Forth Falls Walk – Lake Barrington

Fern-Filled Forest and Hidden Waterfalls Above Lake Barrington

Hidden in lush forest near Wilmot, Forth Falls is a rewarding short bushwalk to a series of waterfalls and cascades on Forth Falls Creek as it makes its way towards Lake Barrington. The walk descends through beautiful fern-filled forest, with occasional glimpses towards Lake Barrington, before reaching a junction where separate tracks lead to the Upper and Lower Forth Falls. Although relatively short, this isn’t simply an easy waterfall stroll. The natural track can be rough, steep and slippery in places, particularly around the falls, making Forth Falls best suited to walkers comfortable on uneven bush tracks.

See also:

• Camping Lake Barrington

Walk Overview

Location: Lake Barrington Road, near Wilmot, North West Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 3–4 km return

Time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours return

Difficulty: Moderate – approximately Grade 3

Track Type: Return, with separate branches to the Upper and Lower Falls

Track Surface: Natural forest track with steps, tree roots, rocks and potentially muddy or slippery sections

Best Time: After recent rainfall when Forth Falls Creek is flowing strongly, although wet conditions make the track more slippery

The Walk

The Forth Falls Walk begins beside Lake Barrington Road, a short drive from Wilmot. From the road, the track descends into cool, lush forest where tree ferns and dense native vegetation quickly create a feeling of being much further from civilisation than you actually are. The route is marked through the forest and continues downhill towards Forth Falls Creek. Along the way, openings between the trees provide occasional glimpses towards Lake Barrington below. After approximately 30–45 minutes, the track reaches an important junction. From here, separate branches lead to the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. It’s worth visiting both before retracing your route back uphill to Lake Barrington Road.

Lower Forth Falls

At the track junction, take the branch towards the Lower Falls. Allow approximately another 5–10 minutes to reach the waterfall. The Lower Falls tumble into a beautiful pool enclosed by lush vegetation and steep forested slopes. Tree ferns crowd the surrounding creek banks, creating a particularly attractive setting when the falls are carrying plenty of water. The Lower Falls are a good place to stop for a break before returning to the junction and taking the alternative branch towards the Upper Falls.

Upper Forth Falls

The Upper Forth Falls provide another impressive waterfall and cascade area on Forth Falls Creek. Follow the alternative branch from the junction through the forest towards the creek. The upper section contains a series of cascades and flowing water surrounded by rocks, ferns and overhanging vegetation. After rain, the volume of water can make this the most impressive section of the walk. Take particular care around wet rocks and creek edges, which can become extremely slippery.

A Forest of Ferns

The waterfalls may be the destination, but the forest is one of the real highlights of this walk. The track passes through extensive fern-filled sections where large tree ferns create a cool green canopy above the trail. Mosses and smaller ferns cover the damp forest floor, while the sheltered environment around Forth Falls Creek supports dense vegetation. It’s a particularly atmospheric walk after rain, when the forest is dripping with moisture and the creek is flowing strongly.

Lake Barrington Views

Between the dense sections of forest, walkers can catch glimpses through the trees towards Lake Barrington. The lake stretches for around 20 kilometres through the surrounding valley and was created as part of Tasmania’s hydro-electric development. Today it is best known as an international-standard rowing venue, but its creation also dramatically changed Forth Falls Creek and the original waterfall system.

The Lost Forth Falls

Forth Falls has an interesting connection with the creation of Lake Barrington. Before the lake was formed, Forth Falls Creek descended towards the Forth River through a series of seven waterfalls. Construction of the Lake Barrington hydro-electric scheme was completed in 1969, flooding the lower valley. One of the original waterfalls disappeared completely beneath the new lake, while another became partly submerged. The upper portion of one of these historic falls can still be seen from the water when approaching by kayak or canoe. The waterfalls visited on today’s walking track are therefore only part of what was once a much larger cascade system descending towards the Forth River.

Terrain

The Forth Falls Walk is short, but the terrain is rougher than the distance might suggest.

Expect:

• Natural forest track
• Steep steps
• Tree roots
• Rocks
• Fern-filled forest
• Muddy sections after rain
• Slippery surfaces around the waterfalls
• Some steeper climbing on the return journey

The descent towards the waterfalls means you’ll need to regain that elevation when returning to the road.

