Minnow Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall located on the South Eastern face of Mt Roland in the North West of Tasmania.

Quick Overview

Minnow Falls Trail is a 16km return, grade 4 hike located on Mt Roland in Tasmania. It takes 1 hour 15 minutes to drive from Launceston CBD to reach the starting point of the hike.

 

Highlights

  • 3-tiered waterfall
  • Rope ladder climbs
  • Caving Sprawling views of the paradise valley below

Hiking to Minnow Falls

You would be forgiven for not ever having heard of Minnow Falls (in the Tassie context) as it is a long-forgotten set of falls. This is not helped by the lack of signage and washed out bridges but those who persevere will be greatly rewarded with one of Tasmania’s most unique day hiking experiences.

The walk begins along undulating forestry road and quickly becomes far more intense as the climbing begins, after reaching the base of the Mt Roland cliff face you begin to traverse along the steep slopes to reach the first tier of the falls.

 

Top Tier Middle Tier Pano. Isaac Crebert Minnow Falls Tasmania

 

It was from here that the walk stepped up yet another level, following an old creek bed up the slopes. To reach the middle tier you will have to climb a small rope ladder up a rock slab then climb up through a cave to reach the viewpoint (it is here that you will require a headlamp or torch as it is pitch black inside the cave).

As you can see this is by far the best view along this trail with sprawling views that seem to carry on forever and a large single drop waterfall.

The climb only got better from here, 2 more rope ladders and countless large boulders have to be navigated to reach the very top tier, although only a small cascade the views from here are breath taking to say the least.

The return is back along the trail below and much time and care needs to be taken descending the escarpment as it is just as difficult a walk on the way down.

Essential Gear

  • Sturdy footwear
  • Warm weatherproof clothes (some of the walk is very exposed)
  • Suitable food and water
  • Headlamp or torch (for navigating the cave)
  • Topographic map (TASMAP no.4440) or GPS (the trail can be difficult to follow)
  • Highly recommend some gaiters or sturdy pants as the trail is quite overgrown.

How To Get There

The trail start point is 1hr and 15min away from Launceston CBD passing through various small towns along the way.

 

Minnow Falls Map

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Swimming (summer only)
  • Photography

Skill Level

Intermediate to advanced

Distance

16km return