Hogarth Falls Walk – Strahan’s Rainforest Secret

A Platypus-Spotting Stroll Through People’s Park

Tucked behind the foreshore of the historic West Coast town of Strahan, the Hogarth Falls Walk follows tannin-stained Botanical Creek through a beautiful pocket of tall eucalypt and cool temperate rainforest to an attractive two-tiered waterfall. It’s one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks Tasmania and one of the easiest walks to include in a busy West Coast itinerary, with the trailhead at People’s Park only a short distance from Strahan’s waterfront. The track is mostly flat and well formed, following the creek beneath leatherwood, sassafras and myrtle before a short climb and wooden steps lead towards the falls. There’s another reason to take your time: Botanical Creek is known as platypus habitat, and quiet walkers may be lucky enough to spot one swimming or feeding in the creek, particularly around dawn or dusk.

See also:

• Camping Strahan
• Camping Lake Burbury
• Camping Trial Harbour
• Camping Thureau Hills
• Caravan Park Queenstown
• Caravan Park Rosebery
• Caravan Parks Strahan

Walk Overview

Location: People’s Park, Strahan, West Coast Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 2.4 km return

Time: Approximately 40–50 minutes return

Difficulty: Easy – Grade 2

Track Type: Return, following Botanical Creek to Hogarth Falls

Track Surface: Formed forest track with wooden steps and potentially muddy or slippery sections after rain

Best Time: Year-round; early morning or dusk provides the best chance of spotting a platypus

The Walk

The Hogarth Falls Walk begins at People’s Park, just behind Strahan’s waterfront. From the park, follow the clearly defined walking track into the forest alongside Botanical Creek. Almost immediately, the atmosphere changes from the streets and harbour of Strahan to a sheltered forest of tall eucalypts, ferns and rainforest species. The track remains relatively level for most of the journey, making this one of the more accessible waterfall walks on Tasmania’s West Coast. As you walk deeper into the forest, Botanical Creek remains a regular companion beside the track. Near the end of the walk, a short climb and wooden steps lead towards the viewing area at Hogarth Falls. After enjoying the waterfall, return to People’s Park along the same track.

Hogarth Falls

Hogarth Falls provides an attractive finish to the short forest walk. The waterfall drops in two stages over dramatically tilted rock, surrounded by dense West Coast vegetation. The combination of flowing water, dark rock, moss and rainforest gives the falls a particularly atmospheric appearance after rain. Water levels naturally vary with recent rainfall, but Strahan’s wet climate means the surrounding forest remains lush throughout much of the year. Take care around the viewing area and nearby rocks, particularly when surfaces are wet.

Botanical Creek

Much of the character of the Hogarth Falls Walk comes from Botanical Creek. The dark, tannin-stained water winds through the forest beside the track before eventually reaching Macquarie Harbour. The colour of the creek comes from naturally occurring tannins released by decaying vegetation in the surrounding forest and button-grass country. Rather than rushing directly to the waterfall, take some time to stop beside the quieter pools and watch the surface of the water. You may notice ripples, bubbles or movement that reveal one of the creek’s most famous residents.

Platypus Territory

Botanical Creek is known as a place where walkers sometimes encounter wild platypus. These remarkable animals can be difficult to spot, particularly when the track is busy, but the quieter periods around early morning and dusk generally provide the best opportunity. Look for ripples spreading across otherwise calm water or a small dark shape briefly appearing at the surface before diving again. If you do see a platypus, remain quiet and observe it from a distance. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the possibility of seeing a platypus adds an extra dimension to what is already a beautiful short walk.

A Two-Tiered Waterfall

Hogarth Falls drops over distinctive layers of rock that have been tilted dramatically by ancient geological processes. The waterfall descends in two main stages, creating a series of cascades before Botanical Creek continues downstream through the forest. The surrounding rock formations are part of what makes Hogarth Falls visually interesting, particularly when there has been enough rain to produce a strong flow.

The Rainforest

The walk passes through a beautiful example of the wet forest typical of Tasmania’s high-rainfall West Coast. Tall eucalypts rise above an understorey containing species such as leatherwood, sassafras and myrtle. Tree ferns, smaller ferns, mosses and fungi thrive in the cool and frequently damp conditions beside Botanical Creek. The forest can be particularly attractive after rain, when the vegetation is dripping with moisture and the creek and waterfall are flowing strongly.

Terrain

Hogarth Falls is an easy Grade 2 walk suitable for most visitors. The majority of the track is relatively flat and well formed.

Expect:

• Formed forest walking track
• Mostly gentle gradients
• Short climbing section near the falls
• Wooden steps
• Tree roots in some sections
• Potentially muddy ground after rain
• Wet and slippery surfaces near the waterfall

There are no major climbs, scrambling sections or long steep gradients.

Difficulty

Rated Easy – Grade 2, Hogarth Falls is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The relatively short distance and gentle terrain make it an excellent option for visitors wanting to experience Strahan’s rainforest without undertaking a longer bushwalk. The main areas requiring additional care are the wooden steps and wet surfaces near the waterfall.

Top Tip

Don’t rush straight to the waterfall. If you’re hoping to see a platypus, walk slowly and quietly beside Botanical Creek and regularly stop to watch the calmer sections of water. Early morning and dusk are particularly worthwhile, when the track is quieter and platypus may be more active.

