Lake Dobson car park
| Nearest Road: | Lake Dobson Rd |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town: | Westerway |
| Locality: | South West |
| Latitude: | S 42° 41′ 5″ |
| Longitude: | E 146° 35′ 38″ |
| Fee: | Parks Pass |
| Management: | National Park |
| Road Surface: | Unsealed |
| Car Park: | Good unsealed |
| Water: | Tank |
| Toilets: | Flush |
| Toilet Accessibility: | No access |
| Shelter: | Shelter |
| Comment: | Drive past visitors's centre at entrance to Mt Field National Park. Drive to end of Lake Dobson Rd to large parking area. (This is a very narrow, steep and winding unsealed road, slippery when wet. |
14 walks from Lake Dobson car park
Lake Seal walk
| Goal: | Lake Seal |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 3,750 m |
| Return distance: | 7,500 m |
| Comment: | Pandani Grove, Mawson Rd, Lake Webster Track, Lake Seal Route. Return. |
References
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 56, Number 22, 22 - Lake Dobson, Platypus Tarn and Lake Seal
4 hours retrace route
“Picturesque Fairy Tarn, to the left of the main track just beyond this turnoff…”
Tags
Lions Dens walk up Rodway Range
| Goal: | Lions Den |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 3,400 m |
| Return distance: | 6,800 m |
| Comment: | Track to Ski Fields, then Mt Field West Track up along Rodway Range to Lions Den. Return same way |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Mt Field West, Tasmania
“… following the occasional track marker and red painted marks on the rocks themselves.”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 76, Number 14, 14 - Mt Field West
3 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“After a rest in this sheltered cleft return along the same track.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Fully revised ed., Hillside Publishing, Page 54, Number 21, 21 - Rodway Range
“… a small rocky defile which offers some respite in windy conditions.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 52, Number 20, 20 - Rodway Range
“After about 500m th track drops in the Lions Den…”
Tags
MacKenzie Tarn Walk
| Goal: | MacKenzie Tarn |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Long climb |
| Type: | CircuitRetrace |
| One-way distance: | 6,600 m |
| Comment: | Urquart Track and Mt Mawson Rd to Ski Village. Snow Gum Track to Rodway Day shelter and to MacKenzie Tarn. Return via track through ski buildings. |
References
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Fully revised ed., Hillside Publishing, Page 52, Number 20, 20 - Tarn Shelf
“… without necessarily going all the way to the end.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 50, Number 19, 19- Tarn Shelf
“… very picturesque with its many small lakes and views out over Lake Seal and the Broad River Valley”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 71, Number 13, 13 - Tarn Shelf and Lake Webster
3 hours circuit retrace
“Continue north for 500m visiting the first 2 tarns on the Tarn Shelf…”
Tags
Mount Field West walk
| Goal: | Mt Field West summit |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Long climb |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 10,000 m |
| Return distance: | 20,000 m |
| Comment: | Mt Mawson Rd to ski fields. Mt Field West Track over K-Col, past Naturaliste Peak to summit. Return same way. |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Mt Field West, Tasmania
7 hours retrace route
“… fairly demanding with some strenuous climbs and rock scrambling…”
Mark Dickenson, Chris Howard, Greg Rubock, Day Walks in Tasmania, Envirobook, Page 115, Number 61, 61 - Mount Field West
8 hours retrace route
“… extreme exposure … adverse weather conditions should be expected at all times.”
Peter Franklin, Bushwalk Track Notes, Page 4, Number 2012, Mount Field West - 8 April 2012
8 hours retrace route
“… the plateau can be difficult to navigate in misty weather.”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 76, Number 14, 14 - Mt Field West
7 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“The track to this peak follows high exposed ridges… be prepared to turn back if the weather changes.”
