Wednesday 13/03/2024 Lower Liffey Reserve – Lower Liffey Falls Track – Liffey River – Liffey Falls upper Track – Liffey Falls
Liffey Falls State Reserve, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Our original plan for the day was to tackle Quamby Bluff, a 4 to 5-hour return walk providing panoramic views of the Central Plateau and Great Western Tiers. However, as we reached the trailhead the cloud and mist remained low and we felt we might be wasting our time. An alternative was to drive a bit further and walk to Liffey Falls.
Max elevation: 519 m
Total climbing: 246 m
Total descent: -236 m
Average speed: 4.95 km/h
Total time: 02:56:18
We opted to walk from the lower car park which was listed as a three-hour return walk. It started at the Liffey Campground. The trail followed a gentle uphill gradient and the vegetation of the temperate rainforest was just beautiful, so verdant despite a lack of rain. There were mossy-covered tree trunks, huge tree ferns and lots of different mosses and lichen.
Damp forest along the Liffey River below the falls
After about an hour we reached the lower falls. This was the first time we saw other people on the trail, presumably, they walked the shorter route from the upper car park. The ranger told us the water flow was lower than usual but it was still a lovely waterfall with a large deep pool at its base. We continued on the trail towards the upper falls but it was the lower falls that were the most picturesque.
We retraced our steps back to the car. This was a lovely walk which we completed in just over 2.5 hours.
Information on Parks Tasmania signage along the way
Ascend through tall invigorating rainforest, flanked by ferns, to the tiered cascade of Liffey Falls. Take time to enjoy the variety of flora along the way. For a longer walk, continue beyond the falls to the upper carpark picnic area.
Time: 3 hours return
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Landscape Features and Geology
Tiered waterfalls: Liffey Falls comprises four distinct waterfalls, each with its own name – Alexandra Falls, Hopetoun Falls, The Leap or Spout Falls (also called Albert Falls), and Victoria Falls (commonly referred to as Liffey Falls). The total descent is approximately 120-160 metres.
Liffey River: The waterfalls cascade down the Liffey River, which originates in the Great Western Tiers and flows eastward towards the Midlands.
Underlying geology: The bedrock in the area is likely composed of mudstone and sandstone. The differential erosion rates of these rock types are responsible for the formation of the tiered waterfalls.
Scenic Highlights
Multi-tiered spectacle: The series of cascading waterfalls creates a visually impressive spectacle, especially during periods of high water flow.
Lush rainforest setting: The falls are nestled within a temperate rainforest, with towering trees, ferns, and mosses adding to the scenic appeal.
Walking tracks: Walking tracks with viewing platforms allow visitors to experience the falls from different vantage points.
Local Flora
The temperate rainforest surrounding Liffey Falls provides habitat for a diverse range of plant life:
Sassafras (Cinnamomum oliveri)
Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii)
Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)
Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum)
Tree Ferns (various Dicksonia species)
Clubmosses (Selaginella uliginosa)
Liverworts (various Marchantia species)
Mosses (various Bryophyte species)
Local Fauna
The rainforest ecosystem supports a variety of Tasmanian fauna, although the immediate vicinity of the waterfalls may offer limited habitat for some species:
Cave spiders (various families): Several spider species may inhabit crevices and overhangs near the falls.
Cave crickets (various Anoplurellidae species): These specialised insects are adapted to the cool, damp environment.
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): The elusive platypus may be present in the Liffey River, although sightings are uncommon.
Birds: Various bird species such as scrubwrens, fantails, and honeyeaters may be seen in the rainforest canopy.
Indigenous History
The Liffey Falls area is a significant cultural landscape for the palawa people, the traditional Aboriginal inhabitants of Tasmania. Archaeological evidence suggests Aboriginal Tasmanians frequented the area for hunting and resource gathering. Sadly, the Liffey Falls massacre site is a tragic reminder of the violent history of European colonisation. Further consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people is needed for a deeper understanding of their connection to this place.
White History
European settlement in the Midlands region likely began in the early 19th century. Land was cleared for agriculture, and logging activities may have impacted the surrounding forests. The Liffey Falls themselves were recognised for their scenic beauty and became a popular tourist destination. The construction of walking tracks and viewing platforms enhanced visitor access while aiming to minimise environmental impact.
Other Walks
The Liffey Falls State Reserve and surrounding areas offer a range of walking tracks for visitors of varying abilities:
Liffey Falls Circuit: This short loop track leads past all four tiers of the waterfalls, offering multiple viewing points.
Upper Liffey Falls Track: A more challenging track for experienced hikers, leading to the top of Victoria Falls (Liffey Falls).
Meander Valley Trails: Explore the broader Meander Valley with its wineries, historical sites, and natural attractions.
Liffey Falls provides a captivating glimpse into Tasmania’s natural beauty and complex history. The waterfalls themselves are a spectacular natural wonder, while the surrounding rainforest offers valuable habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The Liffey Falls State Reserve plays a role in preserving this cultural landscape for future generations.
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