The Liffey River Track offers a challenging 9.5km, grade 3 adventure through the heart of Liffey Falls State Reserve, Tasmania. Expect to spend roughly 3.5 hours traversing this scenic route.
The journey begins at the Upper Liffey Falls Picnic area. Here, you'll join the well-maintained Liffey Falls Upper Track, leading you to the awe-inspiring Liffey Falls themselves. From there, the path follows the Liffey River closely, eventually reaching Projection Bluff Lookout and Highland lakes Road. You will then need to retrace your steps back along the river.
Be prepared for a diverse landscape as the route unfolds. The initial section boasts a lovely forest with towering eucalyptus trees and lush ferns. As you ascend, the vegetation changes, with beech trees and towering tree ferns taking center stage in the wetter environment. The path alongside the river becomes progressively rockier and muddier, adding a touch of adventure. The final stretch presents a satisfying elevation gain, rewarding you with panoramic views at the lookout.
Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant flora and fauna along the way. The track is teeming with diverse fungi, moss, and ferns, creating a truly immersive experience.
For the adventurous, there's an option to extend the hike by 6km. By connecting with the Liffey Falls Hike starting at the Lower Liffey Reserve, you can transform this hike into a longer exploration of the Liffey Falls State Reserve.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- No Parks Pass is required to visit Liffey Falls State Reserve.
- The top car park via Riversdale Road is day use area only. Riversdale Road is an unsealed, narrow, winding road and is not accessible by buses, trailers or vans.
- Free camping is available at the lower car park via Gulf Road. The Liffey Falls camping area is best accessed from the township of Liffey if you are driving a larger vehicle such as a motorhome or campervan.
- The reserve is within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Free gas BBQs are provided at the Upper Liffey Falls day use area. Campfires are only permitted within the designated fireplaces at the Lower Liffey Falls camping area.
- Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trails.
Total distance: 9500 m
Max elevation: 1101 m
Min elevation: 562 m
Total climbing: 584 m
Total descent: -584 m
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Upper car park:Â From Deloraine or Great Lake take the Highland Lakes Rd (A5) then turn off at the signpost onto Riversdale Rd (C513). Riverdale Road is unsuitable for larger vehicles including buses, caravans and motorhomes.
Lower car park and campground:Â Best accessed via Liffey township on Gulf Rd (which is also C513). This access is suitable for larger vehicles.
The gravel road leading to Liffey Falls is steep and winding, with several sharp bends. The roads are used by logging trucks, take care and keep to the left on the road. ​Where possible, avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Just a one-hour drive from Launceston, Liffey Falls State Reserve offers a chance to immerse yourself in Tasmania's cool temperate rainforest. The star attraction is undoubtedly Liffey Falls, but the reserve boasts much more, including towering trees, diverse wildlife, and a network of walking tracks.
The reserve caters to various levels of accessibility. The upper car park provides a convenient starting point for the Liffey Falls Great Short Walk. This well-maintained track leads you directly to the falls and is perfect for a quick nature fix. The upper car park also offers amenities like shelters, information boards, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
For those seeking a slightly longer walk or a different perspective, the lower car park offers another access point. While the track may be less developed, it still winds through the beautiful rainforest and leads to the same magnificent falls. Keep in mind that the access road to the upper car park is not suitable for larger vehicles like campervans, buses, or caravans. Visitors arriving in these modes will need to begin their walk at the lower car park.
Image: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Lower Liffey Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
