Tall Trees Walk, Mount Field National Park
The Tall Trees Walk winds through a forest of giant eucalyptus in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. A short, accessible loop beneath a canopy exceeding 80 metres, best paired with Russell Falls.
At the heart of Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, the Tall Trees Walk traverses a temperate forest of swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), among the world's tallest flowering trees. This short circuit, easily accessed from the main car park, immerses visitors beneath a monumental canopy where some trunks exceed 80 metres in height. An essential stop for anyone exploring south-west Tasmania.
Quick facts
- Access: main car park of Mount Field National Park, near Lake Dobson Road
- Entry: national park entry fee required (Tasmania Parks pass)
- Recommended duration: 30 to 45 minutes for the full circuit
- Difficulty: easy, flat terrain and well-maintained path
- Accessibility: trail is largely accessible, with compacted surface
- Footwear: closed shoes recommended; ground remains damp year-round
What you'll see
The trail is lined with Eucalyptus regnans displaying straight, smooth trunks, their fibrous bark shredding into ribbons. Beneath the canopy, tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) carpet the understory, creating an atmosphere of primordial forest. Moss and lichen cover rocks and fallen logs. Filtered light bathes the space in deep green, even at midday.
History and context
Mount Field is one of Tasmania's earliest national parks, established in 1916. The swamp gum forest it protects is a relic of Australian temperate rainforest, an ecosystem now rare. The Eucalyptus regnans is recognised as the world's tallest angiosperm; historical specimens exceeding 90 metres have been recorded in Tasmania and Victoria.
Highlights of the visit
The standing giants
Some trees along the path display trunk diameters exceeding two metres. Looking up to their crowns provides a tangible sense of their scale. Interpretive signs dot the trail, detailing the estimated age and height of several specimens.
The tree fern understory
Tree ferns here reach several metres in height. Their umbrella-like silhouette, characteristic of wet Tasmania, frames the trail along its entire length. After rain, the fronds glisten and the atmosphere becomes particularly dense.
Combining with Russell Falls
The main car park also provides access to Russell Falls, just a few minutes' walk away. The two sites naturally pair together in less than two hours.
Photography tips
Diffuse light on overcast days is ideal: it eliminates harsh shadows and reveals the nuanced greens of the understory. A wide-angle lens captures the vertical thrust of trunks from ground level. Avoid flash—it's unnecessary and disruptive. On days of light rain, moss and ferns are particularly photogenic.
Location and access
Mount Field National Park lies approximately 75 km north-west of Hobart, accessible via the A10 through New Norfolk. The main car park is the trailhead. No regular public transport serves the park; a rental car from Hobart is necessary. The trail itself is flat and well-marked, manageable for most visitors.
Nearby
- Russell Falls — three-tiered waterfall, minutes from the same car park.
- Lake Dobson — alpine lake accessible by unsealed road, gateway to alpine walks.
- New Norfolk — historic town on the Derwent River, midway between Hobart and the park.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, entry to Mount Field National Park is charged. A Tasmania Parks pass is required; purchase it at the park entrance or online before your visit.
The trail is accessible year-round. Autumn (March–May) brings warm colours in parts of the park. Summer (December–February) offers long days and milder temperatures.
Yes. The circuit is short, flat, and features a compacted surface. It suits prams and wheelchairs for most of the route.
Absolutely. Both sites depart from the same car park. Allow less than two hours to explore both unhurriedly.
By car, allow roughly one hour from Hobart via New Norfolk. No regular public transport links to the park; car rental is the most convenient option.
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