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24. Nelson Falls

	20 minute return
	Located on the Lyell Highway (A10) between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge. See map
	Park entry fees apply. (Lake St Clair or Queenstown are the closest places to obtain a pass.)
	Picnic and toilet facilities located 33km east at the Franklin River
	Level 2. Some steps
	Group A items, plus lunch and water
	Heavy rain can occur in any month
	No pets, firearms or bicycles

These delightful falls are reached after a very easy walk. Break the long drive and stretch your legs; you won’t be disappointed.

Highlights

Along the boardwalk to Nelson Falls you will come across interpretation panels highlighting the ancient plants you see along the way, including at least seven species of fern. Among the forest trees you will discover ancient species that once dominated the Australian landmass, but are now confined to the wetter regions of Tasmania and southeast and eastern mainland Australia. Many of the species of these cool temperate rainforests are only suited to the cool, moist conditions of places such as the Nelson Valley. The species of these rainforests have much in common with the rainforests of New Zealand and South America. Indeed, the ancestors of these plants once flourished on the ancient supercontinent, Gondwana, which comprised today's southern continents. Following the breakup of Gondwana, these species found themselves separated by vast distances. The similarity of the rainforest species of these continents is the legacy of this common origin.