fields of gold
Mount Field National Park
Difficulty
Level 1: Growing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 14 km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 355m ↓ 355m
ROUTE STYLE
Loop
Our Fields of Gold route is named in honour of the picturesque beauty of Tarn Shelf and the Mt Field alpine regions come Autumn. Each year, in the weeks leading up to Anzac Day on the 25th April the Northofagus gunnii turns. Nicknamed 'Fagus' by our local residents, this plant is Australia’s only cold climate winter-deciduous tree, growing at a very narrow altitude band in the mountains.
Mt Field is one of the absolute best places to see the Northofagus gunnii which turns from yellow to red to orange, before the leaves fall to the ground or are blown into the tarns where they float like royal confetti.
Our Fields of Gold route is named in honour of the picturesque beauty of Tarn Shelf and the Mt Field alpine regions come Autumn. Each year, in the weeks leading up to Anzac Day on the 25th April the Northofagus gunnii turns. Nicknamed 'Fagus' by our local residents, this plant is Australia’s only cold climate winter-deciduous tree, growing at a very narrow altitude band in the mountains.
Mt Field is one of the absolute best places to see the Northofagus gunnii which turns from yellow to red to orange, before the leaves fall to the ground or are blown into the tarns where they float like royal confetti.
-
Begin at the Lake Dobson Carpark at the top of the Lake Dobson Road. Please note, this road can be closed during winter or cold, snowy days. Our route follows the large firetrail on the eastern side of Lake Dobson for approximately 800m before turning right onto the Lake Webster Track. This is a narrow singletrack that follows the valley at a mostly downhill gradient.
-
You will see some small left-hand junctions off the Lake Webster Track. These take you to Lake Seal and Lake Webster, as well as a few smaller lakes. They are well worth visiting if you have the energy!
-
After passing Lake Webster the track begins to climb, at first gently and then in some places steeply until you reach the right-hand junction to the old Twilight Tarn Hut. This short side-trip if well worth the effort! We suggest a rest in the sunshine here as you have already covered 6km.
-
After leaving Twilight Tarn Hut you will return to the main trail and turn right onto the Tarn Shelf Track. This is a 5km section over quite rocky and rough terrain. Be prepared to take your time and enjoy the expansive vistas out towards Mt Field, and down into Lake Seal from a couple of vantage points. We also recommend a swim in one of the lakes! Furthermore, we would like to caution you if you are doing this route during the latter autumn, winter or early Spring months. On clear, cold nights the track can be covered in snow or black ice and be very slow going! It is also susceptible to holding snow and snow drifts during these seasons. Please check the weather forecast and be prepared for all conditions on this section of the track!
-
At the end of Tarn Shelf the track climbs up back the rope tow and then meets the track heading up to Rodway Range. Turn left and head back to the main ski field where there is a day use shelter, ski huts and toilet facilities.
-
From this ski field descend down the fire trail back to Lake Dobson. Near the bottom of the hill you will see a small hiking track to the right that will take you on the western side of Lake Dobson back to the carpark. This is a beautiful section of trail beneath Pandani trees and snowgums.
-
This route concludes back at the Lake Dobson carpark. We highly recommend another swim and a picnic on the shores of the lake. Congratulations! You have now completed the 14.2km Fields of Gold loop!
-
Toilets Yes - at the Lake Dobson day-use shelter.
Water Yes - at the Lake Dobson day-use shelter and throughout the trail from streams and lakes.
Parking Yes.
Services The closest services are located at the Mt Field Visitor Centre at the entrance to the Park. Here there is a small cafe, toilets and gift shop.
Phone coverage Telstra & Optus reception. Vodafone reception exists but is patchy on Tarn Shelf.Varied terrain from earthen hiking trails to rocky, alpine trails. Some stairs and many uneven single trails. There are some short sections consisting of boardwalks and smoother fire trails.
Approx. Duration 2.5 – 4hrs
