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Deciduous beech turning gold in Autumn at Tarn Shelf
Deciduous beech at Tarn Shelf (photograph: Chris Crerar)

Tarn Shelf

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Alerts for Tarn Shelf

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Closed area: Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground - Southwest National Park
Applies from 28/1/2025

​Hydro Tasmania is commencing works on Edgar Dam starting 28 January 2025 until mid-2026. 

During this time, the Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground will be closed. 

Access to Strathgordon and Scott's Peak boat ramps remains open.

Camping at the Huon and Ted's Beach campground remain open. 

During this period, there will also be short delays due to increased traffic along Scott's Peak Road. 

For more information, please visit the Hydro Tasmania w​ebsite ​or contact the Mount Field Visitor Centre on (03) 6288 1149.​​

Last reviewed 5/11/2024 08:50 AM

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  • Fuel stove only
  • Park ranger
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Visitor centre
  • World Heritage Area

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    • Mount Field Visitor Centre
      66 Lake Dobson Rd
      National Park TAS 7140
      Phone: 03 6288 1149
      Email: MtField@parks.tas.gov.au

      ​Visitor centre opening hours
      Open 7 days
      9am - 5pm 1 December to 30 April 
      9am - 4pm 1 May to 31 October 
      9am - 4.30pm November

    5-7 hour circuit, 12 km
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    Supervise children, tracks subject to severe weather conditions, weather may change quickly, tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    This walk leaves from the Lake Dobson carpark in Mount Field National Park. Once inside the national park, drive up the Lake Dobson Road for 16km. This section of road is unsealed and can be closed due to snow.

    About

    The Tarn Shelf contains a picturesque series of small glacial lakes. This is a long circuit walk that takes in the Tarn Shelf, Lake Newdegate, Twilight Tarn and Lake Webster. The walk takes you across the Tarn Shelf, returning via the lower lakes. The tarns are often frozen in winter.

    Along the ro​ute, take a break at the rustic Twilight Tarn hut – a relic from days gone by that contains skiing memorabilia from earlier decades.

    Track work has been undertaken to address the muddier sections of the track and to protect the rare and sensitive vegetation in the area.

    The Tarn Shelf can also be accessed on a shorter, 3-hour return walk via a track that leaves from the ski fields. This walk passes a series of small glacial lakes and is particularly colourful in autumn when the deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii​) turns golden. Return via the same track to Lake Dobson.

    Another longer alternative for exploring the Tarn Shelf is via the Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf circuit walk. This walk will provides spectacular views from the Rodway Range as we​ll as the delights of the Tarn Shelf. Ascend from the Rodway Hut through the rocky Lions Den to K Col. Turn north along the Rodway Range before descending via Newdegate Pass to Lake Newdegate. Return across the beautiful Tarn Shelf. This circuit is recommended for experienced walkers only and takes around 6-7 hours. Skis or snowshoes are often necessary in the winter months.

      Buy a map from TasMap
      ​​

      ​Mount Field National Park is just over an hour’s drive from Hobart via New Norfolk and Westerway on the A10 or B62. From Westerway it is a short, winding drive to the small township of National Park and the entrance to Mount Field National Park.

      ​

      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.


      ​​​​The Mount Field Visitor Centre is open daily. It has information on walks and other activities in the area, as well as sales of park passes. There is also privately-run Waterfalls Café. It offers food and drinks, as well as a gallery where you can buy souvenirs. Café currently closed due to fire renovation.​

      Picnic facilities with electric barbecues are found in the visitor centre grounds.

      ​Access to the Lake Dobson carpark is up a winding gravel road, 16km past the Park entrance. Due to snow conditions, vehicles using this road may need chains and at times the road may be closed. Phone 03 6288 1149 for information on road conditions. This road is not suitable for campervans or buses.

      Throughout winter, ski tows operate on the slopes on weekends and holidays when conditions are suitable. These facilities are operated by the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association and it is best to check if they are operating in advance. Visit the Southern Tasmanian Ski Association website or phone 03 6288 1166.

      ​​​​This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage ​for more information.​​

      ​

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.


      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back
      ​​​

      ​​​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Walls of Jerusalem, Southwest)

      Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

      When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

      Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions. 

      Watch the hypothermia safety video with English subtitles to understand the dangers of being cold and how to be prepared. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles.)

      Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

      For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.