The Russell Falls Holiday Cottages sit on a large grassy area on the banks of the Tyenna River, virtually at the entrance to the Mount Field National Park. The Cottages have a full range of facilities but there are also a number of semi-circular, single room cabins, where you share the bathroom and camp kitchen facilities with the caravaners and the more hardy tent campers. As more mature members of the Australian population we chose the greater comfort of the single bedroom cottages. When reviewing tourist accommodation it is essential to adopt a realistic perspective, taking into account the remoteness of your location. With this in mind, the Russell Falls Cottages are relatively spacious, with an emphasis on functionality rather than aesthetic comfortable. The standard, integral dining, kitchen and lounge area was relatively spacious with a 2 and 3-person lounge and the compulsory TV. The owners have recently upgraded the internet connection to Starlink and the TV was incompatible during our stay (may be fixed now, but with free-to-air TV you won’t be missing much!) The kitchen and dining area were functional, catering for 4-persons. Cooktop, microwave and small fridge, electric fry pan but no oven, toaster and kettle. A Webber BBQ is available on the covered patio but cleanliness left a bit to be desired. The bedroom caters for 4 persons with a double bed and a double bunk bed, so some arm-wrestling may be required if shared by two couples. Whilst functional is the best description for the shower/toilet room, it served its purpose. The shower was a bit on the small size but there was plenty of hot water and absorptive towels. The laundry was surprisingly modern and spacious, with both a washing machine and dryer, the latter very useful if you get caught in a Tasmanian rain shower. If you are a hardy type and venture into the National Park in the cooler months, we’d have some concerns for your body warmth. There is a timed heater in the bathroom and an aircon unit in the lounge area, but don’t expect too much in the way of heat from the latter. One of the prime features of the Cottages is their proximity to the National Park. No driving and parking for you, you can walk to the Information Centre, and hence to the start of many of the walks; Russell and Horseshoe Falls, Tall Timbers. The walks, falls and National Park are spectacular and are definitely not to be missed during a trip to the Apple Isle. But what about the tariff (a much currently abused term), you ask? Again, based on remoteness, at $210 per night compared to a cabin at Cradle Mountain for $315 or Swansea at $320, very reasonable. So in summary, Mount Field National Park and its walks and falls are not to be missed. The Russell Falls Cottages have an ideal location and provide a reasonable level of comfort, taking their location into consideration. Would we stay here again if we returned. YES, so probably a recommendation.
