Our Latest News

NSW fundraiser no connection to Tasmania

02/10/2008

Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service has no connection with a telephone fundraising campaign being conducted by the New South Wales-based Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.More

Better protection for Lillico's much-loved penguins

26/09/2008

A new viewing platform at Lillico Beach will help give better protection to the much loved North West Coast penguin colony as well as an enhanced visitor experience.
More

Cooperative fuel reduction burning planned

04/09/2008

A series of fuel reduction burns will be conducted this month in Tasmania's North-East and on the West Coast as part of the inter-agency Fuel Reduction Burning Program.More

Nelson Falls

57. Nelson Falls

time 20 minute return
access Located on the Lyell Highway (A10) between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge
fees Park entry fees apply. (Lake St Clair or Queenstown are the closest places to obtain a pass.)
facilities Picnic and toilet facilities located 33km east at the Franklin River
grade Easy
what to take Group A items, plus lunch and water
cautions Heavy rain can occur in any month
prohibited 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.