Saturday 10/02/2024 Apsley Gorge Trail Carpark – Apsley Waterhole Track – Apsley Waterhole – Apsley Gorge Track – Apsley River – Apsley Gorge
Douglas-Apsley National Park, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
This walk is in the Douglas-Aspley National Park, named after the two rivers, the Douglas and the Aspley, that flow through it. The walk is in the most easily accessible, southern section. The last 6km of road from the highway is on a reasonable quality dirt road but quite narrow in places.
Max elevation: 233 m
Total climbing: 224 m
Total descent: -218 m
Average speed: 2.88 km/h
Total time: 03:27:57
The trail starts on a well-formed track through a grove of Oyster Bay Pines. After about 500m you reach the Aspley River which has a large, crystal clear and inviting pool. The trail climbs gently through dry sclerophyll forest predominantly of Oyster Pines and Xanatherra (grass trees). On the trail, we met an American man with his two daughters who said they saw a large tiger snake further up the track. He was very interested in learning about the best way to avoid a close encounter and the first aid required if bitten. Unlike many tourists, he didn’t seem overly concerned about Australia’s dangerous critters.
We saw a few wildflowers, colourful berries and a few skinks (no snakes) but this part of the walk was fairly unremarkable. We descended via some well-formed steps and soon we reached the Aspley River. This is when the fun began!
Sue walking along Apsley Gorge
We followed the river and gorge with its towering dolerite cliffs for almost three kilometres to meet the walking track near the first large pool. This section was very scenic with crystal clear green pools and an occasional small waterfall, even though the water level was so low. Here there is no track so we needed to constantly consider our foot placement and route. It was a test for the recovery of my injured ankle especially when some scrambling was required. The water in the large pools was so tempting for a swim but with a cool breeze and no towel, we sadly gave it a miss.
This ended up being a rewarding afternoon walk which we enjoyed in gorgeous weather. Next time I’ll pack my towel!
Information on Parks Tasmania signage along the way
Welcome to Douglas-Apsley National Park Walks, waterholes and wonderfully unique wilderness.
Douglas-Apsley National Park protects one of the largest tracts of dry sclerophyll forest on the east coast of Tasmania and encompasses almost the entire Douglas River catchment.
Nearly half of Tasmania’s eucalypt species occur here, and several plant species are found only in this region, including the endangered Apsley heath (Epacris aps/eyensis).
MULTI-DAY WALKS
Leeaberra Track
The Leeaberra Track should only be walked from north to south to stop the spread of the introduced root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. Start at the northern end of the Douglas-Apsley National Park at E road. A great introduction to overnight walking for experienced map readers. Enjoy spectacular views, waterfalls and wild, dry sclerophyll forests.
Distance 28 km, 3 days one way Level 5
SHORT WALKS
Apsley River Waterhole 1 km 20 minutes Level 2
Enjoy a refreshing swim or picnic at the Waterhole.
Apsley Gorge Approximately 6 km 2-3 hours Level 3
Rock-hop across the Waterhole then follow the Great Short Walk marked track through dry, open forest. Descend to the river at the Apsley Gorge, framed by sheer, dolerite cliffs and tranquil pools.
In dry weather you can slowly rock-hop downstream along the river bed.
Do not undertake this walk if heavy rain is forecast.
A beautiful refuge
Relax at the waterhole, spot some of the 65 native birds that live here, explore the spectacular scenery or hike into a world of tranquility. With rainforests and waterfalls rare South Esk pines and ancient dolerite cliffs, this park is a perfect refuge in a world of shrinking diversity.
Almost the entire world population of tall heath (Epacris grandis) is protected within the park. Significant populations of the Apsley heath (E. apsleyensis) and bordered heath (E. limbata) are also present.
All three of these endangered epacrids are woody shrubs with hard, prickly leaves and white, tubular flowers.
Hidden away
Nestled amongst the dolerite are fascinating plants, some of which have arrived on secret river journeys such as the beautiful river boronia (B. gunnii). Look for it on the Apsley Gorge walk.