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Mt Field West
“… Should not be attempted in wet and windy conditions…”
Wild Tiger - Bushwalking and mountaineering Tasmania. Real people, wild adventures., Wildtiger Blog team, Mt Field West
6 hours 15 minutes retrace route
“A bit footsore after 85 percent of the walk was on rocks or stones…”
Tags
Naturalist Peak walk
| Goal: | Naturalist Peak |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 7,500 m |
| Return distance: | 15,000 m |
| Comment: | Follow route to Mt Field West until on the ridge leading to Naturalist Peak. Take untracked route to summit. Return same way. |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Mt Field West, Tasmania
“… leaving the main trail to the south-west of the summit provided reasonably easy access”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 76, Number 14, 14 - Mt Field West
“There are no marked tracks to the summit of this peak”
Tags
Pandani Grove Nature Walk
| Goal: | Pandani Grove |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Flat |
| Type: | Circuit |
| One-way distance: | 1,500 m |
| Comment: | Take track on west side of Lake Dobson till it comes out on Mt Mawson Rd. Head south on Rd back to car park. |
References
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 54, Number 21, 21 - Lake Dobson Road Nature Trails
1 hour circuit
“The trail is flat and easy with duck-boards over the wet sections”
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Number 17, Pandani Grove
40 minutes circuit
“… a delightful green oasis nestled beneath the ski slopes of Mt Field.”
Tags
Peterson Memorial Hut walk
| Goal: | Peterson Memorial Hut |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 5,000 m |
| Return distance: | 10,000 m |
| Comment: | Follow route to Mt Field West as far as K-Col. Turn back at Peterson Memorial Hut |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Mt Field West, Tasmania
“The way climbs upwards towards the ridgeline… before descending another rockfield down to K.Col.”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 76, Number 14, 14 - Mt Field West
3 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“After a rest in this sheltered cleft return along the same track.”
Tags
Platypus Tarn Walk
Caution
This site is a list of walks, not a walking guide. Before undertaking any walk, consult the references below.
For additional information about safe walking in Tasmania, go to the StepScape tab.
| Goal: | Platypus Tarn |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 1,750 m |
| Return distance: | 3,500 m |
| Comment: | Clearly marked trail along the western (left) side of Lake Dobson. Left on Mawson, right to Lake Wesbster Track, left to Platypus Tarn Track. Retrace. |
References
Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 90, Number 26, EagleTarn - Platypus Tarn
1 hour 15 minutes retrace route
“… small but picturesque Playtpus Tarn.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Fully revised ed., Hillside Publishing, Page 56, Number 22, 22 - Lake Dobson and Platypus Tarn
1 hour 30 minutes retrace route
“… shortcut back to the car by continuing on the Mawson Rd around the eastern edge of Lake Dobson.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 56, Number 22, 22 - Lake Dobson, Platypus Tarn and Lake Seal
1 hour 30 minutes retrace route
“… with the left fork descending wuite steeply down to Platypus Tarn.”
Tags
Rodway Day Shelter walk
| Goal: | Rodway Day Shelter |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Long climb |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 3,500 m |
| Return distance: | 7,000 m |
| Comment: | Follow Mt Mawson Rd past barrier and up to Ski Village. Follow Tarn Shelf Track west to Rodway Day Shelter (at foot of westernmost ski tow). Return |
References
Recent Information of track condition (as available), Cowirrie, Mt Rodway Day Shelter
“A shorter, steeper and rockier route is via Urquhart Track and Snow Gum Track.”
Andrew Bain, Walks in Nature - Tasmania, Hardie Grant Travel, Number 12, 12 - Tarn Shelf
“Turn back after reaching the Rodway Day Shelter”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 71, Number 13, 13 - Tarn Shelf and Lake Webster
“… a short rocky descent leads to the spacious Rodway Day Shelter.”
Tags
Rodway Range - Tarn Shelf Circuit
| Goal: | Newdegate Pass |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | CircuitRetrace |
| One-way distance: | 15,700 m |
| Comment: | Mt Mawson Rd to ski fields. Mt Field West Track to K-Col, Rodway Track north and via Newdegate Pass to Tarn Shelf for return. |
References
Denis, Hiking South East Tasmania, Newdegate Pass -Wednesday 8th January 2014
6 hours circuit retrace
“After walking through the pass the track deteriorated somewhat and became quite wet and muddy…”
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Rodway Range - Tarn Shelf Circuit
“… recommended for fit walkers only.”
