Russell Falls: Mt Field NP
Russell Falls is located within Mount Field National Park and a National Parks entry fee does apply. The walk to Russell Falls from the information center is short and suitable even for strollers. It takes you straight into the rainforest, where manferns line the edges of a picturesque running creek teeming with trout, so be sure to keep an eye out for them! We visited here just after some rain and were not disappointed by the sheer beauty of the endlessly cascading water. You can continue on further to visit Horseshoe Falls nearby. This part of the walk is mostly stairs, and a lot of them! Our older boy managed it okay with plenty of stops along the way to check out the beautiful scenery.
St Columba Falls: Pyengana
This one is about a 30-minute drive from St Helens. You can view the majestic waterfall from the car park on the side of the road or take a 15-minute easy yet breathtaking walk descending to the viewing platform where you will witness the South George River crashing down more than 90 metres to create one of Tasmania’s tallest falls. The walk is an experience in its own right as you wander through some of the tallest tree ferns that you are likely to see. And, once again, keep an eye on the water alongside the walking path as you will likely spot some trout. While you are over this way, make sure to pull into either the Pub in the Paddock and feed Elvis the pig a beer or pull into the Pyengana Dairy and try some of the delicious cheese and wine or beer. All while watching the cows come into the self-milking station.
Dip Falls: Mawbanna
Dip Falls is between Stanley and Wynyard in Tasmania’s North West. The 27km road in is mostly sealed and passes through some pleasant, peaceful countryside. At the car park you will find nice barbecue facilities and toilets making this a great spot for a picnic. The falls has two viewing areas. One which is at the bottom of a long series of steps and another at the top which is wheelchair accessible. Both give a great vantage point to take in the spectacular beauty of the two-tiered structure and unique pillar rock formations that make up this falls. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls we have encountered! While you visit here, we highly recommend driving further down the road to view the Big Tree in the Big Tree Reserve. It’s an easy 5-minute walk from the car park to witness this monster of a tree with a 17-metre base circumference.
Bonus Waterfall: Waterfall Bay Lookout
If you are near the Tasman Peninsula then it is definitely worth checking out Waterfall Bay Lookout. After some rain, here you will see a waterfall cascading down the dramatic cliff edge and straight into the deep blue ocean! The lookout has a few vantage points and they are a very brief walk from the car park. Also keep your eyes peeled during whale season as you are bound to see whales cruising through these waters. How awesome is that!
Hogarth Falls: Strahan
On the wild west coast, this is a great short walk that takes you alongside yet another beautiful Tasmanian creek. The creek is supposedly home to platypus, which we were not lucky enough to spot but not surprising as these little guys are very sneaky and shy.
Arve Falls: Hartz Mountain NP
Arve Falls is located in the Hartz Mountain National Park. It’s within the alpine region and encounters snow and ice at times, being fed by glacial lakes and tarns. The walk from the car park is well defined and even has boardwalks, bridges and steps in place. It’s a relatively easy and short walk where you can experience the unique alpine shrubs and pandani that thrive in this harsh environment. The falls are not all that tall but have an impressive drop over the edge of the plateau overlooking the valley beneath. We hope you have fun chasing these waterfalls and many more on your next Tassie Trip!
Words and Photos: Elvin and Eshlyn Pal
