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Montezuma Falls Tasmania – Is this the highest waterfall in Tasmania?
A complete waterfall guide to visiting Montezuma Falls Tasmania, the highest in the state! Includes information on how to get there, details on the Montezuma Falls hike, as well as photos and a report on what to expect. Yes, Montezuma Falls is the highest permanent waterfall in Tasmania. This incredible, sleepy giant is located on Tasmania's Wild West Coast and is accessible via an easy but very scenic forest path. In this waterfall guide I hope to answer all your questions about visiting Montezuma Falls in Tasmania. I'll add details about how to get here, including the hike, and post some great photos from my trip. alt=“NORTH…
Montezuma Falls Tasmania – Is this the highest waterfall in Tasmania?
A complete waterfall guide to visiting Montezuma Falls Tasmania, the highest in the state! Includes information on how to get there, details on the Montezuma Falls hike, as well as photos and a report on what to expect.
Yes, Montezuma Falls is the highest permanent waterfall in Tasmania. This incredible, sleepy giant is located on Tasmania's Wild West Coast and is accessible via an easy but very scenic forest path.
In this waterfall guide I hope to answer all your questions about visiting Montezuma Falls in Tasmania. I'll add details about how to get here, including the hike, and post some great photos from my trip.
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About Montezuma Falls in Tasmania
Height of Montezuma Falls: 104 meters
Montezuma Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall found at the end of an easy 1.5-hour forest hike along a historic former tramway. The area is managed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania (formerly Forestry Tasmania) but is open to the public.
Unfortunately, due to the Rosebery area's long mining history, the rivers and streams are contaminated with heavy metals and are unsafe to drink. I found this a particularly tragic reality considering how wild and biodiverse this region is.
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Where are Montezuma Falls?
The waterfall trail is accessed via Williamsford, which is approximately two kilometers south of Rosebery in western Tasmania. The trailhead is approximately 63 kilometers from Strahan or 35 kilometers from Tullah. This area is primarily a mining region, so the towns are fairly small and remote.
You will also likely lose reception on the way to Montezuma Falls after passing Rosebery. Therefore, I suggest saving this blog or preloading the map route below.
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
How do I get here?
The easiest way to navigate to Montezuma Falls in Tasmania is to enter the GPS coordinates or Google Maps pin above. However, if you prefer guided directions, I'm here for you too.
Whether you are coming from the west coast or Tullah, first head to the west side of Rosebery on the Murchison Highway (A10). Just outside Rosebery, head towards Williamsford Road and continue up this steep, winding road for a few kilometers. There are signs along the trail indicating the direction to Montezuma Falls. But basically you should stay on Williamsford Road until you see a sign to stop on the right near Scotts Creek.
Here you will find a large, cleared parking lot next to the trailhead with good signage and space for more than 25 cars.
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WIlliamsford Road is unpaved for much of the drive. However, the road is in good condition and passes private houses, so you don't have to worry if the weather is good, even if you have a large van or motorhome.
Tip: There is a small gas station in Rosebery where you should fill up as you won't find another before Strahan or Queenstown.
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alt=“TULLEY TASMANIA”>Wild picturesque roads near Tulley
Guided tour option
While Montezuma is a fairly popular waterfall in Tasmania, it is quite remote. As a result, you won't find many guided tours visiting this far-reaching corner of Tasmania. However, if you find yourself in Hobart, there is a very highly rated 5 day tour that includes a visit to Montezuma as well as many of the other key highlights in Tasmania.
Tip: If you don't have your own vehicle in Tassie yet, be sure to compare prices on RentalCars.com and CarNextDoor to get much better deals than booking directly.
Otherwise, if you're visiting Tasmania's Wild West without a car, check out the following hand-picked must-do activities in the region.
SELF-DRIVERS GUIDE: The Tarkine Drive
Hike to Montezuma Falls
The hike to Montezuma Falls begins at the trailhead mentioned above. It is mostly flat, with a wide track that follows the old North East Dundas Tramway. There are signs all along the way and it is very easy to follow.
Although this waterfall hike is a bit long at 7 miles round trip, I rated it as easy because it really is a walk in the park. There were a few great older ladies we met along the way who I would say were in their 70's and they seemed to have no problem at all with the hike to Montezuma Falls.
