Liffey Falls, Tasmania - A Magical Rainforest Walk in the Great Western Tiers

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 3, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

Liffey Falls, Tasmania - A Magical Rainforest Walk in the Great Western Tiers

Tucked away in the lush foothills of the Great Western Tiers, Liffey Falls is one of Tasmania’s most enchanting waterfall walks. Just under an hour from Launceston, this short but unforgettable rainforest stroll takes you past cascading tiers, ancient trees and moss-covered rocks before revealing the show-stopping main falls. It’s the kind of place where the air feels cooler, the forest feels older, and time slows right down.

Where the Forest Comes Alive

The Liffey Falls Walk winds through a beautiful cool temperate rainforest filled with towering eucalypts, ancient myrtle and sassafras trees, and giant tree ferns arching gracefully over the track. The sound of flowing water follows you almost immediately, growing louder as the Liffey River tumbles through the forest below.

Every turn along the trail offers a new perspective — filtered light through the canopy, moss clinging to rocks, and glimpses of water weaving its way through the landscape. It’s peaceful, immersive and incredibly photogenic.

A Waterfall Walk with Layers of Beauty

Located within the Liffey Falls State Reserve, the river flows over four main cascades before joining the South Esk River. Along the walk, you’ll encounter: Alexandra Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Spout Falls (also known as Albert Falls or The Leap), Victoria Falls, now commonly known as Liffey Falls.

Each cascade has its own personality — some gentle and wide, others narrow and powerful — making the walk feel like a journey through multiple waterfall scenes rather than a single destination. Well-positioned viewing platforms allow you to safely stop, linger and take it all in without disturbing the delicate environment.

The Liffey Falls Walk – What to Expect

Distance: 2 kilometres return - Time: Around 45 minutes - Grade: 2

The Liffey Falls walk is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and begins near an information shelter at the picnic area, where you’ll find maps and details about the reserve.

Shortly after setting off, you’ll pass a striking metal sculpture called Stratose, part of the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail. The artwork represents the geological layers carved by water over time — a fitting introduction to what lies ahead.

As you continue, the track leads you through dense rainforest before reaching a split around 500 metres in. From here, you’ll start encountering the cascades in order. A viewing area overlooking Alexandra Falls, where the river spills over a sandstone shelf. A wooden platform providing a lovely view of Hopetoun Falls. Another peaceful lookout through the trees at Spout Falls. From the final junction, it’s just a short five-minute walk to the main attraction.

The Grand Finale – Liffey Falls

The track ends at a fenced viewing platform where Liffey Falls reveals itself in full force. Water pours dramatically over dark rock ledges, framed by vibrant green moss and rainforest foliage. After rain, the falls are particularly impressive, thundering into the pool below and filling the valley with sound. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate just how wild and beautiful Tasmania’s forests are.

Alternative Walk Option

There is an alternative route from the lower car park, which is a 6-kilometre return walk taking around two hours. It follows an undulating bush track and offers a different forest experience. Having walked both, the upper car park route is the standout — shorter, more scenic, and with better views of the cascades along the way.

Getting to Liffey Falls

From Deloraine, follow Emu Bay Road before turning onto Highland Lakes Road / Meander Valley Road (A5). Continue via Quamby Brook Road (C503) and Bogan Road towards the Liffey Falls Track. The final 2.1 kilometres are along a narrow, unsealed road. It’s suitable for 2WD vehicles but not suitable for towing caravans.

Why Liffey Falls Is Worth the Visit

Liffey Falls is one of those special places where everything comes together — an easy walk, multiple waterfalls, ancient rainforest and a real sense of tranquillity. Whether you’re visiting as a quick stop from Launceston or exploring the Great Western Tiers more deeply, this walk delivers far more than its short distance suggests.

If you’re looking for a classic Tasmanian waterfall experience that’s accessible, atmospheric and incredibly rewarding, Liffey Falls should be high on your list.