Mount Field National Park at a glance
Mount Field is a national park inland from Hobart. The drive takes a little over an hour via New Norfolk and Westerway. It is one of the longer trips in this guide, but it is still a day trip, and the best known short walk starts right at the visitor centre.
You need a Parks Pass to enter. The pass is the park entry only. It does not cover a guided tour, a ferry or any other separate ticket. The walk to Russell Falls is short and flat, so the park suits families and people who do not want a long hike.
The Russell Falls track
The short walk most visitors do first.
Distance and time
The track is 1.4 km there and back. The park authority gives about 25 minutes as a guide time. Add time for photos and for sitting at the falls.
Surface and grade
It is graded 1 and the path is flat. The park describes it as usable with a wheelchair when you have someone with you.
Where it starts
The track starts at the visitor centre. Pay for your Parks Pass before you walk.
Safety at the falls
Keep an eye on children and stay aware of the moving water. In a storm or strong wind, tracks can close because branches and trees may fall.
Our picks: Mount Field
Two day trips from Hobart that include park entry and Russell Falls.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond day trip
Nine hours with a local guide and transport, with pickup from selected Hobart hotels. Entry to Russell Falls and Bonorong is included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →
Mt Field, Mt Wellington and Bonorong small-group tour
A group of up to 15 with eco-certified guides. Mount Field park entry and Bonorong entry are included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →Mount Field and nature day trips
Guided day trips from Hobart to national parks and waterfalls, with live prices and availability.
Parks Pass prices for 2026
Fees valid from 1 July 2026, in Australian dollars.
| Pass | Price | Who and how long |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Vehicle | A$49.15 | Up to 24 hours, up to 8 people in one vehicle |
| Daily Person | A$24.55 | Per person, under 5 free |
| Holiday Vehicle | A$98.35 | Up to 2 months, up to 8 people in one vehicle |
| Holiday Person | A$49.20 | Up to 2 months, under 5 free |
| Annual All Parks | A$104.75 | Regular fee, covers up to 2 vehicles at the same address |
| Annual All Parks Concession | A$83.85 | Proof of eligibility needed |
The government's Parks Pass fee list was updated on 1 July 2026. Do not use an older form as a price list. A Parks Pass is also needed on Maria Island and South Bruny, so check which pass suits your plans if you visit more than one park. See the Maria Island page for how it works there.
Visitor centre opening hours
The visitor centre is open every day, but the hours change with the season.
- December to April: 9 am to 5 pm
- May to October: 9 am to 4 pm
- November: 9 am to 4:15 pm
These are the hours of the visitor centre, not of the whole park. In the southern hemisphere summer, from December to February, you get the longest hours. Leave Hobart early if you want to be on the track before the afternoon.
Lake Dobson and the road up
A different kind of drive from the main entrance.
The road
From the park entrance, the road to Lake Dobson is 16 km of winding gravel. Allow extra time and drive carefully.
Snow and closures
Chains may be needed in snow, and the road is sometimes closed. Ask at the visitor centre about the current state before you start.
Vehicles
The park authority says the road is not suitable for campervans or buses.
A closure that is not Russell Falls
You may see a closure alert on the park's website. At the time of writing it concerns Edgar Dam, which lies in Southwest National Park. The boat ramp and camping there are closed for works until the end of 2026. It is not a closure of Russell Falls.
For other day trips with a similar drive, see the page on tours and day trips from Hobart. If you prefer something closer to town, Richmond is about 25 minutes by car, and kunanyi/Mount Wellington rises right above the city.
Mount Field National Park: frequently asked questions
How far is Mount Field from Hobart?
A little over an hour by car, via New Norfolk and Westerway. Allow extra time for stops and for the walk.
Do I need a Parks Pass for Mount Field?
Yes. In 2026 a Daily Vehicle pass costs A$49.15 and covers up to 8 people for up to 24 hours. A Daily Person pass costs A$24.55 and children under 5 are free.
How long is the walk to Russell Falls?
The track is 1.4 km return and takes about 25 minutes. It is flat and graded 1, and it starts at the visitor centre.
Can I use a wheelchair on the Russell Falls track?
The park describes the flat track as usable with a wheelchair when you have someone with you. A Parks Pass is still needed.
Can I take a campervan up to Lake Dobson?
No. The 16 km gravel road is not suitable for campervans or buses, and it can be closed in snow.
When is the visitor centre open?
Every day. From December to April it opens from 9 am to 5 pm, from May to October from 9 am to 4 pm and in November from 9 am to 4:15 pm.