Wildlife

Platypus may be the star attraction, but the forest surrounding Botanical Creek supports a variety of other native wildlife. Listen for forest birds in the canopy and watch the quieter edges of the track for smaller animals. The damp forest floor also provides excellent habitat for frogs and invertebrates, while fungi can be particularly abundant during the cooler months. As always, observe wildlife quietly and never attempt to feed or approach animals.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket in unsettled weather
• Camera
• Drinking water
• Insect repellent during warmer months
• Patience if you’re hoping to see a platypus

Safety

• Watch your footing on wooden steps after rain.
• Rocks around the waterfall can be extremely slippery.
• Keep children close around creek banks and track edges.
• Stay on the formed walking track.
• Do not climb around the waterfall.
• Take additional care when walking near dusk if you’re staying to look for platypus.
• Fires, firearms and bicycles are not permitted within People’s Park.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. Hogarth Falls is an excellent family-friendly walk. The approximately 2.4-kilometre return distance, mostly flat track and waterfall destination provide enough variety to keep younger walkers interested. The possibility of spotting a platypus in Botanical Creek adds another attraction for children. Some additional supervision is required around the creek, wooden steps and waterfall viewing area, particularly when surfaces are wet.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are permitted on leash in People’s Park. Keep dogs under control throughout the walk, prevent them from entering or disturbing Botanical Creek and always clean up after your pet. If you’re hoping to see a platypus, walking without a dog may improve your chances of a quiet wildlife encounter.

Getting There

Hogarth Falls is reached from People’s Park in Strahan. The park is located just off the Esplanade, between central Strahan and Regatta Point, making the walk easily accessible from the town centre and harbourfront. Visitors staying in central Strahan can walk to People’s Park, while those arriving by vehicle can use parking near the trailhead. From People’s Park, follow the signed track alongside Botanical Creek towards Hogarth Falls.

No Tasmania Parks Pass is required for the walk.

Facilities

Facilities immediately along the Hogarth Falls walking track are limited.

• Parking near People’s Park
• Walking-track signage
• Picnic area
• No toilets along the walking track
• No drinking water along the track

Additional public toilets, cafés, shops, restaurants and other visitor facilities are available around the Strahan waterfront and town centre.

What You’ll See

• Hogarth Falls
• Botanical Creek
• Tannin-stained water
• Tall eucalypt forest
• Leatherwood
• Myrtle
• Sassafras
• Tree ferns and mosses
• Interesting tilted rock formations
• Native forest birds
• Potential wild platypus sightings

Walk Tips

• Visit around early morning or dusk for the best chance of seeing a platypus.
• Walk slowly and quietly beside Botanical Creek.
• Watch calm sections of water for ripples and bubbles.
• Wear shoes with reasonable grip, particularly after rain.
• Allow longer than the suggested walking time if you’re wildlife watching.
• Bring a light waterproof jacket – Strahan receives plenty of rain.
• Take care on wooden steps and wet surfaces near the waterfall.
• Don’t approach or feed wildlife.
• Stay on the formed track to protect the surrounding vegetation.

Nearby Bushwalks and Attractions

Hogarth Falls is an excellent short walk to combine with several other West Coast attractions around Strahan and Zeehan.

Henty Dunes

The Henty Dunes Walk, a short drive north of Strahan, explores one of Tasmania’s most impressive coastal dune systems. Walkers can climb the huge dunes for views towards Ocean Beach or continue further across the sand towards the coast.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is Tasmania’s longest beach and provides a dramatic contrast to the sheltered waters of Macquarie Harbour. It’s particularly impressive around sunset when the Southern Ocean and exposed West Coast landscape are at their most atmospheric.

Spray Tunnel Walk

The Spray Tunnel Walk near Zeehan follows an old tramway through forest to an impressive approximately 100-metre-long keyhole-shaped railway tunnel. The easy approximately 6 km walk takes around an hour and combines West Coast mining history with an unusual forest experience.

Iron Blow Lookout

The Iron Blow Walk near Gormanston is a very short walk to a cantilevered viewing platform overlooking a spectacular flooded former mining excavation. At approximately 600 metres return, it’s an easy addition to a day exploring Tasmania’s West Coast.

Make a Day of Strahan

Hogarth Falls is short enough to fit easily around Strahan’s other attractions. Start with the waterfall walk early in the morning when you have a better chance of seeing a platypus, then explore the historic waterfront and Macquarie Harbour. Later in the day, head north to Henty Dunes and Ocean Beach for a completely different West Coast landscape. Alternatively, save Hogarth Falls until late afternoon and walk quietly beside Botanical Creek around dusk before returning to Strahan for the evening.

Why Walk Hogarth Falls – Strahan’s Rainforest Secret?

The Hogarth Falls Walk manages to pack several classic Tasmanian experiences into less than an hour. There’s lush West Coast rainforest, tannin-stained water, an attractive two-tiered waterfall and even the possibility of encountering a wild platypus – all within walking distance of Strahan’s harbourfront. The easy Grade 2 track makes it suitable for families and casual walkers, while the forest and wildlife provide enough interest for experienced bushwalkers looking for something shorter between bigger West Coast adventures. For visitors with a spare hour in Strahan, Hogarth Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks on Tasmania’s West Coast.