When you’re driving Tasmania’s rugged west coast, you might not plan a full trip just to see Nelson Falls — especially if you’re coming all the way from Hobart or Launceston.
But if you’re on the Lyell Highway, like we were when traveling from Queenstown to Mt Field National Park, this place is a must-stop gem.
Hidden within the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Nelson Falls is one of those places where you step out of the car, stretch your legs, and within minutes, find yourself immersed in a stunning pocket of ancient temperate rainforest.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know for your visit to this magical rainforest gem.
How to Get to Nelson Falls
You’ll find Nelson Falls just off the Lyell Highway (A10), about 28 kilometers east of Queenstown and around 59 kilometers west of Derwent Bridge.
You’ll spot a spacious, clearly marked car park on the northern side of the road, offering around 10 regular spaces, a designated disabled spot, and a small bay for buses or caravans.
It’s the perfect place to park up, no matter how big your vehicle, and take a well-earned break before heading into the rainforest.
Nelson Falls Trail Details
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about this walk:
- Distance: 1.2 km return
- Elevation Gain: 37m
- Duration: 20mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starting Point: Nelson Falls Car Park along Lyell Highway
Stepping Into Tasmanian Rainforest
The trail to Nelson Falls is a gentle 1.2-kilometer return walk, typically taking around 20 minutes.
The moment you step into the rainforest, it feels like entering another world—calm, green, and timeless.
What stands out about this walk is how much history it holds.
Along the way, you’ll come across information signs explaining that these forests are part of an ancient ecosystem, dating back to the time of Gondwana—the massive supercontinent that existed over 300 million years ago.
During that time, Tasmania was closer to the South Pole, covered in ice and swept by polar winds. Some of the plants here, like certain species of ferns, have survived ever since.
As you stroll, take a moment to admire the lush variety of ferns—at least 7 species grow here, from tiny, filmy ferns and fishbone ferns carpeting the ground to giant tree ferns arching high above.
It’s like walking through a living relic of Earth’s history—a pocket of wilderness that has quietly endured for hundreds of millions of years.
Reaching Nelson Falls
Before you know it, the forest opens up and there it is: Nelson Falls, cascading around 30 meters down a tiered rock face.
Depending on the time of year and recent rainfall, the flow can be a gentle curtain or a thundering torrent.
We were lucky enough to catch it after some rain, and it was just incredible. There’s a metal platform at the end of the trail that gives you a great view — perfect for snapping photos or just standing still and soaking it all in.
Make it Part of Your Adventure
If you’re like us and exploring western Tasmania’s wild landscapes, Nelson Falls is the perfect stop to break up your journey.
It’s especially rewarding if you’re on your way between Queenstown, Strahan, or heading east towards Derwent Bridge and Mt Field National Park.
The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is full of other scenic walks and viewpoints too, so if you’ve got time, there’s plenty more to explore nearby.
Final Thoughts
Nelson Falls is one of those places that’s easy to miss if you’re rushing from A to B — but don’t. It’s a quick, rewarding walk into Tasmania’s primeval rainforest, topped off with a spectacular waterfall.
Whether you’re a keen hiker or just passing through, this spot is a real reminder of how wild and beautiful Tassie’s west coast can be.
Found It Helpful? Pin It for Later!
