Mount Field National Park

Mount Field Overview

Mount Field National Park, located in Tasmania, Australia, spans approximately 162 square miles (417 square kilometers) and is one of the state’s oldest and most cherished national parks.

Known for its diverse landscapes, the park extends from temperate rainforest at lower elevations to alpine moorlands at higher altitudes. Dominated by towering swamp gums, myrtle beech, and ancient tree ferns, the lower sections provide a lush, green canopy, while the highlands feature subalpine vegetation, cushion plants, and snow gums.

The park’s centerpiece, Mount Field, rises above the rugged landscape, with peaks such as Rodway Range and Tarn Shelf offering dramatic views. Iconic waterfalls like Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most famous cascades, along with Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls, enhance the scenic beauty of the area.

The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature lovers. Among the mammals frequently seen are Tasmanian pademelons, Bennett’s wallabies, and common wombats, all of which thrive in the varied environments of the park. The elusive eastern quoll and Tasmanian devils, though harder to spot, inhabit the more remote areas.

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the pink robin, green rosella, and flame robin adding vibrant color to the forest. The presence of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo and the superb fairy-wren highlights the park’s rich avian diversity. At night, Mount Field transforms, with nocturnal creatures like possums and bandicoots emerging from their hiding spots.

One of the park’s most popular features is the series of waterfalls along the walking tracks, particularly Russell Falls, which is easily accessible and illuminated at night for visitors. The park’s alpine regions, including Lake Dobson and the Tarn Shelf, provide opportunities for hiking and photography, especially in the winter months when snow blankets the higher elevations.

The changing foliage of the deciduous beech, or “fagus,” is a seasonal highlight, drawing visitors in autumn to witness the stunning gold and orange hues. The park is also a significant part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, further enhancing its ecological importance.

Visitors engage with Mount Field National Park in various ways, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. The Russell Falls Track and Tall Trees Walk are short and accessible trails offering an introduction to the park’s natural beauty, while longer treks, such as the Tarn Shelf Circuit, provide a more immersive alpine experience.

During the winter months, cross-country skiing on the high plains becomes a popular activity. The park’s picnic areas and visitor center provide insights into its history, geology, and conservation efforts, making it an educational as well as recreational destination.

Mount Field faces conservation challenges, including habitat degradation due to climate change, the spread of invasive species, and threats to its native fauna. However, ongoing conservation efforts, including controlled burning to reduce fire risks and programs to protect the endangered species, have contributed to the park’s resilience.

Efforts to control the spread of root rot disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi) and maintain the park’s pristine water sources are critical to preserving its diverse ecosystems. As one of Tasmania’s most beloved national parks, Mount Field continues to balance conservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring that its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife remain protected for future generations.

Park Map

Mount Field National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Mount Field National Park, located in Tasmania, Australia, is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park features ancient rainforests, alpine moorlands, and cascading waterfalls, providing a habitat for many unique species. Below are some of the more popular wildlife species found in the park.

Tasmanian Devil
This carnivorous marsupial is one of Tasmania’s most famous inhabitants. Known for its powerful jaws and distinctive screeching, the Tasmanian devil is a nocturnal scavenger that plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by consuming carrion.

Eastern Quoll
Once extinct on the Australian mainland, the eastern quoll thrives in Tasmania, including Mount Field National Park. This small, spotted marsupial is a skilled hunter of insects and small vertebrates and is most active during the night.

Bennett’s Wallaby
A common sight in the park, Bennett’s wallabies are a subspecies of red-necked wallabies. They are known for their thick fur, which helps them withstand Tasmania’s cooler climate, and they are often seen grazing in open areas.

Common Wombat
These sturdy, burrowing marsupials are a favorite among visitors to the park. With their strong claws and stocky build, wombats dig extensive tunnel systems and are mainly active during the night and early morning.

Platypus
One of Australia’s most fascinating monotremes, the platypus can be found in the park’s rivers and streams. This egg-laying mammal is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed feet and sensitive bill to detect prey underwater.

Short-beaked Echidna
Another monotreme found in the park, the short-beaked echidna is known for its spiky coat and long tongue, which it uses to feed on ants and termites. Despite its spines, this species is surprisingly elusive and often seen foraging alone.

Tiger Snake
One of Tasmania’s most venomous snakes, the tiger snake, is commonly found near waterways and wetlands in the park. Recognizable by its banded pattern, this snake is highly adaptable and will defend itself if threatened.

Swamp Antechinus
A small carnivorous marsupial, the swamp antechinus is often mistaken for a rodent. It has a short, intense breeding season, after which the males die. This species is active in dense vegetation and preys on insects and spiders.

Spotted-tailed Quoll
This large carnivorous marsupial is an agile climber and predator, preying on birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Its distinctive spotted coat makes it one of the more recognizable species in Mount Field National Park.

Pademelon
The Tasmanian pademelon is a small marsupial related to wallabies and kangaroos. It prefers dense undergrowth and is nocturnal, often seen at dusk or dawn hopping quietly through the forest.

Birds

Popular Bird Species of Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is home to a variety of bird species, many of which are endemic to Tasmania. From brightly colored parrots to majestic birds of prey, the park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Green Rosella
Endemic to Tasmania, the green rosella is the largest rosella species, known for its vibrant green and blue plumage. These birds are often seen feeding on seeds and fruits in the park’s woodlands.

Yellow Wattlebird
Australia’s largest honeyeater, the yellow wattlebird, is recognizable by its long, pendulous wattles and loud, distinctive calls. It feeds primarily on nectar and insects, often seen in the park’s flowering trees.

Tasmanian Nativehen
Often referred to as the “turbo chook” due to its fast running speed, the Tasmanian nativehen is a flightless bird commonly seen near water bodies and open grasslands in the park.

Black Currawong
This large, intelligent bird is known for its striking black plumage and powerful beak. Black currawongs are opportunistic feeders, preying on small animals, insects, and carrion.

Superb Fairywren
One of Australia’s most beloved birds, the superb fairywren is known for the bright blue plumage of the breeding males. These tiny, active birds flit through the underbrush, searching for insects and seeds.

Pink Robin
A striking small bird, the pink robin is easily recognized by the vibrant pink chest of the males. It prefers the dense, cool rainforests of Mount Field and is often seen perched in shaded areas.

Masked Owl
A nocturnal hunter, the masked owl is one of Tasmania’s largest owls. It preys on small mammals and birds, using its keen hearing and silent flight to catch prey in the park’s forests.

Grey Goshawk
The grey goshawk is a powerful raptor found in Tasmania, with a distinctive white morph known as the “white goshawk.” It hunts birds and small mammals, using its agility to chase prey through the trees.

Strong-billed Honeyeater
This endemic honeyeater has a distinctive curved bill that helps it pry insects from bark and leaves. It plays a vital role in controlling insect populations in the park’s forests.

Swift Parrot
A critically endangered species, the swift parrot migrates between Tasmania and mainland Australia. It depends on eucalyptus forests for nesting and food, making Mount Field National Park an important habitat for its survival.