Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Mount Field National Park at a Glance

Location
Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-42.637140, 146.597180
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Mount Field National Park

Nearest airport: Maydena Airstrip, 14 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hobart Airport (HBA), 78 km away.

Weather & Climate in Mount Field National Park

The warmest temperatures in Mount Field National Park occur in January, averaging 10.2°C (up to 15.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 1.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 88.4mm. Average humidity: 81.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 10.2°C (rainfall: 105.5mm)
  • February: 8.9°C (rainfall: 88.4mm)
  • March: 7.6°C (rainfall: 104.9mm)
  • April: 5.4°C (rainfall: 118.8mm)
  • May: 3.4°C (rainfall: 118.8mm)
  • June: 2.0°C (rainfall: 124.9mm)
  • July: 1.6°C (rainfall: 107.1mm)
  • August: 2.1°C (rainfall: 167.9mm)
  • September: 2.7°C (rainfall: 158.5mm)
  • October: 4.1°C (rainfall: 159.0mm)
  • November: 6.7°C (rainfall: 114.0mm)
  • December: 7.8°C (rainfall: 124.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Mount Field National Park

The best months to visit Mount Field National Park are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 10.23°C, rainfall 105.5mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 8.87°C, rainfall 88.4mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • March: Poor, temperature 7.57°C, rainfall 104.9mm, sunshine 6.9 hrs, humidity 84.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 5.44°C, rainfall 118.8mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 88.9%
  • May: Poor, temperature 3.37°C, rainfall 118.8mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 89.3%
  • June: Poor, temperature 2°C, rainfall 124.9mm, sunshine 3.9 hrs, humidity 91.5%
  • July: Poor, temperature 1.59°C, rainfall 107.1mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 89.5%
  • August: Poor, temperature 2.08°C, rainfall 167.9mm, sunshine 4.8 hrs, humidity 89.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 2.74°C, rainfall 158.5mm, sunshine 5.9 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature 4.14°C, rainfall 159mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • November: Poor, temperature 6.72°C, rainfall 114mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • December: Poor, temperature 7.78°C, rainfall 124.7mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 79.3%

Wildlife in Mount Field National Park

Home to 29 recorded species including 10 waterbirds, 7 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 3 small mammals, 3 iconic birds, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Mount Field National Park

Based on average temperature of 5.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Mount Field National Park

18 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Mount Field National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Mount Field National Park to experience its diverse landscapes and unique flora?

The ideal time to visit Mount Field National Park is during spring (September to November) for vibrant wildflowers and flowing waterfalls, or autumn (March to May) for stunning fagus (deciduous beech) foliage. While summer offers warmer weather for alpine walks, be prepared for variable conditions and potential for sudden changes in temperature year-round.

What unique Australian wildlife can I hope to encounter at Mount Field National Park, and where are the best spots for viewing?

Mount Field is home to unique Tasmanian wildlife, including platypus which can often be spotted in the tranquil waters of Lake Dobson, especially during dawn or dusk. You might also see pademelons, wallabies, and wombats along the walking trails, particularly in the quieter forest areas.

Beyond Russell Falls, what are some must-do activities or iconic natural features to explore in Mount Field National Park?

While Russell Falls is a highlight, don't miss the Tall Trees Walk to marvel at some of the world's tallest flowering plants, the giant Swamp Gums. For a more challenging experience, the Tarn Shelf Circuit offers breathtaking alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and unique fagus displays in autumn.

What essential safety precautions should I take when planning a hike in Mount Field National Park, especially for longer alpine trails?

Given the park's diverse terrain, including alpine areas, it's crucial to carry appropriate gear for all weather conditions, as temperatures can change rapidly. Always inform someone of your hiking plans, stick to marked trails, and be prepared with sufficient water, food, and navigation tools.

How accessible is Mount Field National Park from major cities, and what are the typical entry costs for visitors?

Mount Field National Park is easily accessible, located about a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Hobart, making it a popular day trip destination. Entry requires a valid Parks Pass, which can be purchased online or at the park's visitor centre, with various options available for single-day or multi-day access to Tasmanian national parks.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.