Trail Fast Facts

Mount Field West is an 18km, grade 5 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 7-9 hours to complete.

Length: 18km

Duration: 7-9 hrs

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Return

Start: Lake Dobson Carpark

End: Lake Dobson Carpark

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: National Park

From state capital: 88km

Latitude: -42.68520367663362

Longitude: 146.59388065338138

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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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

Mount Field West, standing at 1434 metres, is the highest point in Mount Field National Park. The 18-kilometre hike to the summit is a challenging grade 5 walk that typically takes 7-9 hours to complete. This track is recommended only for experienced walkers due to its demanding nature.

The hike begins amidst Snow Gums and towering Pandani surrounding Lake Dobson. Before setting out, walkers are required to register at the Mount Field Visitor Centre or the Lake Dobson registration booth, and sign back in upon return.

Given the length and difficulty of the walk, a full day is needed to reach Mount Field West and return. The trail requires strong navigation and map-reading skills, as mobile phone reception is unreliable. It is advisable to start early in the day to allow ample time, particularly for crossing the kilometres of boulder fields on the Rodway Range.

This hike is not recommended as a day trip during the shorter daylight hours of winter and is subject to severe weather changes year-round. An emergency hut is available for shelter at K Col.

The route takes walkers from the Mount Mawson ski-fields towards the Rodway Range, passing through the massive dolerite boulders of the Lions Den before descending over boulder fields to K Col. The final stretch across the high plateau to Mount Field West offers a remote and rugged experience, with expansive views across the Florentine Valley and Tasmania's south-west in fine weather.

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 tracks are suited for those with advanced skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Expect extremely rough, steep, and unmarked terrain.
Experienced walkers only: This track demands strong navigation skills and the use of a detailed map, as mobile phone reception is unreliable. The alpine route is highly exposed, requires a full day to complete, and is not advisable for day trips during short winter days.
Park entry requirement: A valid parks pass is mandatory for access to all national parks in Tasmania.

Map and GPX file

Mount Field West Hike (18km)

Total distance: 18286 m
Max elevation: 1400 m
Min elevation: 1028 m
Total climbing: 873 m
Total descent: -873 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Mount Field West Hike (18km)

To reach the trailhead at Mount Field National Park, start your journey from Hobart, which is just over an hour’s drive away. Follow the A10 or B62 through New Norfolk and Westerway. From Westerway, it's a short, winding drive to the small township of National Park and the entrance to Mount Field National Park. Once inside the park, continue along Lake Dobson Road for 16 kilometres to reach the Lake Dobson carpark, where the walk begins. This section of the road is unsealed and may be closed during snow conditions, so check ahead if you're visiting in winter. Please be mindful of wildlife, especially if driving at night, and take it slow to ensure their safety as well as your own.

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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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Mount Field West Hike (18km)

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