Hidden Waterfalls of Tasmania: A Local’s Guide to Nature Escapes

Tasmania is an adventure playground for the outdoors, with rocky peaks still unexplored, dense rainforest, and wild rivers. Among Tassie’s greatest treasures are the waterfalls, some famous, others tucked away in the backwaters and waiting only for the most spirited of adventurers. 

Below is a guide that will take you through some of Tasmania’s best-kept secret waterfalls, why you should make it to these waterfalls, and why each one is so special.

Why Visit Tassie’s Secret Waterfalls?

Tasmania waterfalls are not so much about what you see; it’s about the whole experience of getting there. The waterfalls that are most spectacular are off the tourist path, with huge trees, strange wildlife, or the old bush tracks that crisscross the island from the gold rush era. 

Where the popular places are filled with people milling around them, secluded waterfalls may offer complete solitude and quiet with no people, just the sound of water and greenery in the background.

The walk to these waterfalls will also astonish you. You’ll be walking along a ferny track one minute and on a suspension bridge or paddling up a river the next, where you might even catch a glimpse of a platypus. They’re wonderful spots for a photo, a picnic, or even a swim if you’re game in Tassie’s icy water.

Top Secret Waterfalls to Visit in Tasmania

Montezuma Falls (104m)

The highest, 104-metre drop of Montezuma Falls cascades down through rainforest on the west coast near Rosebery. The 3-hour return walk is along an old tramway, winding past fern and moss to a suspension bridge with splintering views of the thudding falls.

Philosopher Falls

At Waratah in the Tarkine, Philosopher Falls has a fairytale vibe. The 2-hour return trail is blanketed with fungi, moss, and birds. The falls flow full force on a rainy day and are well worth the hike.

Hogarth Falls

Hidden in Strahan’s People’s Park, Hogarth Falls is a simple 40-minute return walk. The track is flat, pram-friendly, and meanders through rainforest where you might be lucky enough to see a platypus. Not large, but the peacefulness of the location makes it a local favourite. 

Evercreech Falls

North-east of the Evercreech Forest Reserve, one of the “White Knights”, the majestic white falls. The stroll to the falls is through cool, shaded forest and provides a very pretty cascade amidst giant trees.

Adamsons Falls

For a longer, more challenging day trip, Adamsons Falls in the Southwest National Park is the place to go. Both of the two 3–4 hour return bushwalks are untracked and only appropriate for experienced bushwalkers. As a reward, on the other side is a cascading waterfall falling into a fern-lined gully, and generally, no crowd to share it with.

Myrtle Forest Falls

Just thirty minutes from Hobart, Myrtle Forest Falls at Collinsvale is an easy bush getaway. The 20-minute stroll along a gully of thick myrtle and sassafras trees opens up to a serene waterfall, ideal for a quiet afternoon.

Dip Falls

At Mawbanna on the northwest coast are the Dip Falls, famous for their hexagonal basalt rock columns similar to Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. Two-tiered Dip Falls is best appreciated from look-out platforms, and a nearby picnic ground is handy.

Snug Falls

South of Hobart is ideal for a short walk to the tall, single-drop waterfall falling into a rocky pool. Close and easy to access, plus a photographer’s favourite, it’s an excellent weekend walk.  For more ideas on exploring the area, check out our guide on things to do in summer in Hobart.

Russell Falls

The jewel in the crown of Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls is Tasmania’s most famous waterfall. It’s an effortless stroll along a sealed road – pram and wheelchair-accessible, no less – and the tiered fall surrounded by giant swamp gums is nothing short of magic.

Pro tip: Take the extra 10 minutes to take the stairs up to Horseshoe Falls…two falls for the price of one!

Liffy Falls

Liffey Falls near Deloraine is World Heritage-listed. The 45-minute return bushwalk follows bush and over moss-covered logs to a series of stepped cascades. There are a number of lookouts with a number of views.

What Makes a Tassie Waterfall “Hidden”?

A waterfall is “hidden” in Tasmania if it’s off the tourist track, not easily found, or best found by locals. Some have no decently signposted entrance, and some are secreted in bush reserves where the only clue is a narrow walking track.

Hidden gems have some things in common:

• Solitude with fewer people.
• Natural bush tracks rather than massive carparks and structures.
• Panoramic views of basalt cliffs or ancient forest.
• Word of mouth rather than shiny guidebooks.

And the icing on the cake? The search for these waterfalls isn’t ticking them off a list; it’s discovery and immersion in the Tasmanian wilderness in all its raw beauty.

Conclusion

Tasmania’s waterfalls, from iconic such as Russell Falls to less well-known such as Myrtle Forest Falls, unlock the state’s wild beauty. Each one is different, harsh plunges, rainforest magic, or just a secluded place for sitting and breathing. For those prepared to step off the road  trip to Tasmania, finding these hidden waterfalls is one of the best things to do to get to Tasmania’s heart and soul.