This walk starts on the banks of Lake Dobson and follows its shoreline for much of the route.

But the real highlight comes when you leave the lake behind and step into a grove of towering Pandani trees. It's a short, easy walk that's great for kids, and platypuses are commonly spotted at Eagle Tarn.

This walk is ideal if:

Want an easy walk with spectacular scenery

Are traveling with children

Are interested in seeing plants found nowhere else on Earth

Want to see platypuses in the wild

Prefer short walks that still feel rewarding

Are curious about Tasmania's unique alpine environment

What to Expect on the Pandani Grove Nature Trail

You'll start on the banks of Lake Dobson, a stunning crystal-clear lake with dazzling blues, greens, and turquoise hues. The track follows the shoreline for much of the way, giving you plenty of time to admire the water.

• Crystal-clear lake water with astonishing clarity

• A straightforward track following the lake's shoreline

• Denser forest as you move away from the water

• Towering Pandani trees forming a grove on the far side of the lake

• Platypus spotting opportunities if you're patient and watch for ripples

• An otherworldly atmosphere that feels more tropical than alpine

Best Time to Visit Lake Dobson

Pandani Grove Nature Walk is accessible year-round, though conditions vary considerably by season.

Spring (September to November) brings good water levels and new growth. The weather is warming up, making it a pleasant time to walk around the lake. Bird spotting is at its best.

Summer (December to February) is the warmest and busiest season. Lake Dobson will be at its most inviting, with brilliant colour in the water. Platypuses are active in the warmer months, and you might even brave a dip in the lake! 

Autumn (March to May) offers cooler temperatures and is quieter than summer. The lake remains clear and beautiful, and platypuses are still around.

Winter (June to August) brings the highest rainfall and snow to the area. This can be the most magical time to do the Pandani Grove Nature Walk, and explore the rest of Mount Field National Park. Days are shorter, so plan accordingly.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The track is easy and straightforward, suitable for most fitness levels. It's well-maintained and marked.

Watch for wet sections, particularly near the lake and around Eagle Tarn. The ground can be muddy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

If you're hoping to spot platypuses, be patient and quiet. Move slowly around Eagle Tarn and watch for ripples on the water's surface. The calm, clear water makes spotting them relatively easy if one is around.

Walking Around Lake Dobson

The walk begins on the banks of Lake Dobson. The water is remarkably clear to the point that you can spot lots of fallen logs in the water. Spend a moment here taking in the colours before heading off around the lake.

The track follows the shoreline, and as you walk, the forest gradually becomes denser. At first, you'll notice a single tall Pandani tree. Then another. Then a cluster, before suddenly you find yourself immersed in a grove of these towering, shaggy giants.

These plants look like they belong in a tropical rainforest, but they're perfectly adapted to Tasmania's harsh alpine environment. The contrast between the clear, calm lake and this forest of strange-looking plants creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

As you emerge from the forest, you'll reach Eagle Tarn, a small, shallow pool. Platypuses are often spotted here. If you're patient and keep an eye out for the telltale ripples on the water's surface, you may spot one. With such calm, clear water, if a platypus is around, it shouldn't be too hard to see.

Ponder While You Wander

The Pandani trees you see here are found only in Tasmania's alpine regions—nowhere else in the world. Don't confuse them with tropical Pandanus plants, which are palm-like and found in warmer climates. The Pandani (Richea pandanifolia) is its own unique species perfectly suited to Tasmania's high-altitude landscapes.

Though you'll see small Pandani plants scattered across Tasmania's alpine regions, they can grow up to 12 metres tall. The dry, brown leaves you'll notice on the lower part of the plant form a protective layer around the trunk. The vibrant, bright green leaves at the top are the newest growth, often curling slightly at the ends.

Pandani belong to the Richea genus, which includes 11 species. Nine of those species are found only in Tasmania, making Tasmania the Pandani capital of the world.