Thursday 29/02/2024 Mount Field Visitor Centre Carpark – Russell Falls Creek Track – Russell Falls – Horseshoe Falls Track – Horseshoe Falls – Tall Tress Link Track -Tall Trees – Lady Barron Falls track – Lady Barron Falls
Mount Field National Park, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Our legs were fatigued after some recent long walking days but before we left Mount Field National Park we decided to complete this waterfalls walk circuit. Mount Field National Park lies within the boundaries of the Big River nation and Aboriginal people have lived in Tasmania for at least 40,000 years.
Max elevation: 255 m
Total climbing: 335 m
Total descent: -359 m
Average speed: 4.17 km/h
Total time: 02:29:30
It had showered a bit the previous afternoon so the forest was looking fresh and green. The path was well defined and the walking easy. Russell Falls is the most famous and accessible with two drops and lush green forest surrounds it. The Tall Trees walk was through the tallest flowering plants in the world. The swamp gums can live hundreds of years and grow over 100m in height, such an impressive sight! Large tree have fallen and are recycled with brilliant moss covering their trunks.
Soft Tree-Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) [Research Grade] lined track near Lady Barron Falls
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Mount Field National Park, situated in the south-central highlands of Tasmania, is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the state. Encompassing an area of approximately 165 square kilometres, it is renowned for its diverse landscapes, Gondwanan rainforests, glacial lakes, and abundant waterfalls.
Landscape Features and Geology
Precambrian quartzite and dolerite: The underlying geology is complex, with Precambrian quartzite and Jurassic dolerite forming the dominant rock types. The quartzite is a hard, metamorphosed sandstone responsible for the prominent ridges and peaks. Dolerite intrusions millions of years ago have produced dramatic cliffs and rugged features.
Glaciated landscapes: Evidence of glacial activity is evident in U-shaped valleys, cirque formations, and glacial lakes such as Lake Rodway and Lake Dobson.
Waterfall abundance: The park is renowned for its numerous waterfalls, including the iconic Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls. These waterfalls have been sculpted by water erosion over millennia.
Scenic Highlights
Gondwanan rainforests: The park protects extensive tracts of Gondwanan rainforest, one of the most diverse and ancient temperate rainforests in the world. These rainforests boast a dense canopy of myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum), and celery pine (Phyllocladus aspleniifolius), with a lush understorey of ferns, mosses, and liverworts.
Waterfalls and canyons: The park’s waterfalls provide spectacular visual experiences, with cascading water plunging over moss-covered rocks into crystal-clear pools below. The deep canyons carved by water erosion add to the dramatic scenery.
Expansive views: From vantage points like Bonney Spur and Mt Mawson, walkers can enjoy panoramic vistas across the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rainforests.
Local Flora
The diverse range of habitats within Mount Field National Park supports a rich variety of plant life:
Rainforest giants: Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii) and fagus (Nothofagus gunnii) dominate the rainforest canopy, forming a towering and majestic presence.
Sassafras and celery pine: These aromatic trees contribute to the diversity of the rainforest understorey.
Ferns and mosses: The moist environment fosters a profusion of ferns, including the ponga (Dicksonia antarctica), and various moss species that create a green and carpeted forest floor.
Alpine vegetation: Higher elevations support a transition to subalpine and alpine vegetation zones, with snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) and low-lying shrubs adapted to the harsher conditions.
Local Fauna
The sheltered rainforests and diverse habitats provide sanctuary for a range of animals:
Birds: Species such as scrub robins (Drymodes olivacea), grey fantails (Rhipidura albiscapa), and pademelons (Thylogale spp.) may be encountered. Less frequently seen but present are wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) and Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii).
Mammals: Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and pademelons (Thylogale spp.) may be found in open areas.
Platypus: Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) can be observed in streams and lakes, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Indigenous History
The palawa people are the traditional custodians of the land now encompassed by Mount Field National Park. Evidence suggests Aboriginal Tasmanians inhabited this region for thousands of years, utilising the diverse resources provided by the rainforests and alpine areas. Oral histories and artefacts may hold stories about their connection to this place. Consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people is needed for a deeper understanding of their relationship with Mount Field National Park.
White History
European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century. Logging activities impacted some areas of the park in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gazettal of Mount Field National Park in 1916 secured the region’s natural and scenic values for future generations. The development of walking tracks and visitor facilities allows controlled access to experience the park’s beauty while aiming to minimise environmental impact.
Other Nearby Walks
Mount Field National Park offers a variety of walking tracks catering to different interests and fitness levels:
Russell Falls Walk: A short and accessible track leading to the iconic Russell Falls.
Lake Dobson Track: A moderate walk offering scenic views of Lake Dobson and surrounding mountains.
Three Falls Track: A challenging circuit encompassing Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, and several other waterfalls.
Ballroom Forest Walk: A short loop track showcasing the ancient Ballroom Forest with its towering trees and lush understorey.
Mount Field National Park provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Tasmania. From the grandeur of the Gondwanan rainforests and cascading waterfalls to the serenity of alpine lakes and expansive vistas, the park offers something for everyone. The diverse flora and fauna, along with the rich indigenous and white history, all contribute to the significance of this protected area.
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