Dip Falls Tasmania – Epic Waterfall & Big Tree Walk near Stanley
Everything you need to know about visiting Dip Falls near Stanley, Tasmania. Discover an epic rainforest waterfall and see the short Big Tree Walk on a short day trip from Stanley. If you've found yourself on this blog before, then you know that I've photographed and documented lots of waterfalls in Tasmania. Dip Falls in northwest Tasmania is, in my opinion, one of the best on the island! It's also really accessible provided you have your own vehicle and a great adventure if you're near Stanley. In...
Dip Falls Tasmania – Epic Waterfall & Big Tree Walk near Stanley
Everything you need to know about visiting Dip Falls near Stanley, Tasmania. Discover an epic rainforest waterfall and see the short Big Tree Walk on a short day trip from Stanley.
If you've found yourself on this blog before, then you know that I've photographed and documented lots of waterfalls in Tasmania. Dip Falls in northwest Tasmania is, in my opinion, one of the best on the island! It's also really accessible provided you have your own vehicle and a great adventure if you're near Stanley.
In this post I'll cover everything you need to know to plan a quick trip to Dip Falls and the nearby Big Tree Walk (definitely recommended). I'm also including some photos I took of the waterfall that I hope will inspire you to take a quick trip.
alt=“DIP CASES TASMANIA”>
alt=“LARGE TREE NEAR DIP FALLS IN TASMANIA”>
alt=“VIEWPOINT FOR WATERFALLS”>
Where is Dip Falls Tasmania?
Dip Falls is located between Stanley and Wynyard in the northwest of Tasmania. It flows on the Dip River in the Dip Falls Forest Reserve. The nearest community is Mawbanna, a small farming community just over 5 kilometers away.
How do I get here?
As with many waterfalls in Tasmania, you will need your own car to get to Dip Falls. The road out here is mostly paved, but has a final stretch of well-maintained unpaved gravel road at the end for a few kilometers. Don't worry, we managed it in our big camper with absolutely no dramas, so any 2WD is fine.
If you're coming from Stanley, a scenic 25-mile drive through farmland and forested stretches awaits you. The road is a bit winding in parts and can be narrow, so watch out for large trucks.
On our drive out we spotted a very rare spotted quoll dragging a wallaby carcass across the road (it was twice its size). This was our second quoll sighting in this region, so be careful not to meet one out there. Of course we stopped and took a few photos of the little guy as they are rarely seen during the day.
Once you navigate to the pin above, you will find a large parking lot suitable for about 10 vehicles. There are picnic tables here and a sign pointing the way to the short trail down to the base of Dip Falls.
Unfortunately, if you don't have your own vehicle, Dip Falls is out of the question for you (unless you want to try hitchhiking). But don't worry, there are plenty of epic adventures to be had in Tasmania. Below are some of my must-dos in the region that don't require your own transportation.
The path down to Dip Falls
To get to the base of the falls you have to go down a few steel steps. It's only about 300 meters to the waterfall from the parking lot, but keep in mind that there are some stairs to get down. If you have a normal level of fitness, this is a no-brainer.
Along the way, visitors are rewarded with some great views of the cascading Dip River and the upper levels of the waterfall.
alt="DIP IF STATE RESERVE">
alt=“DIP FALLS STATE RESERVE HIKING TRAIL”>
alt=”GO DOWN TO THE DIP FALL STAIRS”>
alt=“DIP FALLS FROM THE STAIRS”>
Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource
I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.
– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania
RELATED: Complete Guide to Tarkine Drive
Dive in
Dip Falls is a unique waterfall, unlike most I have seen in Tasmania. It is a two-tiered waterfall with the largest drop at the base. But that's not what makes it special. You will immediately notice the rock face formed from cubic basalt, an impressive black geological formation. If you come in winter or after heavy rains, you're in for a treat as the current can get quite impressive.
alt=“DIP CASES TASMANIA”>
alt="DIP CASES TAS">
alt=“DIP CASES TASMANIA”>
There is a large viewing platform at the base where you can stand, take photos and admire the beauty of Dip Falls. Since this is quite remote, we expected to be the only people here, just like at Preston Falls and Guide Falls. However this was not the case, several cars arrived during our early morning visit.
alt=“VIEWPOINT FOR WATERFALLS”>
alt=“DIP CASES TASMANIA”>
When you arrive at Dip Falls Reserve you will notice how beautifully wild the nature is here. It is a solemn reminder that this entire region, now cleared for agriculture, was once a thriving temperate rainforest ecosystem. Let's do our best to protect what's left. Find out what the Bob Brown Foundation is fighting for.
Dip Falls Upper Observation Deck
If you don't feel like taking the steep stairs down to the falls, you can still get a great view of Dip Falls from above. Just a few hundred meters behind the hiking trail, on the other side of the bridge, you will find a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform.
alt=“DIP FALLS NEAR STANLEY”>
Bonus: The Big Tree Walk
Alright, since you've already made it here, you should check out the big tree walk. Trust me, this was one of the most impressive trees I had seen in Tassie, perhaps even more than Evercreech White Knights and the Styx Tall Trees.
If you drive a few hundred meters around the bend past the bridge, you will come to another large parking lot. Here you will find the short trail known as the Big Tree Walk. You can walk this trail to the tree and back to the parking lot in under 15 minutes, so I highly recommend it.
The tree itself is one of the last remaining giants in the reserve. Next to it you can see the remains of his fallen brother.
Unfortunately, the Big Tree dies at Dip Falls. It has had a long life and seems to be hollowing out from the inside. You can actually stick your head in the tree, but be sure to respect this beast of a tree!
alt=“LARGE TREE NEAR DIP FALLS IN TASMANIA”>
Staying in North West Tasmania: A Quick Guide
Tassie's north west has a lot to offer. When planning your trip, you should choose accommodation up here as a base for at least a few days. Below are my recommendation options in the best areas to help you.
Stay on the Edge of the WorldThe rugged northwest coast is a great place for adventurers to base themselves.
- Arthur Spa Cottage 9/10
- Cottage mit Meerblick 9.2/10
- Vergleichen Sie alle an der Nordwestküste von Tassie
alt=“EDGE OF THE WORLD, TASMANIAN WEST COAST”>
Stay in StanleyFamous for the iconic Nut but offers great seaside accommodation.
- Hanlon-Haus 9.3/10
- Stanley Village Waterfront 8.8/10
- Vergleichen Sie alle in Stanley
alt=“THE NUT IN STANLEY, TASMANIA”>
Stay in Boat Harbour, one of Tasmania's most beautiful and underrated beach towns. A must!
- Himmlisches Bauernhaus B&B 9.1/10
- Boat Harbour Garden Cottages 9.1/10
- Vergleichen Sie alle in Boat Harbor
alt=“BOAT PORT TASMANIA”>
Stay in Penguin, a picturesque coastal town with a unique name.
- Penguin Seaside Homestay 9.5/10
- Penguin Beachfront Apartments 9.3/10
- Vergleichen Sie alle in Penguin
alt="PENGUIN TASMANIA">
RELATED POST: Where to Stay in Hobart
More epic Tasmania adventures!
I hope you found this short guide to visiting Dip Falls and the Big Tree Walk near Stanley, Tasmania.
While you are here on my blog, be sure to check out some of my other articles. I've covered lots of adventures and I think you'll find lots of ideas for what to do on your trip to Tassie. Below are some good adventures to get you started.
.