The Liffey River Track offers a challenging 9.5km, grade 3 adventure through the heart of Liffey Falls State Reserve, Tasmania. Expect to spend roughly 3.5 hours traversing this scenic route.
The journey begins at the Upper Liffey Falls Picnic area. Here, you'll join the well-maintained Liffey Falls Upper Track, leading you to the awe-inspiring Liffey Falls themselves. From there, the path follows the Liffey River closely, eventually reaching Projection Bluff Lookout and Highland lakes Road. You will then need to retrace your steps back along the river.
Be prepared for a diverse landscape as the route unfolds. The initial section boasts a lovely forest with towering eucalyptus trees and lush ferns. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, with beech trees and towering tree ferns taking center stage in the wetter environment. The path alongside the river becomes progressively rockier and muddier, adding a touch of adventure. The final stretch presents a satisfying elevation gain, rewarding you with panoramic views at the lookout.
Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant flora and fauna along the way. The track is teeming with diverse fungi, moss, and ferns, creating a truly immersive experience.
For the adventurous, there's an option to extend the hike by 6km. By connecting with the Liffey Falls Hike starting at the Lower Liffey Reserve, you can transform this hike into a longer exploration of the Liffey Falls State Reserve.
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: 9500 m
Max elevation: 1101 m
Min elevation: 562 m
Total climbing: 584 m
Total descent: -584 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Lower Liffey Reserve.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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
Looking for more walks in or near Lower Liffey Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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