Tags
Rodway Range walk
| Goal: | Rodway Range |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 4,000 m |
| Return distance: | 8,000 m |
| Comment: | Start along west side of Lake Dobson, up Urquart Track to Ski Fields. Tarn Shelf Track then Mt Field West Track along Rodway Range top. Return. |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Mt Field West, Tasmania
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 76, Number 14, 14 - Mt Field West
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Fully revised ed., Hillside Publishing, Page 54, Number 21, 21 - Rodway Range
4 hours retrace route
“… climbs again to another high point from where the best vuews over the mountains and the southwest”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 52, Number 20, 20 - Rodway Range
4 hours retrace route
“It is best to return from here…”
Tags
Snow Gum Walk to Lake Seal Lookout
| Goal: | Lake Seal Lookout |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | CircuitRetrace |
| One-way distance: | 3,400 m |
| Comment: | From top of Mawson Rd take Snow Gum Track to Lake Seal Lookout. Circle back via ski village |
References
Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 87, Number 25, Tarn Shelf
Andrew Bain, Walks in Nature - Tasmania, Hardie Grant Travel, Number 12, 12 - Tarn Shelf
“Turn back after enjoying the view from the Lake Seal lookout”
Tags
Tarn Shelf - Lake Webster circuit
| Goal: | Broad River |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Very Steep |
| Type: | Circuit |
| One-way distance: | 12,200 m |
| Comment: | Ski Fields to Tarn Shelf to Lake Newdegate and Lake Webster. Return to Lake Dobson. |
References
Jeremy Payling, Walkweb: Bushwalking, Hiking, Rambling, Tramping, A site dedicated to exploring the world on foot, Bushwalking - Tarn Shelf Circuit, Mt Field National Park
“A fantastic circuit walk… a series of alpine tarns… a couple of rustic huts … exhilarating walking.”
Andrew Bain, Walks in Nature - Tasmania, Hardie Grant Travel, Number 12, 12 - Tarn Shelf
“Turn back after enjoing the view from the Lake Seal lookout”
Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 83, Number 24, Tarn Shelf - Lake Webster
5 hours circuit
“Forget this walk if the weather is poor”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 71, Number 13, 13 - Tarn Shelf and Lake Webster
6 hours circuit
“… cold, wet and windy weather can occur at any time of the year.”
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Tarn Shelf/ Lake Newdegate? Twilight tarn and Lake Webster
“The rustic Twilight Tarn hut … contains skiing memorabilia from earlier decades.”
Tags
Tarn Shelf walk
| Goal: | Lake Newdegate |
|---|---|
| Grade: | Some steep |
| Type: | Retrace route |
| One-way distance: | 5,350 m |
| Return distance: | 10,700 m |
| Comment: | Start along west side of Lake Dobson, up Urquart Track then Blue Gum Track and on to Tarn Shelf Track. Turn back at Lake Newdegate, or sooner. |
References
Di, Di's Walk a Month, Di, Page 4, Number 2013, 21 April 2013 - Tarn Shelf, Mt Field
5 hours retrace route
“By the time we reached Backhouse Tarn… we were ready to head back along the track.”
Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 87, Number 25, Tarn Shelf
4 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“…continue on the broad, ice-swcoured ledge of Tarn Shelf.”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Fully revised ed., Hillside Publishing, Page 52, Number 20, 20 - Tarn Shelf
4 hours retrace route
“… the Tarn Shelf, which extends some 2.5lm o Lake Newdegate”
Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, More Family Walks around Hobart, Hillside Publishing, Page 50, Number 19, 19- Tarn Shelf
4 hours retrace route
“From the top of the car park follow the signs to the skifields.”
Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Tarn Shelf
“A delightful series of small glacial lakes.”
Andrew Bain, Walks in Nature - Tasmania, Hardie Grant Travel, Number 12, 12 - Tarn Shelf
“In winter the tarns and lakes freeze…”
John Chapman and Monica Chapman, Day Walks Tasmania, 2 ed., John Chapman, Page 71, Number 13, 13 - Tarn Shelf and Lake Webster
5 hours retrace route
“… walk along the Tarn Shelf to Newdegate Hut then return the same way to the start.”