Liffey Falls

The Liffey River drops off the Great Western Tiers in a series of four named cascades - Alexandra, Hopetoun, the Leap and Victoria Falls - known together as Liffey Falls, the largest spilling in wide tiers over dolerite ledges into a pool surrounded by myrtle, sassafras and man ferns. The walk from the upper car park is about forty-five minutes return, descending through rainforest past the smaller falls, on a well-formed track with steps. The reserve is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The forest here is dense and wet, mossy underfoot, and the light through the canopy makes it a favourite with photographers, particularly after rain when the falls run at their fullest.

The landscape

• The tiered falls - wide steps of water over dolerite ledges.
• The rainforest walk - myrtle, sassafras and man ferns along the track.
• The smaller falls - three additional falls passed on the descent.
• The mossy forest floor - the dense wet understorey of the Tiers.

When to go

Year-round; the falls run strongest after rain and in winter and spring. Autumn brings colour to the deciduous beech higher up. The access road from the north is steep and unsealed, and can be slippery in wet weather.

Things to know

The upper access road is unsealed, narrow and steep, and unsuitable for caravans. The walk involves steps and can be slippery. Leeches are present in wet conditions. Facilities are limited to toilets and picnic tables.

Nearby

Deloraine lies north; the Great Western Tiers rise directly above.

Key facts