Pandani Grove, Tasmania - An Alpine Walk at Lake Dobson in the Mount Field National Park

Nov 25, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jan 28

Pandani Grove, Tasmania - An Alpine Walk at Lake Dobson in the Mount Field National Park

High in the upper reaches of Mount Field National Park, beneath the ski slopes of Mount Mawson, Pandani Grove is a beautiful subalpine oasis that feels worlds away from the rainforest valleys below. This peaceful walk loops around the edge of Lake Dobson, offering cool mountain air, open alpine scenery, and a rare chance to see some of Tasmania’s most unique high-altitude plants.

It’s a gentle and rewarding walk that showcases the changing landscapes of Mount Field, making it a lovely addition to any visit to the park.

The Pandani Grove Walk

Time: 1.5-kilometre circuit - Allow around 40 minutes - Grade 2

The Pandani Grove Walk is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, and it’s easy to see why. The track is well formed, mostly flat, and ideal for a relaxed wander at altitude.

The loop begins near the Lake Dobson car park, around 16 kilometres past the Mount Field Visitor Centre. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead.

As you follow the circuit around the lake’s edge, you’ll enjoy peaceful views across the water and a cool, open landscape dotted with alpine vegetation.

Discover the Pandani

The star of the walk is the remarkable pandani, also known as the world’s tallest heath. With its rugged, drooping foliage, the pandani is perfectly adapted to the harsh alpine climate, shedding snow and ice to protect itself during winter. Pandani are found only in Tasmania, making this walk a special opportunity to see a truly unique plant in its natural environment.

Alpine Plants & Ancient Forests

Along the track, you’ll pass a diverse mix of subalpine plants, alpine gums, and soft tree ferns. At the far end of Lake Dobson, the forest thickens into a fascinating mix of pandani and pencil pines. Pencil pines are among Tasmania’s ancient conifers and are endemic to the island, adding another layer of natural history to this already special walk.

Wildlife at Lake Dobson

Keep an eye on the surface of Lake Dobson, especially at dawn or dusk, as there is a resident platypus population. Look for gentle ripples or a small V-shaped wake gliding across the water — a magical sight if you’re lucky enough to spot one.

Why Visit Pandani Grove?

Pandani Grove offers a completely different side of Mount Field National Park, trading dense rainforest for open alpine scenery and rare plant life. It’s an easy, family-friendly walk that feels peaceful and uncrowded, and it pairs beautifully with visits to Lake Dobson, the ski fields, or other upper-mountain walks.

Directions to Pandani Grove & Lake Dobson

Mount Field National Park is located approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Hobart.

From Hobart, drive northwest on the Brooker Highway (A10) to New Norfolk. From New Norfolk, follow the B61/B62 toward Mount Field National Park. Turn right into Mount Field National Park and drive past the Visitor Centre. Continue past the camping grounds and turn onto Lake Dobson Road. Follow Lake Dobson Road for 16 kilometres to the Lake Dobson car park, where the walk begins.