Difficulty

Forth Falls is best regarded as a moderate walk requiring some bushwalking experience. The main forest track is relatively straightforward, but conditions become rougher around the waterfall branches, with uneven and potentially slippery terrain. Published descriptions of the walk vary between Grade 3 and Grade 4 depending on the route measured. For most walkers, treating it as a Grade 3 walk while being prepared for rougher sections is sensible.

Wildlife

The dense forest surrounding Forth Falls Creek provides good habitat for native Tasmanian wildlife. Listen for forest birds and watch quietly around the creek and fern glades. Wallabies, pademelons and echidnas inhabit the surrounding region, although sightings naturally aren’t guaranteed. The damp environment also provides excellent habitat for frogs, invertebrates and other smaller forest creatures.

Getting There

Forth Falls is located near Wilmot, overlooking the Lake Barrington valley. From Wilmot, follow Lake Barrington Road (C135) towards Lake Barrington. Look for the Forth Falls walking-track signage and parking area beside the road. Parking immediately beside the trailhead is limited because the road is narrow, so use the designated or safe roadside parking area and take care when walking beside the road towards the start of the track.

Facilities

Facilities at the Forth Falls trailhead are very limited.

• Limited roadside parking
• Walking-track signage
• No toilets at the falls
• No drinking water
• No picnic facilities at the waterfall

Bring everything you need for the walk and take all rubbish with you.

What You’ll See

• Upper Forth Falls
• Lower Forth Falls
• Forth Falls Creek
• Waterfall cascades
• Large tree ferns
• Lush native forest
• Moss-covered forest floor
• Views through the trees towards Lake Barrington
• Remnants of a waterfall system altered by the Lake Barrington hydro scheme
• Native forest birds and wildlife

Walk Tips

• Visit both the Upper and Lower Falls rather than choosing only one branch.
• Wear walking shoes or boots with good grip.
• Take extra care after rain when rocks, roots and steps can become slippery.
• Allow up to two hours so you don’t need to rush.
• Bring drinking water.
• A waterproof jacket is useful in the damp forest environment.
• Keep to the established route and track markers.
• Do not attempt to climb around wet waterfall rocks.
• Remember that the downhill journey to the falls means an uphill walk back to the road.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Older, active children with bushwalking experience should manage Forth Falls, but this isn’t as straightforward as many short family waterfall walks. Steep sections, slippery rocks, uneven ground and the creek environment mean younger children need very close supervision. Families looking for an easier waterfall walk in North West Tasmania may prefer Guide Falls or one of the more developed short walks in the region.

Nearby Bushwalks

Forth Falls can easily be combined with several walks around Wilmot, Sheffield, Mount Roland and Lake Barrington.

O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail

The O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail at Gowrie Park is an easy 1.4 km return walk following O’Neill’s Creek through fern-filled forest beneath Mount Roland.

Mount Roland via O’Neill’s Track

The Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track is a much more substantial mountain adventure, climbing through forest and across the exposed plateau to the 1,233-metre summit.

Redwater Creek Falls

The Redwater Creek Falls Walk near Sheffield follows farm tracks and forest trails to another attractive seasonal waterfall. The approximately 5 km return walk takes around 1–1.5 hours.

Kimberley’s Lookout via Redwater Creek Falls

The Kimberley’s Lookout via Redwater Creek Falls extends the waterfall walk into a 7.7 km circuit through the Badger Range. The reward is one of the best views towards Mount Roland in the Sheffield area.

Lake Barrington

Nearby Lake Barrington is worth visiting after the walk for its forested shoreline, picnic areas and views across the hydro-electric lake.

Why Walk Forth Falls?

Forth Falls is one of those short Tasmanian walks that feels considerably wilder than its modest distance suggests. The journey through lush tree-fern forest is almost as rewarding as the waterfalls themselves, with glimpses towards Lake Barrington and the constant presence of Forth Falls Creek adding to the atmosphere. Visiting both the Upper and Lower Falls provides plenty of variety, while the story of the original seven waterfalls and the flooding of the valley adds an unusual historical dimension to the walk. For walkers exploring Wilmot, Lake Barrington, Sheffield or Mount Roland, Forth Falls is a worthwhile detour and one of the more adventurous short waterfall walks in North West Tasmania.