Mount Field National Park is a ‘park for all seasons’ with the number of visitors growing in recent years. This growth has resulted in pressure on the car park and pathway network around the visitor centre (also known as the arrival concourse).
$2.05m is being invested in the project which will:
create an improved sense of arrival
reduce safety concerns between pedestrians and vehicles
create space for longer vehicles including coaches and motor homes
Project Overview
The proposal is for improvements and to extend the existing carpark and arrival area at the Mount Field Visitor Centre.
The current concept drawing details the following proposed features and improvements:
keep both disabled car spaces and EV charging spaces
create a formalised loop to enter and exit the arrival area to help with traffic flow issues
create a dedicated coach drop off and pick up lane and area
create remote short term staging spaces for coaches and buses
new architecturally designed bus shelter to provide for coach / bus arrivals and departures
create double length spaces that offer both the opportunity for longer vehicles like camper homes and caravans as well as car parking
create dedicated spaces for motorcycles and bicycles to ensure efficient use of parking space
approximately double existing car spaces in the formal car park and formalise traffic management with pathways, crossings, speed humps and signage to improve pedestrian safety and wayfinding
improve the access, arrangement and space available for service vehicles
create landscaping and layout to retain and enhance the natural setting of the car park
If you have trouble accessing the map of the concourse concept please contact the project team: MtFieldArrivalCCProject@parks.tas.gov.au
Planning and Approvals
The design for the arrival concourse and carpark upgrade has been created after completing:
The design will provide improved capacity and management of current and future visitors to the park. This includes times of seasonal spikes in visitation.
The current design and location is in accordance with the Russell Falls Visitor Services Zone Site Plan 2010 and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 2016.
The current location ensures that:
- civil works are minimised
- natural and cultural values and flood constraints are managed
- the existing day use area including recreational open space, BBQ shelters and playground remain intact
A Reserve Activity Assessment, including supporting specialist studies, has been prepared and is currently being assessed.
A Development Application will be lodged with Derwent Valley Council and will be advertised for public comment through the Derwent Valley Council website.
Timelines
Works will start in 2025-2026. The start date is subject to:
The proposed construction period will not involve full closure of this popular destination.
Project Updates
We will provide updates and information as the project progresses.
To stay up to date please look out for the Community Update link which will be located below:
Background
The Mount Field National Park is on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area (TWWHA). It is a popular gateway for visitors to the area because of:
The Tourism Master Plan identifies Mount Field as a Primary Gateway location which needs:
appropriate visitor services
facilities to ‘provide for high visitation in a controlled and managed environment’
enough space to cater for big numbers of visitors in a sustainable way
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here on the FAQs page.