Liffey Falls State Reserve

Liffey Falls State Reserve, located approximately one hour's drive from Launceston, is renowned for its stunning multi-level waterfalls nestled within a cool, temperate rainforest. The reserve is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, offering visitors a chance to experience diverse flora and fauna in a pristine environment.

Access and Facilities

The reserve provides two car parks:

• Upper Car Park: Accessible via Riversdale Road (C513), this area is suitable for standard vehicles and features picnic tables, free gas barbecues, and shade. The access road is unsuitable for larger vehicles such as buses, caravans, or motorhomes. Visitors traveling in these vehicles should use the lower car park.

• Lower Car Park and Campground: Located via Gulf Road (C513) from the township of Liffey, this area accommodates larger vehicles, including camper vans, buses, and caravans. Free camping is available here, and campfires are permitted within designated fireplaces. The lower car park provides access to a longer walking track to the falls, which follows the path of an original logging tramway and offers beautiful glimpses of Dry’s Bluff. This track is approximately 2-3 hours return and includes numerous stairs.

Walking Tracks

The reserve offers two walking tracks to the falls:

• Great Short Walk: Starting from the upper car park, this 2 km return track is suitable for most ages and takes approximately 45 minutes. The track meanders through tall, wet eucalypt forest, leading visitors to the base of the falls.

• Longer Walking Track: Starting from the lower car park, this 2-3 hour return track follows the path of an original logging tramway, providing beautiful glimpses of Dry’s Bluff. The track traverses across the Liffey River via sturdy bridges, offering calming views of the flowing water.

Nature and Wildlife

The reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as pink robins, green rosellas, and superb fairy wrens commonly spotted. Visitors may also encounter shy platypuses or giant crayfish in the waters of the Liffey River. At dusk, Tasmanian devils, quolls, bandicoots, and wallabies emerge to feed. The area is also home to ancient tree species, including a 50-meter tall gumtopped stringybark with a trunk diameter of more than 3 meters, known as the 'Big Tree'.

Cultural Heritage

For thousands of years, the area now known as Liffey Falls State Reserve acted as a meeting place for three groups of Tasmanian Aboriginals—Big River, North, and North Midlands people. Sandstone overhangs provided shelter, and other local stone was used for manufacturing tools. In the 1900s, loggers arrived to utilize the rich timber resources, with William Page opening the first sawmill. By the end of World War II, three sawmills were operating in the area. The Liffey Falls Picnic Area was once a logging camp, and the industry continued until the 1960s.

Visitor Information

No Parks Pass is required to visit Liffey Falls State Reserve. Dogs are not permitted within the reserve, and bikes are not allowed on the trails. The gravel road leading to Liffey Falls is steep and winding, with several sharp bends. The roads are used by logging trucks; visitors should take care and keep to the left. Where possible, avoid driving in the reserves at night, as native wildlife may be present on the roads. The upper car park via Riversdale Road is a day-use area only. The lower car park and campground are suitable for overnight stays. For more information, visit the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania website.