Australia — Hobart
Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit: A moderate 11km Tasmanian highland walk offering a superb introduction to alpine and subalpine environments. Traverse diverse landscapes, from tranquil tarns to rugged peaks, rewarding you with stunning vistas and a sense of remoteness. Allow 4-6 hours for this pristine wilderness experience.
Distance: 11.0 km
Elevation Gain: 650 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-6 hours
The Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit is a captivating day walk located in the heart of Tasmania's Central Highlands, offering a superb introduction to the unique alpine and subalpine environments of the region. This circuit showcases a diverse landscape, from the tranquil waters of Lake Field and its surrounding tarns to the rugged beauty of the surrounding peaks. It's a journey that rewards walkers with stunning vistas, a sense of remoteness, and the chance to experience Tasmania's pristine wilderness without the commitment of an overnight trek. The trail is well-defined for much of its length, making it accessible to those with moderate fitness and a desire for a substantial day's adventure.
The Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit is a circular route that begins at the picturesque Lake Dobson, a popular starting point for many walks in the Mount Field National Park. The trail immediately immerses you in a world of ancient rainforest, dominated by towering myrtle beech, sassafras, and celery-top pine, often draped in vibrant mosses and lichens. As the ascent begins, the vegetation gradually transitions to a more open subalpine environment, characterised by hardy shrubs, cushion plants, and the distinctive pandani.
The circuit's namesake, the "Tarn Shelf," is a high plateau dotted with numerous small, glacial lakes (tarns). These tranquil bodies of water, often reflecting the surrounding peaks and sky, provide moments of serene beauty and excellent opportunities for photography. The trail navigates around and between these tarns, offering ever-changing perspectives of the alpine landscape. The highest point of the circuit provides panoramic views across the Central Highlands, a vast expanse of rugged mountains, lakes, and wilderness.
The descent follows a different path, often taking you through more open heathland and scree slopes before rejoining the rainforest and eventually returning to Lake Dobson. The moderate difficulty stems from the significant elevation gain and the uneven terrain in sections, particularly on the higher plateau. However, the well-maintained path and the relatively short distance make it a rewarding day hike for those seeking a genuine taste of Tasmania's alpine interior.
The Central Highlands of Tasmania have a long and rich history, stretching back thousands of years to the Aboriginal peoples who inhabited and traversed these lands. For the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this region holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, with evidence of seasonal occupation and resource gathering found throughout the highlands. The landscape itself is a living testament to their connection with the land, a heritage that predates European settlement by millennia.
European exploration and settlement in the Central Highlands began in earnest in the 19th century, driven by pastoralism, mining, and later, hydroelectric power development. The area around Mount Field, including Lake Dobson, became a focus for recreation and conservation efforts. Mount Field National Park was established in 1916, making it one of Tasmania's oldest national parks. The development of walking tracks, including the circuit you will experience, was a gradual process, often undertaken by dedicated volunteers and park rangers to facilitate access and enjoyment of the natural beauty.
The name "Tarn Shelf" itself reflects the geological history of the region. These high-altitude lakes are remnants of glacial activity from past ice ages, carved into the bedrock by immense ice sheets. The circuit offers a tangible connection to this geological past, with the landscape sculpted by forces that operated on a grand scale over vast periods of time. The ongoing management of Mount Field National Park by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service ensures that this unique environment is preserved for future generations, balancing recreational access with ecological conservation.
The Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit is best enjoyed during the warmer months, from December to March, which constitute the Tasmanian summer. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, and the days are longer, providing ample time for the hike. The subalpine flora is often in bloom, adding splashes of colour to the landscape, and the tarns are at their most inviting.
Summer (December to March): This is the prime season. Expect mild to warm temperatures, though alpine conditions can still prevail. Days are long, allowing for a leisurely pace. However, even in summer, the weather in the highlands can change rapidly. Be prepared for sunshine, wind, rain, and even a dusting of snow on higher elevations. Sandflies can be present, especially near water sources, so insect repellent is advisable.
Autumn (April to May): The colours of the deciduous trees in the rainforest sections can be spectacular, with vibrant yellows and oranges. The air is crisp, and the crowds are thinner. However, temperatures begin to drop, and the possibility of early snow increases, especially towards the end of autumn. Days are shorter, requiring an earlier start.
