Tarn Shelf
Track Notes
Mount Field National Park
Enjoy a hike in the Tasmanian Wilderness
The Tarn Shelf, at Mount Field National Park, is one of the best day walks in Australia. This out and back option takes walkers on a return walk up to 13km long, through the stunning series of small glacial lakes. Walkers may go as far as Lake Newdegate and the Newdegate hut at the northernmost end of the shelf, but may turn around at any point. Expect alpine terrain, complete with rare and sensitive vegetation, stunning views over Lake Seal and Platypus Tarn, beautiful blue-green tarns that sparkle in the sun and old huts to explore.
Hike past bubbling brooks and picturesque glacial lakes surrounded by the autumn tones of fagus
The Shelf is one of the best places in Tassie to view the ‘turning of the fagus’ in April. Fagus is Tasmania’s only winter deciduous species and it attracts walkers from all over when the green foliage turns to yellow, orange and finally red.
More on the track
The Tarn Shelf return walk begins and ends at the Lake Dobson carpark. The track is well maintained, meandering through bush before climbing steeply to the ski huts before flattening out and descending down to the Tarn shelf.
The track starts off on the Urquhart track, a single file foot-track that traces the western side of Lake Dobson through the bush. This doesn’t last long before you hit an unavoidable bit of road walk which takes you quite steeply despite the switch-backs to another foot track and eventually the ski huts. Fan out and enjoy the road walk as a team – it’s the only place you’ll be able to walk 4 abreast!
Next
You’re 2km in now and have done the majority of the climb. It’s time to have a rest on the boardwalk as you head towards the Rodway Range day shelter. There’s just one short awkward section at the end of the boardwalk and before arriving at the Tarn Shelf. Take care with your footing on the uneven boulders and remember it won’t last long.
Hooray…
You’ve arrived at the start of the Tarn Shelf!
It’s time to enjoy the hard work you’ve put in and take in the views now as you meander along, through and around the beautiful tarns that make up the shelf. Drink from the crystal clear water whenever you are thirsty, pause for photos and take time to marvel at the fagus, which should be close to turning the brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red it is known for. If it’s a bit wet, the gums will be even more striking with their colourful bark.
The Tarn Shelf…
The track here is undulating, with some big slabs of rock and the odd scrambly bit, so don’t expect to speed along. Feel free to go as far as you want towards Lake Newdegate and the Newdegate hut if you feel like a longer day of walking, or simply sit, eat and chat with your team, soaking up all the place has to offer.
Last leg…
Unfortunately the day has to end at some point, and now it’s time to retrace your footsteps. Take care on the descent and don’t forget it’s just as important to stop and take in the views on the way back down.
Please note:
Do not underestimate this walk – ensure you have adequate hiking fitness. Be prepared for at least 5 hours of wilderness hiking.