Dip Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Tasmania.
Not because its particularly high or beautiful, but because with the right conditions, it’s an absolute brute of a waterfall compared to many in Tasmania. It’s a big, bulky, and loud.
It’s located just outside the town of Mawbanna in the north-west region of Tasmania, around 40 minutes drive from Stanley.
The 26-kilometre road into the falls winds its way through pretty farmland and forestry plantations, before turning into a dirt road with plenty of potholes for the last 2 kilometres.
You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you see the impressive tunnel of rainforest trees welcoming you into the reserve.
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Dip Falls Waterfall Platform
You can hear the falls well before you catch any glimpse of them. The roar of the waterfall is overpowering and surrounds you like a blanket of white noise.
Getting down to the waterfall is fairly easy going. A short gravel path leads you to a staircase zigzagging down to the base of the waterfall. The staircase is well made with a sturdy railing to support your descent. The only real obstacle is dodging the odd giant fern leaf or two along the way.
At the base of the falls is a large elevated viewing platform with a catwalk style walkway extending out over the river, ending with a small viewing platform.
The falls are literally right in your face and the unique hexagonal shaped basalt columns that make up the waterfall becomes apparent. Because of the unique shape of the columns, the water doesn’t flow smoothly like a normal waterfall, it sort of bounces from column to column like a slinky made of water.
The stairs can be fairly challenging on the return trip, but take your time and stop at one of the conveniently located seats and enjoy the differing views of the falls.
Dip Falls Upper Platform
Perched on the hillside above the waterfall is the upper platform. From up here, you’re looking directly down upon the waterfall. And from this vantage, you get a clear idea of the scale of the falls. The water spreads out and the entire hillside becomes a huge torrent of water.
The waterfalls double-tiered structure is also clearly visible from above. You can see the top falls cascading into a central pool before flowing down the second cascade to the base of the falls.
The picturesque views from the upper platform look out over the valley and surrounding forests, and the hexagon shapes in the rock wall that makes this waterfall truly unique are clearly visible.
The Big Tree
Around 1 kilometre from the waterfall is the Big Tree. Much like the Big Tree at Liffey Falls, the tree is a Brown Top Stringybark. But this one is slightly larger.
It’s a towering 62 metres tall and a humongous 5 metres in diameter.
There is a very short walk from the car park to the tree through some lovely Tarkine rainforest, with scenery similar to that found at Trowutta Arch before you reach the platform that surrounds the big tree.
A few metres from the big tree is a short stairway that takes you atop one of these fallen giants to give you a good scale of the sizes of these trees.
Entry Price
Entry to Dip Falls is free.
Opening Hours
Dip Falls is open 24 hours.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Barbeques
- Seating
- Car park
Location
Click to view the map to Dip Falls.
When To Visit
Dip Falls can be visited year-round, although the flow is very seasonal.
Warm summer months can turn the flow into little more than a dribble, whereas during winter with heavier rainfalls it turns into a raging torrent. Definitely visit during winter if possible.
Additional Information
- Many guides list the upper lookout and the big tree as disabled access. We feel this would be difficult without assistance as the path can be muddy, bumpy and is on a slight incline
- There is a barbeque near the car park, but it’s wood-fired. You’ll need to bring wood and barbeques utensils, and the cooking surface is rather weathered and rusty
Recommended Equipment
- Wet weather gear
- Water
- Food
Conclusion
Dip Falls is a little out of the way, but well worth the effort when it’s flowing strongly.
It’s one of the most powerful and impressive waterfalls in Tasmania. And besides the drive into the falls, it’s one of the quickest and easiest waterfalls to access.
Nearby Attractions
- Stanley