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


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.