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Along the way, you'll cross a few old wooden bridges and pass narrow carved passages through the mountains. While you are constantly reminded of the mining heritage, the nature is quite breathtaking. Beautiful rainforest consisting of large leatherwoods, myrtles, giant tree ferns and sassafras dominates both sides of the route.
You can find a detailed representation of the trail on my Strava.
alt=“Picturesque Rays of Light on the Montezuma Falls Walk”>
alt=“Picturesque BEAMS OF LIGHT ON THE MONTEZUMA FALLS WALK, NORTH EAST DUNDAS TRAMWAY”>
alt=“SMALL WATERFALL ON THE OLD MONTEZUMA FALLS WALK”>
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ALSO NEARBY: Philosopher Falls
Over the famous Montezuma Falls suspension bridge
About 5 kilometers along the Montezuma Falls Walk you will come across the famous suspension bridge. This bridge is one of the most impressive I've seen in Tasmania and offers some great photo opportunities right next to the waterfall.
Unfortunately, the Montezuma Falls suspension bridge has recently suffered some damage from flooding and fallen trees. As a result, the bridge is closed. I'm not sure if there are any immediate plans from Sustainable Timber Tasmania to rehabilitate the bridge.
Update November 2021: The bridge has now been repaired and is open again!
Don't worry, you don't have to cross the bridge to reach the 104-meter-high Montezuma Falls. We stopped at the bridge, took a few photos and continued to the base of the multi-story forest giant.
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Arrive at the foot of Montezuma Falls
Walk just a few hundred meters up from the suspension bridge and you'll find yourself at the base of Montezuma Falls, Tasmania's highest permanent waterfall.
The view from below is great, with plenty of space to put your backpack and take a few photos. If you look up, Montezuma Falls cascades down the steep cliff in several graduated stages, ending on some large boulders.
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Depending on the season, this waterfall can range from a gentle pouring to a powerful waterfall that is almost impossible to get close to.
When we visited Montezuma Falls in the winter, we were lucky enough to find it somewhere in between. However, while we waited for it to clear, the fog was so thick that we couldn't see the top of the waterfall. Anyway, we were really happy as it created a beautiful, atmospheric scene.
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Mining tunnels
Less than a kilometer on the way back (or on the way to the waterfall), look for the entrance to an old mining tunnel. It is possible to walk into this claustrophobic tunnel abyss, which ends at a barrier about 10 meters away.
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More: the Montezuma Falls 4WD Track
In this waterfall guide, I focused on the hike to Montezuma Falls. However, there is also a 4WD track that offers an alternative route to reach the waterfall.
They say that this particular 4WD track is quite difficult to tackle and that if it has been raining, it shouldn't even be thought about. Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to read this section, but if you're interested, my friends at The Caravan of Courage recorded a vlog of them tackling it on an electric motorcycle. I've embedded it below!
Where to stay in western Tasmania
The most popular accommodation in Western Tasmania is Strahan. There is just so much to see and do in this region and it is definitely worth spending at least a few days. Activities like the Gordon River Cruise and the Cog Railway are a must when traveling in Tasmania.
Below are a few of my recommended places to stay in nearby Strahan and one in Queenstown.
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Wheelhouse Apartments – StrahanUnique apartments in Strahan, all with river or lake views. These apartments are some of the top rated online apartments for Western Tasmania!
Check availability and price for your dates at Wheelhouse Apartments
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The Boat House - Strahan Another Strahan favorite, this affordable vacation rental features river views and a kitchen and living area.
Check availability and price for your dates at the boathouse
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Penghana B&B - QueenstownIf you're looking for the best accommodation in Queenstown, check out this 1898 National Trust Mansion B&B, just 2 minutes' drive from the Wilderness Railway and Heritage Tours.
Check availability and price for your travel dates at Penghana B&B
DISCOVER TASMANIA: MORE EPIC ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL IDEAS
That concludes this quick guide to exploring Montezuma Falls Tasmania. If you enjoyed this waterfall hike, then you're sure to love some of the other epic and remote places to explore in the area. I spent several months photographing and documenting some of the best, so be sure to check them out!
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