Dip Falls – Mawbanna

A Striking Basalt Waterfall in the North West Hinterland

Dip Falls tumbles over a series of distinctive hexagonal basalt columns within the Dip River Regional Reserve near Mawbanna. Visitors can choose between an easy, mostly level route to the upper viewing platform or a steeper descent of around 200 steps to a lower platform closer to the falls. The walk is short, family-friendly and easily combined with a visit to the nearby Big Tree, one of Tasmania’s largest known eucalypts.

Walk Overview

See Also

• Philosopher Falls
• Table Cape Tulip Farm & Lighthouse Walk

Terrain

From the car park, a bridge crosses the Dip River before the track divides towards the two main viewing areas. The route to the upper platform is short, broad and relatively level, making it suitable for prams and many visitors with limited mobility. A separate stairway descends around 200 steps to a lower viewing platform near the river, where walkers can see the waterfall and its basalt columns from a closer angle.

Difficulty

The upper viewing platform route is rated Easy. The lower platform is more demanding because of the long staircase and the climb required on the return journey. Visitors should allow extra time and take care when the steps are wet.

Walk Highlights

Hexagonal Basalt Columns

Dip Falls flows over striking basalt columns formed by the cooling and contraction of ancient lava. The regular geometric shapes create one of the most distinctive waterfall settings in Tasmania and are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.

Two Viewing Options

The upper platform provides a convenient view of the waterfall with very little walking or climbing. The lower platform requires considerably more effort but gives visitors a closer look at the cascade, river and unusual rock formations.

The Big Tree

A separate short walk nearby leads to the Big Tree, one of Tasmania’s largest known eucalypts. The tree can be visited on the same trip and adds another worthwhile stop to the Dip Falls detour.

Top Tip: Visitors with young children or limited mobility can enjoy an excellent view from the upper platform without tackling the long staircase to the river.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• Drinking water
• A camera or phone for the basalt columns
• A light waterproof jacket
• Sun protection during warmer weather
• A picnic if combining the walk with the nearby Big Tree

Safety

• Take care on the staircase to the lower platform, especially after rain.
• Supervise children near the river and viewing platforms.
• Remain behind barriers and on the formed tracks.
• Avoid climbing on wet rocks around the waterfall.
• Wear footwear with good grip.
• Drive carefully on unsealed sections of the access road.

Is the Dip Falls Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. The upper viewing platform route is particularly suitable for families and young children. The lower platform is better suited to older children who are comfortable managing a long staircase and the climb back to the top.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs on a lead are generally permitted within Dip River Regional Reserve. Owners should follow current signage, keep dogs under effective control and prevent them from disturbing wildlife or other visitors.

Getting There

Dip Falls is located inland from Mawbanna in north-west Tasmania. From Wynyard, follow the Bass Highway west before turning inland towards Mawbanna and continuing along the signed route to Dip Falls.

The drive takes approximately 45 minutes and includes both sealed and unsealed road sections.

Facilities

Facilities available at the reserve are limited and include:

• Car parking
• Walking tracks
• Upper and lower viewing platforms
• Access to the nearby Big Tree walk

There are no toilets, food outlets or drinking-water facilities at the reserve, so visitors should arrive prepared.

Why Walk to Dip Falls?

Dip Falls combines easy access, attractive forest scenery and one of Tasmania’s most unusual basalt rock formations. The choice of two viewing platforms makes the waterfall suitable for a broad range of visitors, from families and casual sightseers to walkers wanting a closer look from river level. When combined with the nearby Big Tree, Dip Falls makes an excellent short detour through Tasmania’s north-west hinterland.

Important: Steps and viewing areas can become slippery after rain. Wear suitable footwear, supervise children and drive carefully on unsealed access roads.