Lake Dobson Road climbs 16 kilometers to subalpine environments, though it's unsealed above the Russell Falls area and may be closed during winter or after rain. Lake Dobson provides access to plateau walks including the Tarn Shelf track and routes to Mount Field West, Tasmania's 26th highest peak. Several basic campgrounds operate in the park, while the nearby town of National Park offers limited services. Cross-country skiing is possible in winter when snow conditions permit, though downhill skiing facilities were removed decades ago. The park charges standard Tasmanian National Parks entry fees, with annual passes available.

Mount Field's conservation management addresses threats including invasive species, visitor impacts, and climate change effects across its diverse ecosystems. Phytophthora root rot poses a serious risk to sensitive plant communities, requiring strict hygiene protocols and boot-cleaning stations to prevent spread. The park implements control programs for invasive plants and animals, though the rugged terrain makes comprehensive management challenging. Climate change impacts are already evident in alpine areas, with warming temperatures threatening specialized alpine species and potentially allowing woody plants to invade moorland communities. The endangered Tasmanian devil receives monitoring and research attention, with the park serving as an important disease-free population stronghold. Fire management balances protection of fire-sensitive rainforest and buttongrass moorland communities that evolved with periodic burning. Research programs study the ecology of unique Tasmanian species including endemic invertebrates found nowhere else on Earth. Visitor impact management focuses on maintaining track infrastructure to prevent erosion and protecting sensitive vegetation near popular sites. Partnerships with Aboriginal communities are developing to better recognize and incorporate cultural values into park interpretation and management.