The endangered fairy fanflower (Scaevola aemula) was only discovered in the park after fire caused seeds to germinate. Such plants may only be seen for a short period after fire, surviving at other times in the soil seedbank.
In 1989 after a long campaign by locals, conservationists and bushwalkers this area was declared a national park. Local landowner, Arthur Jones owned land here at Rosedale Road and after his death the land was donated to the Wilderness Society: It is now managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Park Entry Fees and Walker Registration Going bushwalking? Please complete the Walker Logbook and make sure you have purchased your Parks Pass.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Apsley Gorge: A Tasmanian Masterpiece of Water, Rock, and Time
Nestled within the majestic Douglas-Apsley National Park, Apsley Gorge carves a dramatic path through Tasmania’s Central Highlands. This haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts showcases a captivating interplay of water, rock, and time, offering breathtaking scenery, unique geological formations, and a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Landscape Features:
Deep Gorge: The centrepiece of the area is the namesake Apsley Gorge, a steep-sided canyon carved by the Apsley River over millions of years. Dolerite columns, remnants of ancient lava flows, line the gorge walls, reaching up to 50 meters in height and creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Waterfalls: Cascading waterfalls, including the powerful 30-meter высокогорный водопад and the picturesque Archway Falls, tumble down the gorge walls, adding to the dynamic beauty of the landscape.
Rainforests: Lush rainforests cloak the slopes surrounding the gorge, creating a cool, green haven with towering деревьев, ferns, and mosses clinging to the rock faces.
Lookouts: Several lookout points, including the aptly named Sentinel and The Fortress, offer panoramic vistas of the gorge, реки, and the surrounding mountains.
Basalt Formations: Weathered basalt columns and formations, shaped by millennia of erosion, add a touch of mystery and intrigue to the landscape.
Geology:
The landscape of Apsley Gorge is a testament to its ancient geological history. Dolerite columns, formed from cooling lava flows approximately 180 million years ago, dominate the gorge walls. Subsequent erosion by the Apsley River and glaciers sculpted the dramatic canyon, waterfalls, and rock formations we see today.
Scenic Highlights:
Panoramic Views: Witness the breathtaking scale of the gorge from lookout points like The Fortress and Sentinel, capturing the river snaking through the dolerite columns and the lush rainforests blanketing the slopes.
Archway Falls: Be mesmerised by the delicate beauty of Archway Falls, where water cascades through a natural archway formed in the dolerite columns.
Rainforest Walks: Immerse yourself in the cool, green embrace of the rainforests, listening to the calls of birds and admiring the diverse plant life.
Sunrise or Sunset over the Gorge: Witness the magical play of light and shadow as the sun paints the dolerite columns and waterfalls in warm hues.
Local Flora:
The diverse habitats within Apsley Gorge support a rich variety of plant life. The rainforests boast towering деревьев like myrtle beech, celery pine, and leatherwood, while the understory teems with ferns, mosses, and colourful wildflowers. Heathlands cling to the drier slopes, showcasing banksias, tea trees, and other hardy species.
Local Fauna:
Keep your eyes peeled for native Tasmanian animals while exploring Apsley Gorge. Agile wallabies and pademelons might be spotted amongst the trees, while colourful parrots, honeyeaters, and kookaburras flit through the canopy. Look out for shy platypuses in the river and listen for the distinctive calls of Tasmanian devils and quolls in the twilight hours.
Indigenous History:
The traditional lands of the Aboriginal Tasmanian people, the Palawa, encompass the Apsley Gorge area. Evidence of their long connection to the land can be found in archaeological sites like middens and stone tools scattered throughout the national park.
White History:
European explorers first arrived in the area in the early 19th century. The Douglas-Apsley National Park was established in 1967 to protect the region’s natural and cultural values.
Other Walks:
Several walking tracks cater to different fitness levels and interests within Apsley Gorge:
Apsley Gorge Circuit: A moderately challenging 4.5-km loop offering stunning views and access to waterfalls.
Archway Falls Track: A short and easy walk leading to the picturesque Archway Falls.
Platypus Park Track: A short loop track offering opportunities to spot platypuses in their natural habitat.
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