6 Days Tasmania, Australia- 5/11- 5/16/2024

5 day tour of Tasmania

Day 4 of 5 - St. Columba Falls-5/15/2024

St. Columba Falls is one of Tasmania’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls, cascading about 295 ft. down a steep, fern-covered cliff. From the parking lot, the trail leading to the falls is an easy and scenic walk that takes about 15/20 minutes each way. The path gently descends through lush temperate rainforest filled with towering tree ferns, moss-covered rocks, and the soothing sound of running water. As you get closer, you can start to hear the roar of the waterfall echoing through the valley, and at the viewing platform, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the powerful stream plunging through the dense greenery, creating a cool mist in the air.

Tom parked the bus, and as we stepped out, I noticed a sign that read St. Columba Falls, marking the start of the trail. Nearby stood a small wooden shack, weathered by time, adding a rustic charm to the quiet surroundings.

As we started along the trail, tall trees with wide-spreading branches stretched out and crossed above the pathway, creating a natural archway of leaves and twigs.

The vegetation along the trail was a beautiful mix of tall trees and dense ferns. The trees rose high with their branches spreading overhead, while thick clusters of ferns covered the ground in every shade of green. Together they created a lush, layered forest scene, cool, damp, and full of life.

As we went further along, the dirt path began to narrow, winding gently through the thick forest. Ferns grew closer on both sides, their long fronds brushing against the edge of the trail and almost forming a green corridor.

Along the trail, I noticed many trees growing sideways, their trunks bending and twisting in unusual shapes.

From the trail we could see the St. Columba Falls in the distance.

The trail is well maintained with a wooden divider for safety.

The St. Columba Falls track is famous for its magnificent tree ferns, many of which are truly giant.

The ferns are most likely the Man Ferns, which thrive in this cool, moist gully. They can grow several feet tall, creating an ancient, prehistoric canopy over the path, making you feel completely dwarfed as you continue your descent toward the waterfall.

The ferns are dense and vibrant because this is a high-rainfall area, especially being nestled in the foothills of Mount Victoria. The gorge and the dense canopy of taller trees like Myrtle and Sassafras block the sun and wind. The persistent moisture and mist from the waterfall create the ideal humid environment that ferns absolutely thrive in.

The wooden bridge is the final landmark before the destination. This bridge crosses the South George River at the bottom of the gorge.

 The giant tree ferns often form a beautiful, dense archway over the bridge and the riverbanks, confirming that we are right at the most sheltered and wet part of the rainforest.

The South George River runs underneath the bridge.

We are now at the St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania's tallest waterfalls, plunging approximately 295 feet down the steep granite cliff face.

It is a multi-tiered cascade and the most striking feature is that the water doesn't fall in one sheer sheet. Instead, the South George River tumbles down in a breathtaking multi-tiered cascade. The water hits a series of granite ledges and steps on the cliff face, breaking up the flow.

As the water spills over these rocky tiers, it splits and divides into multiple streams or "white fingers" that race each other down the rock. This erratic, powerful movement makes for a dynamic and visually complex display..

The viewing platform is a designated, safe viewing area. Because of the sheer power of the falls and the risk of flooding, falling rocks, and very slippery ground, the platform is intentionally positioned a safe distance back from the immediate plunge pool and the riverbank.

We are standing at the base of St Columba Falls, surrounded by a rocky terrain with moss-covered stones scattered around. The ground is uneven, and a few fallen trees lie across the stream, their trunks glistening from the mist of the waterfall. The roar of the water echoes through the valley as it cascades down the steep cliff, creating a cool spray that fills the air. Ferns and dense greenery thrive in the damp surroundings, adding to the wild, untouched beauty of the place.

We are now heading back to the parking lot.

This area is by far by favorite one with all the tall ferns.

As we walked back after seeing the falls, we followed the track through the lush forest. Not far from the trail, I catch glimpses of the South George River flowing gently between the trees.

The sound of running water accompanies us, and the river winding its way over smooth rocks, and  adding a peaceful rhythm to our walk through the cool, green valley.

We are now back at the our starting point, adn on to the next destination.

NEXT...Day 4- Bay of Fires