Monday 18/03/2024 Lobster Falls Track Carpark (on B12 – Mole Creek Road) – Lobster Falls
Lobster Rivulet Regional Reserve, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We already had a fantastic morning before starting this walk. We went for an easy 8km run from the Mole Creek Campground and on our return someone had spotted a platypus in Sassafras Creek, just beside our campsite. We spent nearly an hour following the elusive monotreme as it fed happily in the clear water. It was the best platypus viewing in the wild we had ever experienced.
Max elevation: 334 m
Total climbing: 316 m
Total descent: -307 m
Average speed: 3.77 km/h
Total time: 01:26:00
In the afternoon we decided we should make the most of the day as rain was forecast for tomorrow. We decided on the Lobster Falls Track, not far from Mole Creek. We walked initially through a forest of tall trees and dry forest before descending to the falls. The last five metres to the falls was an awkward rock scramble and as it had just started to drizzle the rocks were a bit slippery.
There was a section of hose that had snapped in half which we weren’t going to rely on down that slope but there were some rocks and roots which were of some assistance. The falls were quite pleasant, nothing outstanding and we decided not to continue further because of the slippery rocks. We returned via the same track.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Lobster Rivulet Regional Reserve encompasses a section of the Great Ravine, a dramatic valley carved by the Lobster Rivulet on Tasmania’s east coast.
Landscape Features and Geology
The reserve showcases a rugged landscape characterised by:
Steep dolerite cliffs: Dolerite, a dark-coloured igneous rock, forms the prominent cliffs flanking the Lobster Rivulet. These cliffs rise to an estimated 500 metres above the valley floor.
Deep gorges: The Lobster Rivulet has carved a deep, steep-sided gorge through the dolerite over millennia.
Permanent streams: The Lobster Rivulet, a permanent stream, flows through the reserve, its volume varying depending on rainfall.
Scenic Highlights
The reserve offers several scenic viewpoints:
Waterfall lookouts: Walking tracks lead to lookouts offering panoramic views of waterfalls cascading down the dolerite cliffs. The most well-known is Lobster Falls, with a drop of approximately 65 metres.
Valley vistas: Viewpoints provide breathtaking panoramas of the Lobster Rivulet gorge and the surrounding dolerite cliffs.
Local Flora
The vegetation within the reserve varies depending on aspect and moisture availability. Some common plant communities include:
Dry sclerophyll forest: On drier slopes, eucalypt species such as Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita) and Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) may be present.
Wet sclerophyll forest: In areas receiving more moisture, forests dominated by Stringybark (Eucalyptus globulus) or Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii) might occur.
Riparian vegetation: The Lobster Rivulet itself supports riparian vegetation adapted to moist conditions, potentially including ferns, mosses, and reeds.
Local Fauna
The reserve provides habitat for a variety of Tasmanian fauna, including:
Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale brunii)
Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Various bird species such as grey fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and honeyeaters (Meliphagidae family)
Indigenous History
Information regarding Aboriginal Tasmanian occupation of the Lobster Rivulet Regional Reserve is limited. Further research and consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people are needed to understand their connection to this land.
White History
The specific date of European arrival in the Lobster Rivulet area is unclear. However, logging activities likely began in the 19th century, impacting the original vegetation cover in some areas. The reserve itself was established in 1999.
Other Walks
While Lobster Rivulet Regional Reserve primarily focuses on scenic viewpoints of the gorge and waterfalls, there are limited walking track options within the reserve itself due to the steep terrain. Visitors seeking longer hikes can explore nearby areas such as:
Walls of Jerusalem National Park: Offering challenging hikes with diverse landscapes and vegetation communities.
Ben Lomond National Park: Featuring alpine walking tracks with stunning mountain vistas.
A visit to Lobster Rivulet Regional Reserve allows visitors to appreciate the power of water erosion in shaping dramatic landscapes and to experience the diverse ecosystems of Tasmania’s east coast.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries and other content
