Nelson Falls is a 1.4km, grade 2 hike located in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 45 minutes to complete.
Hike overview
A delightful short walk from the Lyell Highway€”the last between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown€”takes visitors alongside a burbling river to the beautiful Nelson falls. The mossy forest, featuring sassafras, myrtle and a variety of ferns, gives hints of the high rainfall in this area. These falls are always a wonderful sight, but can be a spectacularly roaring torrent after heavy rain. Return via the same track.
Along the boardwalk to Nelson Falls you will come across interpretation panels highlighting the ancient plants you see along the way, including at least seven species of fern. These interpretation panels will take you on a journey back in time to when Tasmania was a part of the great supercontinent of Gondwana.
Among the forest trees you will discover an€‹€‹cient species that once dominated the Australian landmass, but are now confined to the wetter regions of Tasmania and south-east and eastern mainland Australia. Many of the species of these cool temperate rainforests are only suited to the cool, moist conditions of places such as the Nelson Valley.€‹
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 387 m
Min elevation: 332 m
Total climbing: 65 m
Total descent: -65 m
Trail location
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Getting there
The Lyell Highway (A10) connects Hobart in the south-east of Tasmania with Queenstown in the west. It runs through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
From Hobart, travel west for 2.5 hours via the Lyell Highway. From Launceston, travel south via Longford and Poatina on the Highland Lakes Road (A5) to Miena and the B11 to Bronte Park. Join the A5. King William Saddle, west of Derwent Bridge, marks the eastern boundary of the park. A further 56 km along the highway, Nelson Falls marks the western boundary, a 3 hour drive from Hobart.
The park can also be accessed via the lower Gordon River on one of the daily cruise boats from Strahan.
€‹The Lyell Highway may occasionally be closed by snow in winter.
Where possible, please 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.
About the region
The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is wild by nature, wild by name, with dramatic mountain peaks, spectacular gorges and world-famous rivers running through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness. Part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area, this national park is closely linked to the successful campaign to protect the beautiful Franklin river from being flooded as a result of the proposed damming of the Gordon River in the 1980s.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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Gear to consider
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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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.