Tarn Shelf Circuit Track Notes

The Tarn Shelf circuit, at Mount Field National Park, is one of the best day walks in Australia. It takes walkers on a 14km loop through alpine terrain, with rare and sensitive vegetation, alpine lakes and old huts.

The Shelf itself is a series of small glacial lakes, with water sparkling green and blue in the sun. They are known not only for their own beauty but also for the fagus that grows around them. Fagus is ​​​​​​​Tasmania’s only winter deciduous species and the annual ‘turning of the fagus’ in April attracts walkers from all over. The lakes are contained by a rocky ridge that boasts wide views to the north and east over Lake Seal and Platypus Tarn.

 

 

The track starts off on a 4WD road that makes for an easy first kilometre to Eagle Tarn. Teams can spread out and walk four abreast – the first of only two times possible on this walk! A blue sign points right to the Tarn Shelf Circuit, and a single file foot-track begins. It weaves gently through the bush, alternating between sections of boardwalk in the boggier sections or simply mud and rock. Bauera, boronia, gums, button grass, melaleucas and other native flora line the sides while orchids and fungi grow under foot at different times of the year.

After 2.5km the sound of frogs may alert you to the change in terrain – more button grass and a series of little water holes that have pretty reflections on a clear and calm day.

After walking along the eastern side of Twilight tarn it’s time for the final sustained bit of climbing. Don’t worry, the views are stunning and there are so many beautiful pines and pandani plants that it’s almost impossible not to pause regularly to take it all in along with a few extra breaths.

The track is rockier under foot, a sign of what is to come, but there are still plenty of sections of boardwalk as you weave alongside the aptly named Twisted Tarn and arrive at Lake Newdegate. You’re now more than 8km into the walk and well past the halfway mark.

 

 

After 11.5km you’ll arrive at the ski tow and Rodway day shelter where it’s only a short climb onto the shoulder of the Rodway range. From here there’s a short, awkward section on rock before the easy boardwalk reappears, taking you to the ski huts. A short walk through single track avoids a bit of road walk, but there is a section that’s unavoidable. Fan out and enjoy once again, but not so much you miss the turn off for the final section along the Urquhart track, that skirts the western side of Lake Dobson and returns you to the finish line and your cars.