7 waterfalls near Hobart to see on a day trip

7 waterfalls near Hobart to see on a day trip

A short guide to 7 waterfalls near Hobart that anyone can see on a short day trip. Explore pristine forests and scenic cascades just a stone's throw from Hobart City.

Hobart is the city where most Australian and international travelers land when flying to Tasmania. Aside from driving to the summit of Mount Wellington, what better way to explore Tassie's iconic wilderness than with a quick waterfall hunt straight from town.

In this guide, I will outline the seven best waterfalls near Hobart that anyone can visit on a short day trip. I've also included useful information about how to get to each waterfall below to help you plan your waterfall adventures.

Be sure to check out my unique guides for things to do near Hobart and the best places to stay.

Top waterfalls near Hobart

Below is the overview of the best waterfalls near Hobart. Read on for a quick guide on how to get to each waterfall with photos to inspire your visit!

1. Myrtle Gully Falls (secret falls)

Known as Tasmania's worst kept secret, Myrtle Gully Falls, or Secret Falls as it is also called, is a small cascade at the end of Old Farm Road in the Cascades district of Hobart.

To get here, walk down Cascade Road, pass the famous Cascade Brewery and continue to the end of Old Farm Road. Here you will find a small parking lot to start the hike.

This tiny waterfall has gained popularity not because of its size, but because of its scenic surroundings and easy access. Hikers will find this scenic Hobart waterfall just five minutes down the Myrtle Gully Track near the fire trail access.
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2. Strickland Falls

It seems that there are hundreds of waterfalls in Australia that share the name “Strickland Falls”. Strickland Waterfall near Hobart is another great option for a short visit to experience tranquil cascades and dense forests typical of the base of Mount Wellington. The best thing is that it is only 10 minutes drive from the city center!

Strickland Falls, which flow from the Hobart Rivulet, is approximately 4 meters high but has several beautiful cascades further upstream. There is a parking lot dedicated to the falls just off Strickland Avenue (Fern Tree). From here it's just a 10-minute walk to the Main Drop.
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3. O'Gradys Falls

While you're visiting Strickland Falls, you can also hike up the Rivulet Trail, which is accessible from the same parking area all the way to O'Gradys Falls. This is another waterfall near Hobart that is definitely worth a visit.

O’Gradys Falls is a much larger waterfall than the others already mentioned, but you have to take a short walk to reach it. The truth is that there are dozens of ways to reach this waterfall, as the network of hiking trails crisscrosses around Mount Wellington.

Whichever route you take, once you reach it you will notice a wooden elevation sign (450 meters above sea level) and a thin wooden bridge. This is a great viewpoint of the 10 meter high O'Gradys Falls, but you can also walk around the path to reach its base easily.
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RELATED POST: Summit hike to Mount Wellington

4. Silver Falls

Accessible via many hiking trails on Mount Wellington, Silver Falls is another waterfall that deserves a place on the list of great waterfalls near Hobart.

Silver Falls flows on the Browns River, a historic watercourse on the slopes of Mount Wellington that has provided and continues to provide water to the citizens of Hobart.

The best way to reach Silver Falls is to drive to Fern Tree and take one of the many trails that lead to the waterfall. While this isn't the largest waterfall near Hobart, those who want to extend their adventure can continue on to the Springs or even Wellington Falls (below), like we did.
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5. Wellington Falls

Wellington Falls is the largest waterfall in Wellington National Park. Fittingly, it also requires the longest hike to reach.

Wellington Falls is a high cascade with two large drops hidden in a small corner of the forest. At the end of a long walk, visitors can admire the falls from a viewpoint above or continue to their base.

To get to Wellington Falls you can either start at Fern Tree like we did or head to The Springs for a shorter drive. The official signs say the return journey can take over seven hours, but we made it in about four.

Heading to Wellington Falls, the largest waterfall near Hobart, is a great adventure that requires scenic forest walks, rock hopping and even a short route through alpine conditions over 1000 meters high.

