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Within an hour’s drive from Hobart, you’ll find some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking and accessible waterfalls, showcasing nature’s artistry in full force. Whether looking for a quick roadside stop or a more adventurous hike, Southern Tasmania has something for every kind of explorer.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-visit waterfalls in Southern Tasmania, curated by local waterfall enthusiast and explorer @tassiegrammer on Instagram. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it highlights some of the most stunning and easy-to-reach waterfalls, perfect for anyone looking to experience the region’s cascading wonders.
Russell Falls is arguably the most iconic and well-loved waterfall in Tasmania, attracting visitors from around the world. Located in Mount Field National Park, this two-tiered waterfall symbolises Tasmanian natural beauty since it was featured on a set of pictorial postage stamps in 1899 to promote tourism.
As part of Tasmania’s first registered national park, Russell Falls is known for its stunning cascades and lush surroundings. The waterfall is easily accessible via a short, 10-minute walk from the main Mount Field National Park visitor centre, just over an hour’s drive from Hobart through the scenic Derwent Valley and New Norfolk.
Water flows over Russell Falls year-round, but the falls are awe-inspiring in winter when snowmelt from the nearby mountains feeds the flow or after periods of heavy rainfall.
Sitting in a lush, fern-filled forest framed by moss-covered rocks, Horseshoe Falls is a hidden gem 100 meters upstream from the famous Russell Falls.
Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, this elegant waterfall rewards those who further explore Mount Field National Park.
Accessible via an uphill trail, Horseshoe Falls is typically the second stop on the well-trodden tourist path. Many visitors consider it the true treasure of the park, offering a more intimate waterfall experience amidst the dense greenery.
To reach Horseshoe Falls, follow the signs to Russell Falls from the Mount Field National Park visitor centre and continue along the trail for 10-15 minutes.
Lady Barron Falls is the third of Mount Field National Park’s “big three” waterfalls, offering a serene and picturesque escape into Tasmania’s wilderness.
Named after Lady Clara Barron, wife of Sir Harry Barron, Governor of Tasmania from 1909 to 1913, this waterfall is a testament to the park’s rich history and natural beauty.
To reach Lady Barron Falls, take the six-kilometre Lady Barron Falls Circuit. This trail guides you through a stunning landscape filled with towering Swamp Gums—some of the tallest flowering trees in the world.
The trail eventually leads to the base of this captivating waterfall, where the waters of Lady Barron Creek cascade gently over multiple tiers, providing a tranquil setting that’s perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Myrtle Gully Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Hobart, in the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
To reach this hidden gem, head to the end of Old Farm Road behind the Cascade Brewery and park at the gate. From there, it’s an easy 10-minute walk along the scenic Myrtle Gully Track, a route that showcases the area’s lush vegetation and tranquillity.
The falls are popular with mountain bikers and bushwalkers, thanks to the network of trails that wind through the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
While the walk to Myrtle Gully Falls is relatively straightforward, be cautious if you venture closer to the base—the rocks can be slippery, and navigating around the logs in the lower section can be challenging.
Shrouded in mystery and beloved by locals, Secret Falls is tucked away just 50 meters downstream from Myrtle Gully Falls. While its exact location remains a well-kept secret, a discreet, well-worn path—known only to those “in the know”—can guide determined explorers to this hidden gem.
As the last of the documented waterfalls along the Hobart Rivulet, Secret Falls has become a favorite among local photographers, particularly after heavy rainfall or when the snow begins to melt on kunanyi / Mount Wellington in winter. For those who seek it, Secret Falls offers a captivating, intimate display of nature’s beauty, rewarding visitors with a tranquil and enchanting scene.
Just a short drive from Hobart’s city centre, Strickland Falls is a hidden gem that remains surprisingly unknown to many locals.
To find this tranquil spot, head up Strickland Avenue toward kunanyi / Mount Wellington, where you’ll find a small carpark about halfway up, near the junction with Huon Road. From there, it’s only a minute’s walk to the waterfall, where you’ll be greeted by a lush forest and the soothing sound of the stream flowing below the falls.
