Nelson Falls Tasmania – Complete Waterfalls Guide
A complete guide to visiting Nelson Falls in Tasmania. Find out how to get here from Queenstown, what to expect and enjoy photography from the waterfall. Nelson Falls is one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Tasmania. Conveniently located off the Lyell Highway in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, this epic forest waterfall is a must-see for anyone traveling the scenic route from Queenstown to Derwent Bridge. In this quick guide I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Nelson Falls in Tasmania. I will provide directions, information about…
Nelson Falls Tasmania – Complete Waterfalls Guide
A complete guide to visiting Nelson Falls in Tasmania. Find out how to get here from Queenstown, what to expect and enjoy photography from the waterfall.
Nelson Falls is one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Tasmania. Conveniently located off the Lyell Highway in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, this epic forest waterfall is a must-see for anyone traveling the scenic route from Queenstown to Derwent Bridge.
In this quick guide I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Nelson Falls in Tasmania. I will include directions, information about the short waterfall walk, and photos of the waterfall.
alt=“NELSON RIVER NATURE TRAIL TASMANIA”>
alt=“NELSON FALLS TASMANIA”>
alt="NELSON FALLS WALK">
old=““>
Where is Nelson Falls?
Nelson Falls is accessible via a short waterfall trail just off the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge. The falls route is 27 kilometers from Queenstown or 59 kilometers from Derwent Bridge.
Below I have pinned the exact location of the waterfall trail to make it easier for you to find it.
YOU WANT TO GO TO HOBART? READ: Where to stay in Hobart | 26 amazing things to do in Hobart
How do I get here?
Nelson Falls is fairly easy to navigate. Since the parking lot is a direct exit off Lyell Highway, it's really hard to make a mistake. If you're looking to get to Nelson Falls from Queenstown or Strahan, you're in for a treat. This road takes in the famous 99 bends, past the Iron Blow Lookout and beautiful Lake Burbury, a beautifully maintained paved road through some of Tasmania's most beautiful scenery.
old=““>
alt=“ROAD 99 TURNS IN QUEENSTOWN TASMANIA”>
The car park at the waterfall is large enough for over 20 vehicles and there is even a toilet block and a hidden information board.
Unfortunately, Nelson Falls can only be reached by car as there is no public transport. . However, if you don't have your own transport, there is still plenty to do in this region. I've listed some of the top-rated experiences in Tassie's Wild West below.
Nelson Falls Nature Trail
The hiking trail to Nelson Falls is very well maintained and is suitable for families and even the most untrained hikers. The route follows a wide boardwalk to the waterfall with an optional short loop through dense rainforest terrain.
There is little to no incline or incline on the Nelson Falls Walk. The route follows the Nelson River, which is surrounded by magnificent moss-covered myrtle and sassafras trees. The Nelson Falls Nature Trail is a very short hiking trail but very scenic! Perfect for a quick stop on the long Lyell Highway.
The recommended walking time is about 45 minutes for the return trip, but you can easily reach the waterfall in about 15 minutes. That being said, this waterfall is particularly epic and I bet you'll spend a little extra time admiring the scene and snapping a few shots.
alt=“NELSON FALLS NATURE TRAIL WALK TASMANIA”>
alt=“NELSON FALLS NATURE TRAIL WALK”>
alt=“NELSON RIVER FRANKLIN-GORDON WILD RIVRERS NATIONAL PARK TASMANIA”>
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
Nelson Falls Tasmania
Once you reach the end of the trail, you will emerge on a large viewing platform a few dozen meters from the waterfall. This is a great place to admire the scene.
alt=“NELSON FALLS QUEENSTOWN TASMANIA”>
The total height of Nelson Falls is approximately 30 meters. It is a beautiful waterfall that cascades over the sharp black rocks. Dense forest frames the waterfall on all sides, creating a spectacular scene. You will often find Nelson Falls on Tasmanian tourism brochures, television advertisements and printed materials in hotels and tourism offices on the West Coast.
It's one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Tasmania and 100% worth the quick pit stop.
The current on the Nelson River is heavily dependent on rainfall. Therefore, like many other waterfalls in Tassie, the best time to visit is in autumn and winter or after a big downpour.
alt=“NELSON FALLS TASMANIA”>
alt=“NELSON FALLS TASMANIA”>
Nelson Falls Map
You really don't need a map to navigate to Nelson Falls or complete the short walk. However, I have included a map of Tas Parks below just in case.
old=““>
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.
old=““>
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
old=““>
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
old=““>
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
Otherwise, compare the best accommodation options on the West Coast. If you're traveling in a motorhome or caravan, I highly recommend checking out the free campsite at Lake Burbury. You can find this just a few kilometers west of the Nelson Falls Walk.
More Tasmanian travel guides & adventure guides
I've spent several months documenting and photographing some of Tasmania's best travel and adventure highlights. If you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Nelson Falls, then you'll love some of my other articles. Below are some great nearby adventures to check out.
.