FULL POST: Wellington Falls and the Vanishing Tarn
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RELATED POST: 26 Awesome Things to Do in Hobart

6. Cozy waterfalls

The final waterfall on this list of Hobart waterfalls is in the nearby town of Snug, just 20 minutes south of Hobart. This waterfall drops over 25 meters into a beautiful eucalyptus amphitheater, reached at the end of a short 1.5 kilometer walk.

Even if you don't have a car, you can reach Snug by bus. However, the Snug Falls Track is at the end of a narrow, dirt road, about 6 kilometers from the bus stop. So from the city you either have to cover a few more kilometers or try your luck hitchhiking.

The trail to Snug Falls begins just before a curve on the dirt Snug Falls Road. It is relatively easy and involves a gentle descent for most of the hike to the falls. Consequently, you need to get your legs going on the way back up. But don't worry, this one is really quite easy and more of a relaxing walk than anything else.

FULL POST: Snug Falls Tasmania
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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

7. Mount Field National Park Waterfalls (The Three Falls Track)

It would really be a shame to neglect the epic waterfalls of Mount Field in an article about waterfalls near Hobart. That's because these waterfalls are some of the best in Tasmania and are easy to reach on a day trip from Hobart.

The great thing about Mount Field Falls is that you can see all three on a single track (the Three Falls Track). These include Tasmania's most famous waterfall, Russell Falls, as well as the vastly underrated Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. The only catch is that visiting these falls requires about an hour's drive from Hobart. Luckily, if you don't have a car, there is a guided tour that includes a stop at Mount Field and the falls.

Book: Mount Field Waterfalls and Mount Wellington Day Trip

To save you time, I have written a comprehensive guide to Mount Field and the waterfall route. This includes everything you need to know about getting there and what to expect.

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Here's how to get to these famous waterfalls near Hobart

By far the best way to explore all of these waterfalls near Hobart is to have your own car. However, if you don't, don't worry, there are a few options for you other than renting one.

Many of the waterfalls near Hobart, located on the slopes of Mount Wellington, and the cascades are accessible on foot or by taking a bus closer to the trailhead. View the Hobart bus timetable and route here.

Also, for those who would prefer to just book a guided tour, I have listed the top-rated and most affordable waterfall excursions below.

Book: Mount Field Waterfalls and Mount Wellington Day Trip

Where to stay in Hobart

I have written a separate, comprehensive accommodation guide for where to stay in Hobart. But below are 3 of the top rated and most popular accommodation options for different budgets. They're a good place to start, but be sure to read the full guide before booking!

The area closest to most of Hobart's highlights is called Salamanca Place. This area has great restaurants and bars and is close to the markets, wharf, museums and Elizabeth Mall.

However, Hobart is a relatively small city with just over 200,000 residents, and as a result most accommodation options in the inner suburbs offer easy access to most of the highlights.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: The RivuletThe Rivulet is an impressive 19th-century mansion that is listed as a historical monument. It offers some of the best suites in Hobart without a ridiculous price tag.

The location is perfect and the accommodation includes the best rated breakfast in Hobart.

Check the best price for your dates at Rivulet, Hobart.
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Best Budget Hostel: Montacute Boutique BunkhouseFor budget travelers and backpackers, Montacute is by far the best place to stay in Hobart. This is a great hostel that is considered to have the best atmosphere in the city.

Dorms are only $30 per night, which is a great value. Especially considering most other hostels are the same price or more!

Check the best price for your dates on Booking.com or at Hostelworld
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Best Luxury Accommodation: The Grand ChancellorCentrally located on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock, the Grand Chancellor Hotel is one of the most prominent accommodation options in Hobart.

Guests receive harbor views and access to the heated indoor pool with mountain views. There's also an on-site gym, restaurant and bar, so you won't want to leave the hotel!

Check the best price for your dates at Grand Chancellor Hobart
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More Tasmanian travel guides & blogs

And that concludes this list of the best Hobart waterfalls. If you enjoyed this quick guide to the best waterfalls near Hobart then be sure to check out some of my other Tasmanian travel guides and blogs. I've spent several months documenting and photographing some of Tasmania's best adventures. So I'm sure you'll find inspiration for your next visit!

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