Trail Fast Facts

Lakes Belton and Belcher is a 13km, grade 5 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 5-6 hours to complete.

Length: 13km

Duration: 5-6 hrs

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Return

Start: Lake Belcher Carpark

End: Lake Belcher Carpark

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: National Park

From state capital: 86km

Latitude: -42.683050581990116

Longitude: 146.61165833473208

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Warning

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March.

Hike Overview

Lakes Belton and Belcher is a challenging 13km hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, classified as grade 5. The hike typically takes 5-6 hours to complete and is recommended for experienced bushwalkers.

The trail begins at the Moorland Mosaic walk across Wombat Moor, where boardwalks guide you across the open moorland, offering views of the rocky dolerite slopes of the Rodway Range. As the track descends, clear weather reveals Mount Anne to the south-west and Federation Peak in the distance.

The difficulty increases as the track winds through snow gum forests and into thicker sub-alpine terrain. You'll need to navigate over tree roots and negotiate challenging sections as the trail descends into the Humboldt Valley. Before reaching the valley floor, you can enjoy expansive views to the south and south-west.

At the bottom of the valley, follow the Humboldt River upstream to reach the emergency shelter and Lake Belcher. The area is naturally wet, so sturdy footwear is essential, and be prepared for scrambling and encountering very muddy sections.

This hike is demanding and best suited to those with significant bushwalking experience.

Track Grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Tips

For very experienced bushwalkers: These trails are suited only for those with advanced skills, including expert navigation and emergency first aid. Expect extremely rough, steep, and unmarked terrain.
Supervise children: Be aware that these tracks can be subject to severe weather conditions, with rapid changes possible. Snow can make the paths difficult to navigate and, at times, impassable.
Park entry requirement: A valid parks pass is mandatory for access to all national parks in Tasmania.

Map and GPX file

Lakes Belton and Belcher (13km)

Total distance: 11977 m
Max elevation: 1192 m
Min elevation: 866 m
Total climbing: 532 m
Total descent: -532 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Lakes Belton and Belcher (13km)

To reach the trailhead for the Moorland Mosaic walk in Mount Field National Park, begin your journey from Hobart, which is just over an hour’s drive away. Travel via New Norfolk and Westerway, taking either the A10 or B62 routes. From Westerway, continue on a short, winding road that leads to the small township of National Park and the entrance to Mount Field National Park. As you drive, especially at night, exercise caution as native wildlife frequently shares the roads—slow down and stay alert. The walk begins at Wombat Moor, accessible via Lake Dobson Road within the park. Be aware that this section of the road is unsealed and may be closed due to snow.

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Photo gallery

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If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

About the region

Mount Field National Park, often referred to as "the park for all seasons," showcases a remarkable array of natural landscapes. Located in southern Tasmania, approximately 64 kilometers northwest of Hobart, this park is a convenient day trip from the state capital, offering a diverse range of walks, bushwalks, and hikes suitable for all visitors.

The journey through Mount Field begins with a short, leisurely walk to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most iconic waterfalls. The path leads you through towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts, providing a tranquil introduction to the park's natural beauty. As you venture further into the park, the landscape changes dramatically. The road to Lake Dobson offers access to longer day walks and, during winter, the snow-dusted slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field. The Tarn Shelf, particularly stunning in autumn, comes alive with the vibrant colours of the deciduous beech, or fagus, which turns the hillsides gold, orange, and red.

Mount Field National Park covers nearly 163 square kilometers and is renowned for its ecological diversity. The park features towering eucalypt forests, some of the tallest in the world, which give way to unique alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Glaciated landscapes and alpine tarns provide a dramatic backdrop for bushwalks, while the lower elevations offer easily accessible walking tracks past magnificent waterfalls, including Russell Falls, which is perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania.

For those interested in more challenging hikes, Lake Dobson serves as the starting point for several longer trails. The Pandani Grove walk, which skirts the edge of Lake Dobson, offers a closer look at the unique flora of the region. The park also provides well-equipped picnic spots, a playground for children, and a visitor centre with a café, making it an ideal destination for family trips.

Whether you're in the mood for a casual walk, an adventurous hike, or simply a day spent exploring Tasmania's diverse landscapes, Mount Field National Park has something to offer. The park’s changing altitudes and weather conditions provide a dynamic experience, showcasing the distinct ecological zones that make Tasmania so unique. During winter, the park even offers opportunities for cross-country skiing on Mount Mawson's slopes.

Want to find the best trails in Mount Field National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

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Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

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Lakes Belton and Belcher (13km)

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