Winter (June to August): This season is generally not recommended for this circuit unless you are an experienced winter hiker with appropriate gear and knowledge. Snowfall is common, and the track can be obscured or impassable. Lake Dobson Road may be subject to closures due to ice and snow. The tarns will likely be frozen over.
Spring (September to November): While the snow begins to melt, the landscape can be wet and boggy. The rainforest flora will be emerging, and the alpine wildflowers start to appear. However, unpredictable weather remains a significant factor, and some sections of the track may still be challenging due to lingering snow or mud.
Weather Reality: Regardless of the season, always check the weather forecast before you go. The Central Highlands are known for their changeable weather. Be prepared for all conditions, including wind, rain, and cold, even on a sunny day. Layering clothing is essential.
Early Morning: Departure from Hobart
Morning: Arrival and Trailhead Start
Late Morning: Rainforest Ascent and Transition
Midday: Reaching the Tarn Shelf
Afternoon: Circuit Exploration and Descent
Late Afternoon: Return to Lake Dobson
Important Notes:
The Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit is a day walk, meaning no overnight bookings are required. However, essential preparation still involves ensuring you have the right logistics and knowledge for a safe and enjoyable experience. The closest major city and logistical hub is Hobart, which is approximately 1.5 hours' drive from the trailhead at Lake Dobson. Hobart offers a full range of services, including accommodation, supermarkets for purchasing food and supplies, outdoor gear shops, and fuel stations. It is advisable to stock up on all necessary items in Hobart before heading to the national park.
The drive to Lake Dobson involves travelling along the Lyell Highway (A10) and then turning onto Lake Dobson Road. This road is sealed for a significant portion but can become unsealed and winding closer to the lake. It is also prone to ice and snow during winter and early spring, so checking road conditions, especially if travelling outside of peak summer, is crucial. Ample parking is available at the Lake Dobson Carpark, which serves as the trailhead for this circuit and other walks in the area.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
No specific permits are required for day walks on the Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit. However, Mount Field National Park does have an entry fee. These fees contribute to the conservation and maintenance of the park's infrastructure, including walking tracks, visitor facilities, and conservation programs.
Park Entry Fees:
Booking Requirements:
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Tarn Shelf Circuit (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Tarn Shelf Circuit, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Mount Field National Park and its surrounds offer a variety of other activities for visitors:
Pre-Departure Checks:
On the Trail:
Emergency Services: In case of an emergency, contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) if life is in immediate danger. The nearest ranger station or visitor centre can also provide assistance.
Lake Dobson: The starting and ending point of the circuit, Lake Dobson is a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by rainforest. The historic boatshed on the lake is a picturesque landmark and a popular spot for photography. The lake itself offers opportunities for quiet contemplation and enjoying the reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Pandani and Cushion Plants: As you ascend onto the Tarn Shelf, keep an eye out for the distinctive pandani, a striking plant with a thick, woody stem and a rosette of strap-like leaves. You'll also encounter various species of cushion plants, which form dense, rounded mounds of foliage adapted to the harsh alpine environment.
Glacial Landforms: The Tarn Shelf itself is a testament to past glacial activity. The numerous tarns are glacial cirques or kettle lakes, carved out by ice and filled with water. The surrounding landscape bears the marks of glacial erosion, with smoothed rock surfaces and U-shaped valleys visible in the distance.
Panoramic Views: The highest points of the circuit offer breathtaking 360-degree views across the Central Highlands. On a clear day, you can see a vast expanse of rugged peaks, rolling hills, and distant lakes, providing a true sense of the scale and wildness of Tasmania's interior.
Rainforest Flora: The initial section of the walk through the rainforest is a point of interest in itself. The ancient myrtle beech, sassafras, and celery-top pine, often covered in a thick carpet of mosses, lichens, and ferns, create a magical, almost prehistoric atmosphere.
The Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit traverses a sensitive alpine and subalpine environment. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is crucial to preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity for future visitors and for the health of the ecosystem itself.
Your responsibility as a walker:
By following these principles, you help ensure that the Mount Field Tarn Shelf Circuit remains a pristine and enjoyable experience for everyone.