Despite being one of the most accessible waterfalls on this list, Strickland Falls offers a peaceful escape and a fantastic photography opportunity for those who venture here. Whether you’re a seasoned waterfall hunter or a casual explorer, this spot is well worth a visit.
This enchanting waterfall, sitting within the serene Myrtle Forest, is a hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out.
To find Myrtle Forest Falls, take a 20-minute drive from Hobart through the winding hills towards Collinsvale, enjoying views of verdant valleys along the way. Turn left onto Myrtle Forest Road, and a short drive later, you’ll arrive at the main Myrtle Forest carpark, right on the edge of Wellington Park.
From the carpark, the falls are accessible via a gentle 15-minute walk through a lush and dense rainforest, passing by a popular picnic area where you can pause to soak in the tranquil surroundings.
The walk itself is an experience, as towering tree ferns and moss-covered logs create a natural, green canopy overhead. Be mindful that the track can become quite slippery after rain, so take care as you make your way up to the viewing point above the falls.
Once you reach Myrtle Forest Falls, you’ll be greeted by a peaceful cascade, a charming contrast to the dense greenery around it.
For the more adventurous, it is possible to descend to the lower tier of the falls, though caution is advised, as the slope is steep and can be tricky to navigate.
Whether you admire the falls from above or venture down to the stream, this spot offers a tranquil escape into nature and is perfect for quiet reflection or photography.
O’Gradys Falls is a hidden treasure on the slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, offering an easy and enjoyable walk through beautiful Tasmanian bushland.
Begin your journey from the Bracken Lane Fire Trail in Fern Tree, a popular starting point that leads you along a well-maintained path. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Organ Pipes, a dramatic rock formation that juts out from the mountain, before arriving at the tranquil setting of O’Gradys Falls.
The 2.4-kilometre return walk is particularly rewarding in winter when the sun casts a warm light over the track, creating a magical atmosphere among the towering eucalypts and ferns. The falls cascade gracefully into a gully, feeding the Hobart Rivulet—a waterway dotted with several other waterfalls as it winds down from the mountain.
For those looking to extend their adventure, O’Grady Falls can also be accessed from alternative tracks higher up kunanyi / Mount Wellington or from lesser-known trails in the surrounding area, making it a versatile option for different levels of exploration. Regardless of your route, the peaceful flow of O’Gradys Falls, framed by native bush and birdsong, offers a refreshing escape into nature just a short distance from Hobart.
New Town Falls is one of the more physically demanding waterfalls on this list. It requires a two-and-a-half-hour return trip from the Lenah Valley Track.
This hike ascends from sea level to 430 meters, so bringing plenty of water and snacks is wise. The effort is rewarded with a stunning view of the multiple tiers of the falls and a scenic outlook across Lenah Valley towards the Derwent River.
The falls are divided into several sections, with the main path leading to the middle tier. For those seeking a more complete experience, you can continue higher to view the top tier or descend a 5-minute track from the main area to reach the lower tier.
New Town Falls is particularly impressive after heavy rain, as it is part of the New Town Rivulet, and offers a picturesque journey through diverse sections of the rivulet before arriving at the falls.
Located just a 30-minute drive south of Hobart, the charming township of Snug is home to the beautiful Snug Falls.
From the town, turn onto Snug Tier Road and follow the signs to the falls. The trailhead is a few hundred meters past the main carpark, leading you on a 2.1-kilometre track that takes approximately one and a half hours for the return journey.
The trail descends gently towards the waterfall, but be prepared for an uphill trek on the return trip. The path can become slippery and muddy after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.
Snug Falls cascades gracefully into the Snug River from a height of 25-30 meters and is a favourite spot for local photographers, often bustling on weekends.
For the adventurous, a lesser-known waterfall, Kiernan Falls, lies about 150 meters downstream. It requires good waterproof shoes and a bit of effort to access but offers a rewarding, secluded experience.
The Hobart and Beyond blog will take you on a journey through southern Tasmania, showcasing the best of Hobart and its surrounding regions.
We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.
Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre
16-20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000
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