Accommodation
Field NotesGovernment Huts Mt Field Tasmania
The Government Huts Mt Field are one of favorite weekend getaways from Hobart. Located only minutes away from Lake Dobson and Mt Field’s alpine tracks, these cheap and shabby little huts are really something unique and we can’t help but keep going back to them.
They’re so cheap, it’s a great option for couples, families and for only $225 per night you could rent out all 5 for a massive gathering with friends. If you get lucky enough to find all of them available, because we’re clearly not the only ones who love this mountain accommodation. Booking ahead is a must!
Government Huts Mt Field – The Stats
Location: Mt Field National Park
Elavation: Approx. 1000m
Cost: AU$45 per hut per night.
You can book them here. The huts are very popular especially on weekends during the warmer months, so book in plenty advance.
Capacity: Each hut sleeps 6 people, however Telopea Red and Yellow are attached, so you could split larger groups while still being kind of together. All beds inside each hut are singles, making them great for groups of friends and hiking buddies.
Parking: Getting inside the hut grounds requires a key to open the boom gate. So no day hikers can steal your spot. There’s plenty of room at each hut to park a car. If you are taking multiple vehicles, there’s a large car park Lake Dobson, just a few minutes walking up the road.
Permit needed: A Tasmanian Parks Pass is needed to stay at the huts. You can purchase Parks Passes at the visitors center at the bottom of Mt Field. There are short term and Mt Field only passes available as well if you’re not local and don’t want to fork up the yearly fee.
GOVERNMENT HUTS MT FIELD – WHAT TO EXPECT
As the price probably already let on: the Government Huts Tasmania is not a resort. Everything is very minimal.
Each hut has 6 single person bunks. They’re bolted to the wall, so no sliding two together for some cold alpine night spooning. Believe us, we tried… All bunks have mattresses on them, but no bedding. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Each hut also has a mini kitchenette with a sink, running freezing cold water and a place to put a camping stove (which you’ll need to bring yourself).
There’s also a little fire place with a flat top on which you could do some cast iron cooking if you like. Wood is provided and there’s a wood shed with a wood splitter in case you run out.
There are shared amenities block outside with composting toilets. And although there are no showers or warm water at the huts, you can find those at the campground close to the visitors center. If you’re planning a longer stay, it would be worthwhile checking at the Visitors Centre if you could use those. It’s a long drive down though.
Around the Government Huts Mt Field is quite a bit of wildlife activity. Pademelons love to graze on the patches of grass outside the huts. At night you can also find some Brushtail Possums. If you go to the toilet after dark, I highly recommend you close the door if you don’t want to come back to a Possum going through your bags. They can be pretty cheeky.
How to get there
From Hobart, take the Lyell Highway to New Norfolk. Once there turn onto Glenora Road which later on naturally flows into the Gordon River Road. In the town of Westerway, the Gordon River Road turns to the left. Keep following it until you see Lake Dobson Road on your right. Cross the train tracks and pull over in the carpark to collect your key at the visitors center. After that, drive up Lake Dobson Road almost to the end. The Government Huts are on your right.
Lake Dobson Road is a dirt road which can be driven by any vehicle if the weather is fair. In winter and spring, there’s a good chance of snow towards the top and sometimes they close the road. Make sure to call ahead if you have doubts about current conditions.
Government Huts Mt Field – What to bring
- All your own bedding/sleeping bags.
- A headlamp and lantern. There’s no electricity at the Government Huts Mt Field.
- Cooking stove and kitchenware. As we mentioned before, you could cook on the top of the heater with cast iron.
- Water purifying gear of choice. The water is straight from a natural source so should be purified before drinking. Take a SteriPen, Lifestraw bottle or enough fuel to boil all your drinking water for 3 minutes. After heavy rain, the park recommends you treat any water you use for anything (eg. teeth brushing, dishes, etc.)
- Warm clothing. The huts are at approximately 1000m elevation and even in the mid of summer it can be very cold up there.
- Hiking gear. There’s a lot of beautiful walks for all levels close to the huts. It would be a shame to miss out.
- All your own food. You can get a coffee and breakfast/lunch at the visitors center, but it’s a long drive down.
0 Comments