Mt. Field

[Whos_asking99]

Afternoon all.

What does everyone know about walking various tracks in Mt. Field?, I've had a look at the Parks and Wildlife site, but their info is a bit (very) vague.

Info I'm looking at is...
Track/weather conditions this time of year.
Visibility of track.
Any special gear needed.
Ease of access.
Recommendations.
And any other bits of info you bush walking encyclopedias might have.

Thanks in advance.

Aaron

[rohjoe]

Hi Aaron.
Like all Tas alpine areas weather can be foul at any time of year so suitable clothing should be carried. Tracks to the popular spots are easily followed, eg Tarn Shelf, Lake Webster circuit, Field West, Field East. Places like Florentine Peak, Tyenna Peak & The Watcher are less frequently visited but involve open walking so navigation is not difficult in fine weather. The Tarn Shelf is a definite must see, especially around Anzac day when the deciduous beech is turning. Lovely views down to Lake Seal. The old huts with skiing memorabilia are very interesting. A circuit back to Lake Dobson via Lake Webster can be done but the Lake Webster section is less interesting, so many people return the same way. The car park at Lake Dobson is about 1.5 hrs from Hobart.
Cheers,
Rohan

[johnw]

What does everyone know about walking various tracks in Mt. Field

Tarn Shelf is a definite must see, especially around Anzac day when the deciduous beech is turning. Lovely views down to Lake Seal

Having been to Tarn Shelf for the first time last May I have to agree. The Pandani circuit around Lake Dobson is a doddle but is also worth doing.

Mt Field East circuit is a nice walk of about 10km. Lake Fenton carpark > Seagars Lookout > Windy Moor (track is quite muddy here and has become very braided through people skirting around it, but not too difficult to navigate through) > Mt Field East summit (great views if clear weather) > Lake Nicholls Hut (very pretty spot) > Lake Dobson Rd back to start (NB this was a ~2 km uphill slog along the road when I did it but see this post which advises an alternative via the "Old Pack Track" and links to some track notes for it).

[Whos_asking99]

Thanks for all the advice.

Ever since I got back from Rhona, dads taken an interest in walking, so we thought Mt.Field would be a good place to go for a day walk or two.

[flyfisher]

Glad to hear about the fatherly interest, its nice to get out with family.
It was a bit frustrating to hear that you were so keen but obviously with no transport you couldn't get out there as much as you wou would like. Look after dad when you get him out there and hopefully he enjoys it.
As you were asking about Mt Field Nat. Park thats a good place to go with some easy walks and beautiful views such as tarn shelf and some tougher ones like Mt. Field west. Hope ya hava ball

FF

[Whos_asking99]

It was a bit frustrating to hear that you were so keen but obviously with no transport you couldn't get out there as much as you wou would like.

Got the gear...got the enthusiasm....lack the transport....

Thanks for the concern FF, and I sure hope he enjoys it, really he's the only hope I have of getting out there and getting some experience

*Edit*

oh, and I'm sure he knows where a lot of these tracks are, and where others are...as he works up around that area a fair bit.

[tastrax]

The Government huts at Mt Field Lake Dobson) are also relatively cheap ($40 a night - up to 6 people) and you can base yourself there and do daywalks with a few comforts when you return each night.

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=412#mt - even cheaper during the week!

[Swifty]

There used to be a bus service to Maydena, (don't know about now though), and it's just three hours to walk up the road to Lake Dobson. I used to do that quite often when I went to Mt Field, so transport wasn't ever a problem really. Just about anywhere to walk there is good, even the walk up the road is pleasant through the forest. It's a great place!

[Whos_asking99]

The Government huts at Mt Field Lake Dobson) are also relatively cheap ($40 a night - up to 6 people) and you can base yourself there and do daywalks with a few comforts when you return each night.

Hmm thats alright, sounds like something to look into once I get a bit more experience.

There used to be a bus service to Maydena, (don't know about now though)

I remember hearing something about this (or something similar), doesnt sound like the kind of thing that they would stop, do a good business with tourists.
Something else to look into.