Russell Falls is the easiest waterfall to reach in Mount Field National Park and one of Tasmania's most accessible short nature walks. The track begins beside the visitor centre and enters cool temperate forest almost immediately, making it useful for families, first-time bushwalkers and visitors with limited time.
Start at the Mount Field visitor centre
Mount Field National Park is just over an hour from Hobart by road through New Norfolk and Westerway. The Russell Falls track starts at the main visitor precinct, where you can confirm conditions, buy a parks pass and collect information about other walks.
Allow extra time beyond the nominal walking time. The forest, creek and viewing platforms are the point of the visit, and the path is much more rewarding when it is not treated as a quick photograph between longer drives.
What the Russell Falls walk involves
The signed return circuit is about 1.4 kilometres and is commonly completed in roughly 25 minutes. The main approach follows a sealed, mostly level path to the lower viewing area. No bushwalking experience is required for this Grade 1 route.
Russell Falls descends over a series of broad rock ledges. Flow varies with recent rain, so the appearance of the waterfall changes through the year. Remain on the formed track and viewing areas. Wet surfaces around waterfalls can be slippery, and creek edges are not suitable places for unsupervised children.
Forest, ferns and wildlife
The approach passes beneath tall swamp gums and through a damp understorey of tree ferns, mosses and creek-side plants. This enclosed forest is a strong contrast to the alpine country higher in Mount Field National Park.
Platypus may use waterways in the park, although sightings cannot be expected. Glow worms can sometimes be seen beside the approach track after dark. Night visitors should move carefully, minimise bright light when looking for glow worms and remember that wildlife is also active on park roads.
Accessibility and the return route
The direct track from the visitor centre to the falls is sealed and suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. Wheelchairs and a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair may be available from the visitor centre, but equipment availability should be checked before travelling.
A loop on the far side of the creek provides an alternative return. That section is unsuitable for most wheelchair users, so return along the direct sealed path if step-free access is required. Conditions can still be damp, and assistance may be useful even on the accessible section.
Extend the walk into the forest
Visitors with more time can continue towards the Tall Trees walk rather than returning immediately to the car park. This adds a closer look at Mount Field's giant eucalypts and gives the outing more depth without committing to an alpine route.
Choose the extension according to daylight, weather and mobility. The short Russell Falls path and longer tracks are different outings, even though they share the same visitor precinct. The Tasmania outdoors collection links to more walks and natural places around the island.
Facilities at the entrance precinct
The visitor centre provides maps, park information and pass sales. Nearby facilities include parking, toilets, picnic grounds and electric barbecues. The privately operated Waterfalls Café is also near the entrance, with trading arrangements that should be checked directly before relying on it.
A parks pass is required for Mount Field National Park. Opening hours and services can change seasonally, so use the official Parks and Wildlife Service information in the sources below when planning the day.
Check conditions before leaving Hobart
Rain can improve waterfall flow while also making paths and roads wetter. Strong winds and storms can cause track closures because falling branches and trees are a hazard. Check the forecast and current park alerts before travelling, particularly if Russell Falls is the start of a longer day in the park.
The road beyond the entrance towards Lake Dobson has different conditions from the Russell Falls precinct and may be affected by snow or closures in winter. Advice about that road matters only if you plan to continue into the high country. For the waterfall walk itself, comfortable footwear, a rain layer and enough time to enjoy the forest are the main practical requirements.