Chasing waterfalls in Tasmania

With its mountainous terrain and reliable rainfall, Tasmania overachieves in the world of waterfalls.

Head almost anywhere in the state, and there’s a waterfall or three in easy reach, plunging over high cliffs, flowing through rainforest, or even spilling into the sea.

Here are a few local favourites.

Russell Falls

Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall is one of the hero attractions at Mount Field National Park. The two-tier Russell Falls tumble into a pool surrounded by tall ferns, and are easily reached along a sealed, accessible trail (25min return, 1.4km) from the park visitor centre. Want bonus waterfalls? Head up the steps beside the falls to find Horseshoe Falls or wander the full Three Falls Circuit (2-2.5hr loop, 6km) including Lady Barron Falls - one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.

Waterfall Bay

The name says it all. At the southern end of this small bay on Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, a waterfall pours over a series of steps, finally taking a 100m leap over high cliffs into the Tasman Sea. The falls can be viewed at the end of the Waterfall Bay Walk (1-1.5hr return, 3.4km) from Devils Kitchen.

Liffey Falls

Northern Tasmania’s headline act is wide, multi-tiered Liffey Falls, streaming down the slopes of the Great Western Tiers, near Deloraine. There are two approaches to the falls: the more popular shorter walk (45min return, 2km) from above the waterfall, passing three other cascades along the way; and a longer (3hr return, 6km) walk from below the falls, which follows the Liffey River from a car park just off Gulf Road near the town of Liffey.

Wellington Falls

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington has several waterfalls. The largest and most impressive are the namesake Wellington Falls, which drop through a rugged section of the mountain near the head of North West Bay River. Choose from two tracks. The Milles Track begins at The Springs, midway up the mountain, crossing the boulder-strewn Potato Fields to the falls (6hr return, 13km). Lower down the slopes, cycle or walk the wide Pipeline Track from Fern Tree or Neika to a marked walking trail to the falls.

Lovers Falls

A mysterious river. A secret staircase. A hidden waterfall. The journey to Lovers Falls is one of Tasmania's off-the-beaten track treasures. Only accessible by water, set out along the mirror-still Pieman River by kayak from Corinna (allow 1hr each way), or visit it on the Sweetwater Cruise. Tie-up at the rivers-edge stairs and walk 5min to the whimsically named falls which spill into a dark gorge covered in a pocket of rainforest and giant ferns. 

Montezuma Falls

Tasmania’s highest waterfall plummets 104m into rainforest on the west coast. From Williamsford, just south of Rosebery, the track to the falls traces the course of an abandoned mining tramway through open, park-like rainforest (3hr return, 11.5km). Stretch your neck for views from the base of the falls, or step out onto the long suspension bridge high over the creek for a more exhilarating perspective.

St Columba Falls

Another of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls takes the plunge in the state’s north east. More than 90m high, St Columba Falls skid down an exposed cliff and are reached on a short walking trail (20-30min return, 1.2km) through cool, shady rainforest featuring massive tree ferns. Pause by the river and hope to spy a platypus.

Dip Falls

Detour from Stanley to the edge of the Takayna / Tarkine to find the unusual geology of this beautiful waterfall, pouring over hexagonal columns of basalt. From the car park, a series of steps leads down to a lookout platform beside the two-tier falls. A second, wheelchair-accessible platform, offers views from above. The falls are just a 5min walk to Big Tree, one of the giants of Takayna / Tarkine. The brown-top stringybark tree has a girth of about 16m and stands more than 60m tall.