Looking for a fantastic day hike in Tasmania? Head to Mount Field National Park and tackle the Tarn Shelf Circuit – this walk goes past beautiful alpine lakes, climbing up onto the shelf for spectacular views over the area. This was one of my favorite hikes in all of Tasmania, and that’s saying something as I did a LOT of hiking! Here’s my guide for hiking the Tarn Shelf Circuit in Mount Field.

The Tarn Shelf Circuit: Stats

Distance: 16.5km (10.3 miles)

Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours

Elevation: 584 meters (1915 feet)

What to Pack for the Tarn Shelf Circuit Hike

This is a proper day hike, so you’ll want to be prepared with plenty of water, food, and snacks for the day. A hat and sunscreen are essential, as there are some parts of the trail with absolutely no shade. Bring waterproof layers, as weather can change quickly when you’re so high up. Sturdy hiking boots are a must. I love my hiking poles and found them very useful on this walk.

Starting the Tarn Shelf Circuit Hike

You’ll need to pay for park entry to access Mount Field National Park – I recommend buying a two-month parks pass, which gives access to all of Tasmania’s national parks, and cost me $89.50 (for one vehicle). The trail starts from the large car park at Lake Dobson, which is a 16km drive up a narrow, unsealed road from the Mount Field Visitor Center. Take care on this road; I got a punctured tire on my drive up. I’m very grateful to the kind German couple who repaired my tire for me and promised they’d check on me and my car before they drove back down!

There are no signposts for the Tarn Shelf Circuit at Lake Dobson, so it can be a bit confusing to find the correct trail. Take a picture of the map at the board, which I referred to many times during the hike. Start the Tarn Shelf Circuit by walking around Lake Dobson – when you come to a fork in the road, take the path on the right to stay by the lake. You’ll then come out onto an unsealed road, and not long after this you’ll see your first signpost for the Tarn Shelf Circuit.

Tarn Shelf Circuit: Lake Dobson to Twilight Tarn

There are several very beautiful lakes here – some of which are located off the main trail. Both Platypus Tarn and Lake Seal are short detours. After reaching Lake Webster, the trail heads to Twilight Tarn. This was one of my favorite stops of the hike! I loved exploring the old cabin here – now only used as an emergency shelter for day use. It was built in 1927 by the first Tasmanian ski club, and today it has small collection of memorabilia.

Tarn Shelf Circuit: Twilight Tarn to Rodway Hut

Continuing on after Twilight Tarn, the trail meanders around the stunning alpine lakes that are dotted all over the tarn shelf here. When you reach the junction at Lake Newdegate, turn left to do the circuit. I simply loved this part of the trail – so many different lakes and great scenery! There are quite a few spots in many lakes where you could go for a swim, too.

There’s a phenomenal viewpoint, just before Rodway Hut, that looks down to Lake Seal. It looks so far down below – it felt crazy to think I was on that lakeshore just a few hours ago. The ski huts are now only for day use, but be sure to stop in and have a look around.

Finishing the Hike: Skifields and Return

The Tarn Shelf Circuit continues past the huts and at high elevation, with lots of great views. Soon, you’ll come to the skifields. I visited in February, when these (obviously) weren’t in operation. But it’s a good stop for a final break before the return to Lake Dobson. Leaving the skifields, it’s a steep and winding descent on the unsealed road back to the lake. Even though it was walking on a good track, I was glad I had my hiking poles! Follow signs back to Lake Dobson, and eventually you’ll reach the lakeshore and car park.

I loved this hike: it was challenging, but not overly difficult. The views were superb, and there were lots of interesting places to stop for a break if I’d needed. Altogether, I did this hike in 4.5 hours – but I didn’t stop for as many breaks as I thought I would.

Where to Stay Near Mount Field, Tasmania

If you’re planning on hiking the Tarn Shelf Circuit, it’s easiest to stay somewhere nearby before and/or after the hike. I definitely recommend staying overnight so you can see Russell Falls, and do the Three Falls Circuit, too!

I stayed at Mount Field Campground for my two nights in Mount Field National Park. This is a terrific campsite! Buy shower tokens ($2 for 4 minutes) from the visitor center during opening hours. They have laundry on site, and a basic camp kitchen – there is a sink but no other facilities. It’s a nice space if it’s raining. Sites 40-48 (unpowered) are along the riverbank, which apparently has a platypus hide on the opposite side of the river! I never saw a platypus here myself, but other campers said they had. The campground is $16 per person, per night, and operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Try to arrive in the morning (from 10am when others are checking out) or early afternoon.

If you’re not interested in camping, check out these accommodation options in Mount Field:

Scout Hall – cozy rooms in a guest house with scenic views

Russell Falls Holiday Cottage – one- or two-bedroom apartments with an unbeatable location

Mt Field Retreat – modern studio and apartments, in the heart of the national park

Interested in visiting Mount Field National Park on a tour? Check out the best day trips and multi-day tours to visit this amazing area in Tasmania!

The Tarn Shelf Circuit was one of my favorite hikes in Tasmania. It’s a spectacular route to see the pretty alpine lakes dotted around the tarn shelf, and has some interesting huts to explore, too. If you’re visiting Mount Field, don’t miss this one! I hope this post helps planning your hike on the Tarn Shelf Circuit.

Have you hiked the Tarn Shelf Circuit? What was your experience like?

You might like my other posts:

The Best Hikes in Tasmania, Australia

The Best Free Camps in Tasmania

12 Tips for a Road Trip Around Tasmania

The Best Hikes in the Grampians National Park, Victoria

The Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Australia Budget: Month 11 (February 2024)

All of my Australia posts!

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