Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
Liffey Falls is a majestic cascade tucked away in the temperate rainforest of Tasmania's Great Western Tiers, offering a serene and immersive nature experience. The falls plunge in two tiers over dolerite columns into a deep pool, surrounded by ancient myrtle and sassafras trees. It's a quintessential Tasmanian wilderness walk that rewards with the sound of rushing water and the cool mist on your face.
Highlights & What to See
- Lower Falls Walk: A gentle 20-minute return stroll along a well-maintained boardwalk through lush ferns leads to the base of the falls – perfect for photography and a picnic.
- Upper Falls Viewpoint: A short but steep climb offers a dramatic perspective looking down into the gorge and across the cascading water.
- Giant Tree Walk: En route, detour onto this short loop to see towering Eucalyptus regnans, among the tallest trees in the world.
- Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for platypus in the creek pools at dawn or dusk, and listen for the whip-crack call of the superb lyrebird.
- Historic Liffey Forest Reserve: The surrounding area is rich in logging history; interpretive signs explain the conservation efforts that saved this pocket of ancient forest.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the falls and short walks. If you're keen on photography or simply soaking up the tranquil atmosphere, allow half a day. Combine with a picnic lunch at one of the grassy clearings near the car park. The drive to Liffey Falls is scenic, so factor in extra time for stops along the way.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Great Western Tiers: Explore other waterfalls like Meander Falls or take a walk to the top of the Tiers for panoramic views.
- Deloraine: A charming historic town with art galleries, antique shops, and the excellent 41° South Aquaculture for smoked salmon.
- Mole Creek Karst National Park: Discover the underground wonders of Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves, just a short drive away.
- Central Plateau Conservation Area: A high-altitude wilderness of dolerite peaks, alpine lakes, and snow gums – ideal for bushwalking and spotting wombats.
- Launceston: Tasmania's second city (45 minutes east) offers the Cataract Gorge, vibrant food scene, and historic architecture – a perfect base or end point.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Deloraine — Gary Houston / CC0
- Mole Creek Karst National Park — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Great Western Tiers — Peripitus / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Meander Falls — Peripitus / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Launceston — File:Launie (cropped).JPG : User: (WT-shared) Plug at wts wikivoyage derivative work: Georgfotoart / Public domain
- Central Plateau Conservation Area — Integrator2 / CC BY-SA 4.0