Mt Field National Park

The natural beauty of Mt Field has been officially recognised for over one hundred years. Tasmania's nature reserve was created around Russell Falls in 1885. The area set aside for protection and public enjoyment was then greatly extended with the formation of the Mt Field National Park in 1916.

Along with Freycinet, it is the oldest national park in Tasmania. Mt Field was named after Barron Field, an early judge of the NSW Supreme Court. He was a keen amateur and in 1819 presided at the first sitting of the Van Dieman's Land Supreme Court.

At the bottom of the National Park lies visitor facilities and Russell Falls, pleasant day walks and tall forests with a rainforest understorey. As one drives up the winding road to Lake Dobson the vegetation gradually changes to that of alpine character. These elevated areas are characterised by weathered and frost shattered dolerite rock and sparkling alpine tarns.

It is a pleasant place to visit in summer and a winter paradise. Downhill skiing facilities are of club standard and the cross country skiing opportunities in the true back country style are extensive.