Hidden among the ancient rainforest of Tasmania’s wild west coast, Nelson Falls is one of those rare natural attractions that delivers an impressive experience without requiring a difficult hike.
The waterfall sits within Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Reached by a short boardwalk from the Lyell Highway, it makes an ideal stop while travelling between Hobart, Lake St Clair, Queenstown and Strahan.
With your own rental car, you can take your time along one of Tasmania’s most scenic driving routes, stopping for waterfalls, rainforest walks and mountain views along the way.
What makes Nelson Falls special?
Nelson Falls tumbles over a broad wall of dark, stepped rock, creating dozens of smaller streams that fan out across the surface. Surrounded by ferns, moss-covered boulders and dense rainforest, the waterfall feels far more remote than its convenient roadside location suggests.
The falls are impressive throughout the year, but they can become particularly powerful after periods of heavy rainfall. Considering Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park receives more than 1,900 millimetres of rain annually, there is usually plenty of water moving through the surrounding rivers and creeks.
The forest is just as interesting as the waterfall itself. Myrtle, sassafras and several species of fern grow beside the track, creating the cool, green landscape for which Tasmania’s west coast is famous.
Where is Nelson Falls?
Nelson Falls is located beside the Lyell Highway, between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown. The turn-off is signposted, with parking available near the beginning of the walking track.
The falls mark the western boundary of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and are around 56 kilometres west of Derwent Bridge. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service recommends allowing approximately three hours to reach Nelson Falls from Hobart, although travel times can vary with traffic, weather and road conditions.
Nelson Falls is also roughly an hour’s drive from Strahan, making it an easy addition to a west coast itinerary.
Driving to Nelson Falls from Hobart
From Hobart, follow the Lyell Highway through New Norfolk and Tasmania’s Central Highlands. The route continues past towns and attractions including Hamilton, Ouse, Tarraleah, Lake St Clair and Derwent Bridge before entering the heart of the national park.
Although the drive can be completed in around three hours, it is better treated as a full road-trip experience rather than something to rush. The scenery changes dramatically along the way, from farmland and historic towns to lakes, mountain ranges and World Heritage-listed wilderness.
The Lyell Highway is sealed, so you do not need a four-wheel drive to visit Nelson Falls. However, parts of the road are winding and exposed to rapidly changing weather. Snow and ice may occasionally affect the highway during winter.
Take your time, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and use designated stopping areas whenever you want to admire the scenery.
The Nelson Falls walk
The Nelson Falls walk is a 1.4-kilometre return journey that generally takes around 20 minutes. It is officially classified as a Grade 1 walk, with a flat, even surface and no steep sections. The track is suitable for most visitors, including wheelchair users who have someone available to assist them.
The boardwalk follows the Nelson River through cool temperate rainforest before reaching a viewing area at the base of the falls. Interpretation signs along the track explain the ancient plants found in the forest, including at least seven different species of fern.
Some of the surrounding plant species date back to the time when Tasmania formed part of the supercontinent Gondwana. These plants once grew across much of Australia but are now largely restricted to cooler and wetter regions.
While it is a short walk, allow extra time to enjoy the forest, read the signs and photograph the falls. Half an hour to 45 minutes is more realistic if you are not in a hurry.
Is Nelson Falls suitable for families?
Nelson Falls is one of the better waterfall experiences for families travelling with young children. The short distance and mostly level boardwalk make it far more manageable than many wilderness walks.
Children should still be closely supervised, particularly near flowing water and around the waterfall viewing area. The rainforest can also remain wet and slippery after rain, even when the weather appears clear.
There are toilets near the car park, making Nelson Falls a particularly handy place to stop during the long drive between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown.
What to bring
You do not need specialist hiking equipment for the Nelson Falls walk, but conditions on Tasmania’s west coast can change quickly.
Bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and comfortable enclosed shoes. It is also worth carrying drinking water, snacks and a fully charged phone, especially when travelling farther through the national park.
Rain, strong winds, sunshine and even snow can occur within a relatively short period, so dressing in layers is the safest approach. Visitors should also check weather forecasts, road conditions and current park alerts before travelling.
A valid Tasmania parks pass is required when entering the state’s national parks.
Other stops along the Lyell Highway
Nelson Falls is easy to combine with several other short walks and lookouts through Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
The Franklin Nature Trail is a one-kilometre, partly boardwalked walk that provides an easy view of the Franklin River. The return journey takes around 25 minutes.
For a longer walk and elevated wilderness views, stop at Donaghys Hill. Its 2.2-kilometre return track takes around 40 minutes and looks across the Franklin River toward Frenchmans Cap and the surrounding ranges.
You could also visit Lake St Clair, explore the historic mining town of Queenstown or continue west to Strahan for a cruise through Macquarie Harbour and along the Gordon River.
When is the best time to visit?
Nelson Falls can be visited throughout the year.
Winter and early spring often bring stronger water flows, giving the waterfall a more dramatic appearance. These seasons can also deliver colder conditions, snow and ice along higher sections of the Lyell Highway.
Summer generally provides longer daylight hours and more comfortable road-trip conditions, although Tasmania’s west coast remains one of the wettest parts of the state. Rain is part of the landscape and often makes the rainforest look especially lush.
Visiting earlier in the day gives you more time to explore other walking tracks before continuing to Queenstown or Strahan.
Driving safely through Tasmania’s west
The Lyell Highway passes through isolated wilderness with limited services between towns. Fill your fuel tank before entering the more remote sections of the route and download any maps or directions you may need.
Avoid driving around dawn, dusk and at night where possible. Native wildlife can move onto the road with little warning, particularly in forested areas. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service advises drivers to slow down and watch carefully for animals.
Mobile reception can also be limited, so do not rely entirely on having a continuous internet connection.
Explore Nelson Falls with a Tasmania rental car
Nelson Falls combines everything that makes a Tasmanian road trip memorable: ancient rainforest, rushing water and the feeling of being deep in the wilderness.
Best of all, the falls are only a short walk from the highway, making them accessible to travellers who may not have the time or experience for a longer bushwalk.
Whether you are travelling from Hobart to Strahan, exploring the west coast or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to stretch your legs, Nelson Falls deserves a place on your itinerary.
Pick up your Redspot rental car, follow the Lyell Highway into Tasmania’s wild west and discover one of the state’s most beautiful rainforest waterfalls.