Russell Falls is a scenic area surrounded by dramatic large tree ferns, and the surrounding forest contains swamp gums, dogwood, musk, and myrtle. You may even see platypus in the pools and creek below. Russell Falls can be visited independently, although some travelers take guided tours that include other attractions in the area, such as Mt. Wellington and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re into camping, you can enjoy a special after-dark experience at the falls; take your flashlight and follow wooden handrails into parts of the forest near the falls that contain glowworms. Turn your flashlight off to see them properly.
From the Information Centre, the falls are a 10-minute walk along a well-maintained path that includes some boardwalks. You can follow the same path back, or take a different route along the creek for different views.
The water flow is strongest in the winter and spring (June-November), so these seasons are a good time to go if you want to take photographs or just see the falls at their best. Otherwise, they can be visited year-round.
En route between Hobart and Russell Falls, in the Derwent Valley, is the small town of New Norfolk. It’s one of Tasmania’s oldest towns—established in 1807—and full of antiques and curio shops, as well as one of Australia’s oldest pubs, and its oldest Anglican church. It’s an ideal place to stop (or even stay the night) on the way to or from Mt. Field National Park.