A beautifully varied loop through the rainforests of Mount Field National Park, ticking off three of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks in a single half-day outing.

The Three Falls Circuit strings together Russell Falls, the Tall Trees Track, and Lady Barron Falls into one complete loop, meaning you can cross three walks off your list before lunch.

This walk is ideal if:

Want to make the most of your time at Mount Field National Park

Love waterfalls and want to see three very different ones in a single outing

Are comfortable with a couple of solid sets of stairs

Are interested in old-growth rainforest and tall timber

Want to tick off multiple walks from Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks list in one go

What to Expect on the Three Falls Circuit

The Three Falls Circuit is one of the more cleverly - though a little confusing - designed walks in this area. It combines three distinct 60 Great Short Walks into a single complete loop, each section offering something a little different from the last.

Expect:

• Russell Falls, Tasmania's most iconic and photographed waterfall, early in the walk

• A short detour to Horseshoe Falls, a charming little waterfall just beyond Russell Falls

• The Tall Trees Track, a loop through some of the tallest trees in the southern hemisphere

• Lady Barron Falls, the quietest and most surprising of the three waterfalls (and my personal favourite)

• Lush rainforest with towering gums and dense fern understorey throughout

• Two sets of 200-plus stairs, one at the start and one at the end

• Wildlife including pademelons, Green Rosellas, and Bennett's Wallabies

The Three Falls Circuit can be walked year-round, and Mount Field National Park is beautiful in every season.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit, with the deciduous beech trees in the higher parts of the park turning golden. While the Three Falls Circuit loops through the lower rainforest sections, the park as a whole is particularly beautiful at this time of year.

Winter brings the highest rainfall, which means the waterfalls are at their most dramatic and powerful. The park is significantly quieter in winter, and the misty rainforest atmosphere on a cool, still morning is something quite special. Just be prepared for the tracks to be slippery after rain. Snow is also possible at this time. 

Summer is the busiest season in the park, so heading out early in the morning is a good idea to beat the crowds at the more popular sections of the track.

Spring is a lovely time to visit as the forest comes back to life, and the waterfalls are still flowing well from the winter rains.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The tracks are well-maintained and easy to follow throughout the loop. Most of the circuit is flat and compacted, making it comfortable underfoot for the majority of the walk.

The two sets of stairs are the main thing to prepare for. The staircase near the start of the walk is manageable, but the 239-step staircase toward the end of the loop is quite steep and will get the heart rate up. Take your time on both.

The tracks can be slippery after rain, particularly near the waterfalls and in shaded sections of the rainforest. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls

The circuit begins at the visitor centre and heads straight to Russell Falls, the most visited and one of the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania. It is popular for good reason, and it is best seen early in the day before the crowds build up. For a more detailed look at this section of the walk, check out this dedicated Russell Falls blog post.

Just beyond Russell Falls, a short detour brings you to Horseshoe Falls. It is smaller and quieter than Russell Falls, but well worth the few extra minutes. The horseshoe shape is particularly distinctive in late summer and autumn when water levels are lower.

The Tall Trees Track

From Horseshoe Falls, the circuit continues through lush rainforest before reaching the Tall Trees Track, a short loop through a stand of some of the tallest flowering plants on earth. Walking among these trees is a delightful experience, and the scale of them takes a moment to really absorb.

For more on this section of the walk, take a look at this dedicated Tall Trees blog post.

Lady Barron Falls

Lady Barron Falls is the final waterfall on the circuit, and for many walkers it is the most memorable. Unlike the other two, the track leading to Lady Barron Falls does not follow a water source, so there is no audible hint that a waterfall is coming. It appears almost out of nowhere, announced only by the faintest sound just before it comes into view.

It is a lovely surprise at the end of what is a very rewarding walk.

Wildlife on the Three Falls Circuit

The rainforest along this circuit is home to a good variety of wildlife, though many of its residents are shy and easy to miss if you are not paying attention.

Pademelons are the most commonly spotted, often lurking quietly in the undergrowth at the edges of the track. Green Rosellas and other birds are frequently heard and seen in the canopy above. Bennett's Wallabies, echidnas, and wombats are also present in the park, and Tasmanian Devils, while very unlikely to be spotted during the day, do live in the area.