Mount Field

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.

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.