Liffey Falls State Reserve offers two walking tracks to the namesake falls. The choice depends on your desired difficulty and access to amenities.
The most popular option starts from the Upper Liffey Falls car park. This well-developed area features picnic tables, shelters, information boards, and even barbecue facilities. The track itself is shorter and considered higher grade, meaning it might have steeper sections. You can find this walk here.
For those seeking a longer and more leisurely walk, the Lower Liffey Reserve car park provides an alternative access point. Keep in mind that facilities here are minimal. This track is less developed than the upper track, but it still winds through the beautiful rainforest and leads to the same breathtaking falls. An additional benefit of the lower car park is that it can be accessed by larger vehicles like buses and caravans, unlike the upper car park with its restricted access.
Highlights
Water collected on the Great Western Tiers washes into the Liffey River. As it rushes downslope it erodes away the softer mudstone sediments exposing sandstone steps. These give rise to a series of waterfalls culminating in Liffey Falls.
The exposed sandstone was laid down over 250 million years ago when this region lay further south, covered by sea and ice. As icebergs melted, rocks were freed and plunged as 'dropstones' into the marine sediments below. These embedded dropstones, which are paler, roundish and flattened in shape, can be seen in the river along the track to Liffey Falls. Made of quartzite, these dropstones may have come from as far away as Cradle Mountain! Also embedded in the rocks exposed by the erosive force of the Liffey River are tiny marine fossils.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- No Parks Pass is required to visit Liffey Falls State Reserve.
- The top car park via Riversdale Road is day use area only. Riversdale Road is an unsealed, narrow, winding road and is not accessible by buses, trailers or vans.
- Free camping is available at the lower car park via Gulf Road. The Liffey Falls camping area is best accessed from the township of Liffey if you are driving a larger vehicle such as a motorhome or campervan.
- The reserve is within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Free gas BBQs are provided at the Upper Liffey Falls day use area. Campfires are only permitted within the designated fireplaces at the Lower Liffey Falls camping area.
- Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trails.
Total distance: 6024 m
Max elevation: 515 m
Min elevation: 403 m
Total climbing: 227 m
Total descent: -227 m
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Upper car park:Â From Deloraine or Great Lake take the Highland Lakes Rd (A5) then turn off at the signpost onto Riversdale Rd (C513). Riverdale Road is unsuitable for larger vehicles including buses, caravans and motorhomes.
Lower car park and campground:Â Best accessed via Liffey township on Gulf Rd (which is also C513). This access is suitable for larger vehicles.
The gravel road leading to Liffey Falls is steep and winding, with several sharp bends. The roads are used by logging trucks, take care and keep to the left on the road. ​Where possible, avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Just a one-hour drive from Launceston, Liffey Falls State Reserve offers a chance to immerse yourself in Tasmania's cool temperate rainforest. The star attraction is undoubtedly Liffey Falls, but the reserve boasts much more, including towering trees, diverse wildlife, and a network of walking tracks.
The reserve caters to various levels of accessibility. The upper car park provides a convenient starting point for the Liffey Falls Great Short Walk. This well-maintained track leads you directly to the falls and is perfect for a quick nature fix. The upper car park also offers amenities like shelters, information boards, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
For those seeking a slightly longer walk or a different perspective, the lower car park offers another access point. While the track may be less developed, it still winds through the beautiful rainforest and leads to the same magnificent falls. Keep in mind that the access road to the upper car park is not suitable for larger vehicles like campervans, buses, or caravans. Visitors arriving in these modes will need to begin their walk at the lower car park.
Image: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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