You can’t beat Tasmania in the winter, so when Kayne heard about a frozen waterfall within Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, it quickly made the must do list.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Meander Falls track, part of the Meander Forest reserve in Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, is a challenging out-and-back 10km day walk considered one of Tasmania’s ‘60 Great Short Walks’, taking around 4.5-6 hours to complete.

Combine it with the Split Rock Track to create a more challenging, but incredibly rewarding, 10.3km circuit for one epic Tasmanian adventure.

About Meander Falls

Meander Falls sits over 1000 metres above sea level, giving it the distinctive ability to freeze during the winter.

This creates a fairytale ending to the 5km walk up the Meander Falls track, a demanding 470-metre elevation gain from the Meander Falls car park. The enchanting climb up takes you through lush rainforest, past multiple waterfalls, and offers killer views of your end goal.

 

 

Once at the top you can choose to head back the way you came or take a left a little way back down the hill to return via the more challenging Split Rock Track.

The Split Rock Track provides everything Tasmania has to offer, bouldering through a scree field, walking under overhanging cliffs, and even more impressive waterfalls – including the always exciting opportunity to get behind one.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Meander Falls History

The original home of the Pallotirre people, the Meander Valley is now part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, a title given to the area by UNESCO after meeting seven of its ten criteria (a score only one other place in the world has achieved!).

How to Get to Meander Falls

The hike starts from the Meander River car park, a quick half hour drive from Deloraine, one hour from Launceston or three hours from Hobart. There are no public transport options available I’m afraid.

From Deloraine, follow the C167 to Meander where you’ll start seeing signs to the Meander Forest Reserve. Once at Lake Huntsman, hang a right up Meander Falls Road and follow the gravel road to the end where you’ll find the car park, toilets, and the start of the trail.

Where to Stay Near Meander Falls

You can easily tick Meander Falls off with a day trip from Launceston, however, if you’re coming from further afield you may need a full weekend.

If so, Tasmania is full of quaint little towns that are well worth an overnight stay. Deloraine, one of my personal favorites, has a bunch of accommodation options and great places to grab a bite. Mole Creek is also just a 45 minute drive from the trail head although accommodation is a little more limited.

If you’re more of the roughing it type, Albatross Campground can be found at the junction of the Meander River and Mother Cummings Rivulet. Camping is free but there are no amenities so be sure to live your best ‘Leave No Trace’ life.

Skill Level

Beginner-Intermediate

Although a reasonably steep Grade 4 hike, I’d consider the Meander Falls Track great for beginners with an average fitness level looking for a challenge.

Returning via the Split Rock Track requires navigating via cairns and hiking over scree so its best to leave this to the slightly more experienced hikers.

 

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain of Meander Falls

Meander Falls out and back: 10km / 4.5-6 hours / 470 metres

If tackling the 10.3km loop via the Split Rock Track, it’s best to allow for extra time due to the tricky scramble and navigation over the scree field.

Essential Gear for Meander Falls

  • Trail runners/hiking boots
  • Hat/beanie
  • Warm gear
  • Rain jacket
  • Swimmers (if you’re game enough)
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks

What it’s like to Walk the Meander Falls and Split Rock Track Circuit

Having spent the weekend exploring some of Tasmania’s greatest waterfalls, we continued to brave the cold to check out a mysterious waterfall we’d heard has a tendency to freeze during winter. Starting our day at around 9.30am, we left Meander Falls car park full of anticipation.

 

 

Meander Falls Track

The Meander Falls Track is considered one of Tasmania’s 60 great short walks and we instantly found out why. While the pinnacle of the walk is the 130-metre high Meander Falls, the 5km, 470 metre incline hike up to it is equally as captivating.

Following the Meander River up, the track fittingly ‘meanders’ through lush rainforest, keeping the river in sight for the majority of the climb.

We were treated to a bunch of different waterfalls, all feeling somewhat like a prelude to the main event, with lots of opportunities to take a rest on a large rock and take it all in (as well as a few extra breaths).

The path was marked with orange tags and was in pretty good knick, although I imagine it would get boggy in areas after some rain.

The climb remained consistent, with a slight reprieve towards the end, giving us hopeful glimpses of the end destination as we progressed.

Facing Meander Falls

Once reaching the top, looking from afar wasn’t enough so we quickly scrambled down the rock to get a bit closer. A well-placed log at the base of the falls made for the perfect spot to stop and take it all in as we enjoyed a well-earned (and needed) coffee break.

The ‘frozenness’ of the falls didn’t disappoint, making it one of the most unique waterfalls we’ve visited. The surrounding trees had been crystallized with the frozen spray from the falls, adding to the ‘winter wonderland’ feel akin to something you might find in Narnia.

 

 

After 15 or so minutes, we made our way back up to the main track. We could’ve continued heading upwards to get what I imagine to be an amazing view of the valley, but with our plans to take on the Split Rock Track, we started heading back down.

Taking Split Rock Track

Around 1km back down the Meander Falls Track, we took a left at the old Split Rock Track sign, winding down to the Meander River. Crossing the river, we started the climb up and over the scree field, past Meander Crag.

This was the toughest and longest part of the day. Constant bouldering over large rocks (a wayward ankle’s worst nightmare), and navigating the maze of scree with the help of cairns made this section of the track particularly difficult. However it was worth the climb as the views back over the valley were a nice reward.

Once over the scree field, we found ourselves back in lush rainforest for the final stretch back to the car park.

This section of the track quickly became one of our favorites, as we walked under overhanging cliffs, past (and under) both Cleft Rock and Showercave Falls, and over idyllic creeks. We crossed the final suspension bridge and were back at the car park by around 2.30pm.

Tips For Hiking to Meander Falls

  • Take plenty of rain and cold weather gear. As everywhere in Tasmania, the weather can change rapidly in alpine regions
  • Only attempt the scree field in dry conditions and take your time. It can be really slippery when wet and the last thing you want is a busted ankle
  • Don’t forget to take a hot drink. You’ll want something to look forward to at the end of the climb and to keep you warm as you explore the falls

Meander Falls FAQs

Where is Meander Falls located?

Meander Falls is located 30 minutes from nearby Deloraine, one hour from Launceston and three hours from Hobart.

Do I need to book my visit to Meander Falls?

No need to book, just show up and get walking!

When is the best time of year to visit Meander Falls?

To catch the frozen waterfall, visit in winter between June-August.

Is Meander Falls good for beginners?

The Meander Falls track is a good walk for beginners but if you’re returning via the Split Rock track, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

 

Feature photo by Manuel Neumann on Flickr