Tasmanian Waterfalls: Perfect Weather!

Tasmanian Waterfalls.  Opportunity Knocks!

Why mention Tasmanian waterfalls?  Inspiration this morning came from the friendly team at the Southern Design Centre in Geeveston.  They mentioned on Facebook that Arve Falls would be spectacular after good rains.  A great spin on a rather wet week, and I think they’re spot on.  If it is going to rain a bit, why not focus on the positives?  At least we haven’t been completely devastated like the poor folk in Queensland.

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Lady Barron Falls, Mt Field National Park

Lady Barron Falls, Mount Field National Park

Far South: Tasmanian Waterfalls

Arve Falls are beautiful, as we mentioned in our Tasmanian Adventure article about the Tahune Forest AirWalk.  Part of the Hartz Mountains National Park in the Far South* of Tasmania, you can walk through alpine woodland having only a moderate level of fitness.  One of the easiest to access from the choice of Tasmanian waterfalls, the walk is leisurely and follows the Arve River.  Signage outlines the significance of the vegetation and landscape.

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Arve Falls

Arve Falls, near the Tahune Forest AirWalk

There’s also Lake Osborne, a picturesque glacial lake nearby, which has a well-defined pathway and boardwalk.  With only a gentle incline to navigate, children can easily manage the 40 minute return journey.  Walkers can learn from signs about the formation of the landscape, ice ages and the effects of fire on the vegetation.


 

The path winds through immature rainforest trees of myrtle and sassafras; through the moorland of the Hartz Plateau; and then on to an icy Lake Osborne edged by King Billy pines.  Large rocks (called Devils Marbles) were lodged on the plateau by ancient glaciers and make another bold statement in the environment.

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Lake Osborne

Lake Osborne, Hartz Mountains National Park

Tasmanian Waterfalls: Weather Channel

Also south of Hobart, this time in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel* region, walkers looking to experience a Tasmanian waterfall can choose Snug Falls.  Bush-walking guides grade the walk as easy, and the path does have a sturdy surface, but…  Viewing a waterfall usually involves both a walk up AND a walk down to complete a round trip.  At Snug Falls, you enjoy the descent first:  through the forest to the enchanting and secluded rock pools.   You then face an uphill return to the car park!

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Snug Falls

Snug Falls in the south: D'Entrecastreaux Channel region

One more point I would make about visiting the Snug Falls: the signage to the recreation area is not that brilliant.  Snug Tiers Road intersects the main Channel Highway in the township of Snug, and can easily be missed.  Once on the right road though, you can’t go wrong.  A narrow, gravel track leads right to the entrance, and has passing bays to negotiate oncoming traffic.  And it’s definitely worth taking the effort to find.

* Falling within the tourism zone of Hobart and Surrounds
is an area promoted as the Huon Trail.  In turn, this region
at the southern end of the state, is divided into four main categories:
D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island, Huon Valley & Far South


Full of Falls: Mount Field National Park

Still within day-trip distance of Hobart, but to the north-west of the Tasmanian capital, is another option.  Mt Field National Park via New Norfolk actually has several waterfalls, the most famous being Russell Falls.  Horseshoe Falls can be accessed from the same track.  You can reach the Lady Barron waterfall from a different path leading from the Mt Field Visitor Centre.  Including a stroll through the magnificent swamp gums of the Tall Trees Walk is a good idea, making the most of your national park pass (purchase required) and the great outdoors.

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Rusell Falls, Mt Field National Park

Click image to see Dan Fellow's video of Russell Falls

Only a few of the fabulous Tasmanian waterfalls are mentioned here obviously, and we know there’s lots more.  Just offering a little incentive to get out and get amongst it, despite (or perhaps because of) the rain.  Judging by the amount of spectators at the Trevallyn Dam watching the South Esk River flood over the wall, we’re not the only ones fascinated by nature’s moods.

Tasmanian Waterfalls - Trevallyn Dam

Tourists gather at the Trevallyn Dam to watch flood waters

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7 Responses to “Tasmanian Waterfalls: Perfect Weather!”

  • lisa Dillon:

    I think this magical place is a world of its own as it offers so much to all kinds of people of all ages and is picture perfect for all occasions.

  • roger findlay:

    For those that like a good long walk, the Montezuma Falls are worth a visit. At 104 metres they are the highest in Tasmania. Access is via. a dis-used tramway just south of Roseberry on the Murchison Highway. Visitors should allow about three hours for the round trip as the flimsy suspension bridge will appeal to the more daring. It’s an easy walk with resting points along the way but it does take time. I have read that there is also 4WD access from a different direction.

    • Hey Roger!
      Haven’t had the chance to tackle this one, but have noticed the signs and read very good reports. Not sure if “flimsy suspension bridge” is my idea of a good day out, though!
      Cheers, Tania

  • Wayne:

    I thing that Liffey Falls are also worth visiting, it’s about a 45 min return walk with some steep sections but boy is it worth the walk.

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