Liffey Falls Walk – Great Western Tiers

Four Waterfalls in Cool Temperate Rainforest

The Liffey Falls Walk is one of Tasmania’s classic short rainforest walks, following the Liffey River through lush forest to a series of beautiful cascades and waterfalls. Starting from the upper car park, the track descends through cool temperate rainforest and passes four named falls — Alexandra, Hopetoun, Albert and Victoria Falls — before reaching the main viewing area. The walk is short, well formed and easy to follow, making it a great choice for families and casual walkers who want plenty of scenery without committing to a long hike. The downhill walk to the falls is straightforward; the only real effort comes on the return journey, when you retrace your steps uphill through the rainforest.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The track descends from the upper car park through lush cool temperate rainforest beside the Liffey River. The route is generally well formed and easy to follow, with sections of stone steps and narrower track closer to the waterfalls. Myrtle, sassafras, ferns and moss-covered rocks create a classic Tasmanian rainforest atmosphere throughout much of the walk. The return journey follows the same route uphill, so although the walk is short, expect a steady climb back to the car park.

Difficulty

Liffey Falls is an easy Grade 2 walk suitable for most walkers. The track is well defined and there are no major technical challenges. The main things to watch are wet stone steps and slippery sections near the river, particularly after rain. The uphill return to the car park adds a little effort but is manageable for most people with a basic level of fitness.

Walk Highlights

💦 Alexandra Falls

Alexandra Falls is one of the first named cascades encountered as the track follows the river downstream. Water tumbles through mossy rock and forest, setting the tone for the rest of the walk. After rain, the cascade becomes particularly lively and photogenic.

💦 Hopetoun Falls

Further along the river, Hopetoun Falls adds another distinctive cascade to the sequence. The combination of flowing water, dense fern growth and shaded rainforest makes this a beautiful section of the walk. Take your time rather than rushing straight to the main falls — much of the appeal lies in the smaller cascades along the way.

💦 Albert Falls

Albert Falls continues the chain of cascades along the Liffey River. Each waterfall has a slightly different shape and character depending on water level and recent rainfall. Together, the named falls make this walk feel much more varied than its short distance would suggest.

💦 Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is another attractive cascade on the approach to the main waterfall viewing area. The surrounding myrtle forest and moss-covered rocks create excellent opportunities for photography. Water levels vary with rainfall, so no two visits are exactly the same.

🌊 Liffey Falls

The main Liffey Falls is the highlight of the walk. The river spills over broad tiers of rock in a series of cascades surrounded by dense rainforest. A viewing platform provides a safe vantage point for enjoying the falls without needing to scramble around wet rocks beside the river. After sustained rain, the volume of water can transform the falls into a particularly dramatic sight.

🌿 Cool Temperate Rainforest

The forest is every bit as important to the experience as the waterfalls. Tall myrtle and sassafras trees create a shaded canopy over a thick understorey of ferns, mosses and other moisture-loving plants. The cool, green environment is particularly welcome on warm summer days.

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes – good grip is useful on wet stone steps
• Light waterproof jacket – the rainforest stays damp and cool
• Drinking water
• Camera – this is one of Tasmania’s most photogenic short waterfall walks
• Warm layer – useful in the shaded rainforest
• Insect repellent during warmer months

Safety

Liffey Falls is a straightforward walk, but wet rainforest conditions still require care:

• Stone steps can become slippery when wet
• Stay on formed tracks and designated viewing areas
• Do not climb onto wet rocks beside the falls
• Supervise children around the river and viewing platforms
• Allow extra time in very wet conditions

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes.

The short distance, well-formed track and constant interest from waterfalls and forest make Liffey Falls an excellent family walk. Children should be supervised around the viewing areas and on wet steps near the river. The uphill return may tire very young walkers, but most active children should manage the route comfortably.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted on the Liffey Falls walking track.

Getting There

Liffey Falls State Reserve is located beneath Tasmania’s Great Western Tiers, south-west of Launceston and near Deloraine. From Deloraine, travel toward Liffey via the local road network and follow signs toward Liffey Falls Road. The upper car park provides the shortest and most popular access to the falls. Allow roughly 40 minutes from Deloraine, depending on your route and road conditions.

Upper Car Park or Lower Car Park?

Most visitors doing the short Great Short Walk use the upper Liffey Falls car park. This gives direct access to the approximately 2 km return walk past the waterfalls. There is also lower access to the Liffey Falls area, which can be used for longer walking options. Make sure your navigation is taking you to the correct car park for the walk you intend to do.

Facilities

Facilities around the upper car park include:

• Toilets
• Picnic tables
• Car parking
• Walking-track information

Basic camping facilities are also available in the wider Liffey Falls area.

There are no substantial shops or food services at the walk itself, so bring anything you need with you.

Do You Need a Parks Pass?

No Tasmania Parks Pass is generally required for Liffey Falls State Reserve. That makes this an easy walk to add to a Great Western Tiers road trip without needing to enter a national park.

Best Time to Walk

Liffey Falls can be visited throughout the year. The waterfalls are usually at their most impressive after substantial rainfall, when all of the cascades are flowing strongly. Autumn can add extra colour to the surrounding forest, while summer offers pleasant shaded walking beneath the rainforest canopy. After heavy rain, allow extra time and take additional care on slippery track surfaces.

Why Walk to Liffey Falls?

Few short walks deliver as much scenery as Liffey Falls. In less than an hour you can walk through beautiful cool temperate rainforest, follow a clear mountain river and pass four named cascades before arriving at the main tiered falls. The track is easy enough for most visitors, yet the combination of water, forest and moss-covered rock gives the walk a genuine wilderness feel. It is also one of the easiest waterfall walks to incorporate into a road trip around Deloraine and the Great Western Tiers.

For maximum waterfall scenery with relatively little walking, Liffey Falls is one of the best short walks in northern Tasmania.