Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls is a 6.7km, grade 2 hike located in the Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 2 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
This very beautiful circuit passes the Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls. Each of these falls is highly scenic in it's own right. Russell Falls being perhaps the most well known falls in Tasmania. Most people only visit these falls, but it is definitely worth spending the time to take the whole circuit and visit all three. Plus the surrounding forest is an attraction in itself.
Start at the Information Centre, the trail begins at the back of it. Soon you come to a junction, you could go left or right here as both tracks converge on the falls. Once you have visited Russell Falls head uphill, soon you will see a junction to the right. This goes to Horseshoe Falls. Whilst not as large as Russell Falls they are worth the very short diversion to.
Then return to the junction, head right over the bridge. Continue along the trail where soon you will come across the Tall Trees walk. You can take either route as they both converge. But it is suggested you take the left option. If you do, make sure you take the right at the first junction you come to, then go left. Carefully cross the road and rejoin the trail.
After approx 1km you will arrive at another junction, go right to visit the Lady Barron falls. Once visited, retrace back tot he junction then head right. Continue along this trail to reach the road, and then follow this back to the Info Centre.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 278 m
Min elevation: 176 m
Total climbing: 314 m
Total descent: -313 m
Tips
- This hike is certainly worth bringing a camera along as it will be well used.
- Hiking poles will be beneficial as even though the distance is short there are some steep sections.
- It is recommended to take the circuit anti-clockwise as you will visit the Russell Falls early on.
- As this walk is in a National Park, make sure you have purchased and displayed a Parks Pass.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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Getting there
Take National Highway 1, Lyell Hwy/A10, B62 and Gordon River Rd/B61 to Lake Dobson Rd/C609 in National Park then turn right onto Lake Dobson Rd/C609.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and is also one of its most diverse. Spectacular glaciated landscapes compete for attention with cascading waterfalls, including the breathtaking, three-tiered Russell Falls - arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in Tasmania.
Begin your Mount Field visit with a leisurely walk through the towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts on the short walk to Russell Falls, before travelling up the road toward Lake Dobson, where you will find longer day walks and, in winter, the snow-dusted slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field. During autumn, the hillsides of the Tarn Shelf are a riot of colour as the fagus, or deciduous beech, turns gold, orange and red.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.