The Great Western Tiers is the short walks capital of Tasmania. Breathe the silence, soothe the soul and meet nature on one of our many walks.
Liffey Falls
'The Spout', Liffey Falls upper carpark track | © Jade Austen
There are two walking tracks through cool temperate rainforest to Liffey Falls, which is part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage area. Liffey Falls Track from the upper car park (2 km return) passes through towering eucalypts and massive tree ferns and there are lookout points along the way at different levels of the falls. The track from the lower car park follows the Liffey River up through temperate rainforest to the main Falls and back again (6km return).
Time: 45 min return from the upper car park, 3 hours return from the lower car park.
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface with uphill sections and sections of occasional steps.
Download the PDF handout here.
Liffey River Reserve - Bush heritage Australia (BHA)
A Superb Blue Fairy Wren spotted at Liffey River Reserve | © Jade Austen
Gifted by Bob Brown to Bush Heritage Australia in 1991, this reserve protects 105ha of myrtle beech rainforest, as well as dry and wet eucalypt forest. Among the native Australian species that can be found here are the spotted-tail quoll and the white goshawk.
Starting from the Lower Liffey Campground, the walk takes you through a variety of vegetation, from lush myrtle and sassafras rainforest to forests of straight and tall white gums. There are two river crossings on this walk that may be impassable after heavy rain.
Time: 1-1.5 hour circuit
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface with uphill sections and sections of occasional steps.
Download the PDF handout here.
Pine Lake
Pencil Pines growing along the Pine Lake boardwalk | © Jade Austen
The Pine Lake walk offers a rare opportunity to get close to one of Tasmania's rarest trees without having to go on an extended bushwalk. The Tasmanian pencil pine (Athrotaxis cupressoides) is an ancient species that evolved before flowering plants. It is only found in the Tasmanian highlands. Pine Lake is an easy 20 minute return walk that is suitable for wheelchair access.
Time: 30 minutes return.
Grade: 1: Easy Boardwalk access. Suitable for children and the elderly. Wheelchair friendly.
Download the PDF handout here.
Tulampanga / Alum Cliffs
View over the Mersey River from Tulampanga lookout | © Jade Austen
'Tulampanga' is the Pallittorre (local Aboriginal) name for the area. It was a place of particular social and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people because of the ochre found in that area of the Gog Range. Many tribes travelled to Tulampanga to obtain this highly prized material and for them this was also a sacred celebration place.
Suitable for most ages, this grade 2 40 minute walk is short but spectacular with breathtaking views. From the car park there is a short ascent to a plateau with a large sculpture and views of Quamby Bluff and surrounding farmland. Then through a gentle descent the track terminates at a viewing platform that overlooks the spectacular Alum Cliffs Gorge.
There are interpretive panels dotted along the track that examine the aboriginal heritage and natural values of the area.
Time: 40 minutes return.
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle uphill section or sections of occasional steps.
Download the PDF handout here.
Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail
'Guitar Man' by Maggie Johnson | © Jade Austen
The Great Western Tiers community is alive with a range of characters, many of which are depicted in the sculptures that line Deloraine's main street Emu Bay Road, the Deloraine riverbank and further afield in surrounding towns of Mole Creek and Meander.
Why not pick up a brochure from the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre at the top of town and head down Emu Bay Rd, around the riverbank and back up the other side of the street, visiting local cafes and galleries that take your fancy along the way. The sculptures certainly are worth a look!
Alternatively you can download the brochure here.
Time: 1 hour circuit.
Grade: 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
Historic Houses of Carrick
Conjoined Georgian Cottages built in 1844, Carrick | © Jade Austen
Carrick has a well-preserved 19th-century heritage; fifteen of its colonial buildings are listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register including Carrick House (1840), St Andrew's Church (1848), the Old Watch house (1837), Monds Roller Mill (1846) and the Carrick Hotel (1833).
This walk takes you past 20 of Carrick’s historic buildings and is suitable for people of all abilities.
Time: 1 hour return.
Grade: 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
Download the PDF handout and map here.
Walking around Hadspen
Amble along the South Esk riverbank in Hadspen | © Jade Austen
Hadspen is a small village on the South Esk River, 8km south west of Launceston. Offering a picturesque river reserve with riverbank walk, recreation ground, skate park and tennis court, the town also has many heritage-listed properties and some others from colonial times.
The town's historic heart is Entally House, built in 1819 as a wealthy settler's colonial estate. It was the former family home of Thomas Reibey, Premier of Tasmania from 1876 to 1877.
The Red Feather Inn was built in the 1840s and remains in use as a restaurant and accommodation venue. A nearby gaol from the same time reflects Tasmania's convict past.
The Uniting Church building dates back over 150 years, originally as a Wesleyan chapel, and the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd is known for taking over ninety years to complete.
Discover these features and more with the Walking around Hadspen handout here.
Time: Hadspen River Walk from Recreation Ground - 1 hour return.
Grade: 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.
Deloraine River Walk
Deloraine Riverbank walk along the Meander River | © Jade Austen
A beautiful short walk looping around the riverbank in the heart of Deloraine.
The walk features a series of significant sculptures along both banks and the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail also follows the same path, so you will learn about the rich local indigenous culture as you follow the trail. Look closely, there are wild Platypus living in the river.
Time: 30 minute circuit.
Grade: 1: Suitable for all abilities.
Download the PDF handout here.
Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail
‘Kooparoona Niara cultural trail is the gateway to the Great Western Tiers, home to many sacred Aboriginal sites where my people lived and survived many generations ago -“ Greg Murray | Image © Jade Austen
Kooparoona Niara is the Aboriginal name given to the Great Western Tiers and means Mountains of the Spirits. Kooparoona Niara / Great Western Tiers is a significant site in Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and forms the backdrop to the Cultural Trail.
The Cultural Trail is located on the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine where you will find native plantings and bush tucker and will discover the many artworks inspired by Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
There is no official start or end to the Cultural Trail. It is a short walk that runs between the Deloraine Train Park and the swimming pool and pontoon site where you will find a stone yarning circle and fire pit. The Cultural Trail, part of the Deloraine Riverbank Walk, is accessible to all with car parking facilities located at both ends and public toilet amenities, a BBQ site and a playground located at the Train Park.
Time: 10 minutes.
Grade: 1: Suitable for all abilities.
QR Code information to be uploaded soon.
Wild Wood Nature Trail
The Wild Wood, shown here in Autumn, is good for humans and canines alike | © Jade Austen
A peaceful shaded walk through stands of native and European trees in a 14 acre tranquil setting by the river in Deloraine. Look closely, there are wild Platypus living in the river.
Parking at the Train Park, this walk takes 1 hour and encompasses the Deloraine Riverbank Walk.
Time: 1 hour circuit.
Grade: 1: Suitable for all abilities.
Download the PDF handout here.
Historic Streetscape of Deloraine
Deloraine and the Great Western Tiers | © Jade Austen
Deloraine is a delightful riverside town with an historic streetscape classified by the National Trust. The walk which takes approximately 45 minutes begins and ends on the bank of the Meander River. The buildings highlighted on this walk show the wide variety of architecture, style and type to be found in Deloraine.
For further information on the history and culture of the Meander Valley, stop in to the Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum which is housed in the historic Family and Commercial Inn (1965-94) at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre.
Time: 45 mins circuit.
Grade: 1: Suitable for all abilities.
Download the brochure here.
Westbury Town Common
Westbury Town Common | © Jade Austen
The Westbury Town Common is a flood plain that blends natural environments with open grassed spaces. Complete with views to Quamby Bluff, it provides easy walking to a central barbeque area and picturesque sites along Quamby Brook. Dogs under effective control are welcome.
Time: 30 minute circuit.
Grade: 1: Suitable for all abilities. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.
Download the PDF handout here.
Westbury Silhouette Trail
Father James Hogan (1825-1899) and the Holy Trinity Catholic Church | © Jade Austen
A level, easy walk around the historic village of Westbury that follows a series of metal sculptures depicting historical characters from the village.
The walk passes many historical buildings that were features of the 1800s garrison established in what was nearly the capital city of Tasmania. The trail is suitable for all abilities.
Time: 1 hour circuit.
Grade: 1: No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
Download the PDF handout here.
Download the brochure here.
Devils Gullet
View west from Devils Gullet at sunset | © Jade Austen
Not a hardened bushwalker but keen to see a glimpse of the remote alpine world of Tasmania’s Central Plateau?
Then Devils Gullet is the place for you.
Devils Gullet features a short alpine walk to a stunning lookout platform that overhangs a sheer cliff face. There are magnificent views to Mount Ossa, Cradle Mountain and other features across the huge chasm of the Fisher River Valley. It is a landscape of rocks and dolerite boulders carved by ice and water moving off the plateau and down into the valley.
The alpine flora surrounding the walk and platform was extensively burnt by bushfire in early 2016, and slow regrowth is occurring.
NOTE: There is a 14km gravel road to this track.
Time: 40 minutes return.
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle uphill section or sections of occasional steps.
Download the PDF handout here.
Fern Glade
Fungi growing along the Fern Glade track at Marakoopa Cave | © Jade Austen
Fern Glade Walk is a short (30 minute return) walk which starts at the Marakoopa Cave ticket office and leads to the cave entrance, following Marakoopa creek as it tumbles down the hillside from inside the cave itself.
You can enjoy this walk for its own sake, or as a part of your cave experience. Just leave yourself 15 minutes before your cave tour departure time and leave your car at the ticket office carpark, rather than driving up to the cave entrance.
Time: 30 minutes return.
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle uphill section or sections of occasional steps.
Download the PDF handout here.
Westmorland Falls
Westmorland Falls | © Jade Austen
A fairly easy 2 hour walk along a well-defined track, Westmorland Falls is suitable for the whole family.
The walk gives visitors a taste of the tall eucalypt forest growing across the Tiers, along with its varied understory of ferns, including the iconic tree fern. The walk culminates at an attractive secluded waterfall.
Time: 2 hours return.
Grade: 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface with gentle hill sections and occasional steps. There are a few rough and muddy sections to navigate.
Download the PDF handout here.
Split Rock Track
Bridge over Meander River on Split Rock Track | © Jade Austen
The Split Rock Track is a stunning walking trail that leads to Split Rock Falls and Shower Cave Falls. Both waterfalls are best viewed in wetter months; however the tracks are fun to walk all year round. The Track starts at the Meander Falls carpark.
The walk to Split Rock, which takes you through some challenging uphill terrain, is 2 hours return with the option to continue to Split Rock Falls and Shower Cave Falls, making the return walk closer to 3 hours.
Time: 2-3 hours return.
Grade: 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. The track is sometimes muddy and rough with many steps. Take care to follow track markers.
Download the PDF handout here.
See also:
Half Day Walks in the Great Western Tiers
Full Day Walks in the Great Western Tiers
Overnight Walks in the Great Western Tiers
For more information about any of these walks, contact the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre.
98 -100 Emu Bay Road, Deloraine
03) 6362 5280
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