MT FIELD NATIONAL PARK
When to go:
Low altitude and sheltering woodland make Mt Field’s base area, including Russell Falls, a year-round delight. At the park’s higher elevations, November–April is best for bushwalking and July–September for cross-country skiing and snow play. Peak wildflower season in early summer is a particularly good time for high-country walks. In April, leaves of the deciduous beech, or fagus, turn golden before falling – a popular annual event.
Getting there:
The visitor centre is a little more than 70km from central Hobart via New Norfolk, on the A10, B62 and B61 roads. The drive takes about one hour. Several tour companies offer day trips by bus to the park, although many only go to Russell Falls.
Where to stay:
The PWS camping ground near the visitor centre has tent and caravan sites next to the Tyenna River, while the rustic government huts, near Lake Dobson, offer an alpine experience. Bookings are advisable for the huts (03 6288 1149 or www.parks.tas.gov.au). There are holiday cottages in the village of National Park and towns of Westerway and Maydena.
Things to do:
The park’s bushwalks vary in length from 15 minutes to several days, and the tracks vary from well maintained and easy, to muddy and challenging. In good weather, views from high points are spectacular. The peak season for skiing and snowboarding is mid-July to mid-September; rope tows open on weekends, provided cover is adequate. Alpine weather conditions are changeable at any time of year and visitors should check the forecast at park reception. Mt Field’s best area for wildlife watching is on the lawns near the visitor centre and camping ground, where encounters with brushtail possums, Bennett’s wallabies and pademelons are guaranteed. Wombats and echidnas are also frequently seen, as are platypuses in the Tyenna River and Russell Falls Creek.
More information:
Parks and Wildlife Service www.parks.tas.gov.au
Mount Mawson www.mtmawson.info