Nelson Falls Walk – Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

A Wheelchair-Accessible Rainforest Walk on the Lyell Highway

Located just off the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge, the Nelson Falls Walk is one of the easiest ways to experience the spectacular rainforest of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A short, mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible track follows the Nelson River through moss-covered myrtle, sassafras and fern-filled rainforest before reaching the base of Nelson Falls, an impressive cascade tumbling approximately 30 metres over a rocky cliff. Interpretive panels along the walk also explore Tasmania’s connection with the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, making this short walk as interesting as it is beautiful.

See also:

• Camping Strahan
• Iron Blow Walk
• Hogarth Falls Walk
• Henty Dunes Walk
• Camping Lake Burbury
• Camping Trial Harbour
• Camping Thureau Hills
• Caravan Park Queenstown
• Caravan Park Rosebery
• Caravan Parks Strahan

Walk Overview

Location: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, West Coast Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 1.4 km return

Time: Approximately 40 minutes return

Difficulty: Easy (Grade 1)

Track Type: Return

Track Surface: Wide, hard-packed gravel and boardwalk

Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance

Main Feature: Approximately 30-metre rainforest waterfall

Best Time: After rain, when Nelson Falls is flowing strongly

The Walk

The Nelson Falls Walk begins beside the Lyell Highway and immediately enters cool, dense rainforest. The track follows the Nelson River through a beautiful landscape of myrtle, sassafras, mosses and large ferns. Unlike many waterfall walks in Tasmania, there are no major climbs or steep sections. The track remains relatively flat throughout, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. Interpretive signs positioned along the route explain the remarkable natural history of the rainforest and its connections with the ancient southern supercontinent of Gondwana. The track eventually reaches a viewing area at the base of Nelson Falls, where water cascades down a broad stepped rockface into the forest below.

Terrain

The track is flat and well formed for virtually its entire length. Sections of hard-packed gravel and boardwalk follow the Nelson River through dense temperate rainforest, with the surrounding vegetation providing plenty of shade. The rainforest environment means the track and boardwalk can sometimes remain damp even during relatively dry weather.

Difficulty

Nelson Falls is rated Easy (Grade 1) and is one of the most accessible short rainforest walks on Tasmania’s West Coast. There are no significant hills or difficult sections, while the wide and generally even surface makes the walk suitable for families, young children and many visitors with limited mobility. The track is also suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.

Walk Highlights

Nelson Falls

The main attraction is the approximately 30-metre-high Nelson Falls, which tumbles down a broad, stepped rockface surrounded by thick rainforest. The waterfall is particularly impressive following periods of heavy West Coast rainfall, when considerably more water pours over the rockface.

Ancient Rainforest

The walk passes through beautiful temperate rainforest containing myrtle, sassafras, mosses and numerous species of fern. The cool, damp forest provides an excellent introduction to the rainforest environments protected within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Gondwana Connections

Interpretive panels along the track explain how Tasmania’s rainforest vegetation provides clues to the island’s ancient connection with Gondwana. Several fern species found along the walk have relatives in places including South America and New Zealand, reflecting a shared botanical history stretching back millions of years.

Top Tip

Visit Nelson Falls after a period of rain if possible. The waterfall can be attractive at almost any time of year, but following heavy rain the increased flow transforms it into a much more powerful and impressive cascade.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes with reasonable grip
• Camera or phone for photographs
• Light rain jacket
• Warm layer, particularly outside summer
• Drinking water

Safety

• Stay on the formed track and boardwalk.
• Take care on damp or slippery sections of boardwalk.
• The viewing area near the waterfall may become wet from spray.
• Supervise young children around the river and waterfall viewing area.
• Mobile phone reception can be limited or unavailable along this section of the Lyell Highway.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. The short distance, flat terrain and well-constructed track make Nelson Falls one of the easiest rainforest walks in Tasmania for families with young children. It is also a practical option for families using suitable prams, although wet conditions can occasionally make parts of the track more difficult.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No.

Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Getting There

Nelson Falls is located beside the Lyell Highway (A10) between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge. The signed Nelson Falls car park is approximately 27 km east of Queenstown and around 59 km west of Derwent Bridge. From Hobart, allow approximately three hours to reach the area depending on road and weather conditions. The Lyell Highway through this part of western Tasmania is winding and can experience rapidly changing weather, so allow plenty of time for the journey.

Facilities

Facilities at the Nelson Falls trailhead are limited.

• Car parking
• Interpretive information
• Formed walking track and boardwalk
• Waterfall viewing area

There are no major visitor facilities at the walk itself, so it is best to use toilets and obtain food, fuel and drinking water before travelling through this relatively remote section of the Lyell Highway.

Why Walk Nelson Falls?

Nelson Falls provides an unusually accessible opportunity to experience the magnificent rainforest of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness. In less than an hour, visitors can walk beside a rainforest river, discover plants with ancient Gondwanan connections and stand beneath one of the West Coast’s most attractive waterfalls. Its location directly beside the Lyell Highway also makes Nelson Falls an ideal place to stretch your legs and break up the spectacular drive between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge.