Visitors walking the Apsley River Gorge when water levels are very low.
Apsley River Gorge with low water (photograph: Peter Grant)
60 Great Short Walks

Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge

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Alerts for Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge

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Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 20/12/2025

​As of 2:00am on Saturday the 20th of December, PWS will bring in a seasonal campfire ban for all parks and reserves in the following areas:

  • ​ ​Maria Island and Flinders Island

  • All parks and reserves in the municipalties of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Dorset and Break O'Day

  • Narrawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake and Snakey Creek Conservation Area

This is a seasonal ban to reduce the risk of fire over summer.

​The map​ below shows all affected areas.  You can still use gas stoves and gas barbecues. ​
State Campfire Ban Map 2025-2026

Look out for these signs.

Stylised campfire with a red cross through it

Round pot on three legs with a flue. Red cross through it showing that these are not allowed to be used

Please note: Parts of the reserved estate including The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area and the Three Capes Track are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.​

Last reviewed 12/1/2026 02:38 PM


2-3 hr return / 4-5 hr circuit, 5.6km if returning along same track (grade 2 walk). Approx. 7km if returning via the river in dry conditions (grade 3 walk)
Grade 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
Supervise children, slippery surfaces, flowing waters. Return via the Apsley River only in times of low water with no rainfall expected. Slippery scrambling and boulder hopping down the river bed required. River levels can change without warning. Douglas- Apsley is a bushfire prone area. Please check the Bushfire Safety page for more information and check alerts​ and signage. There is limited phone reception in the Douglas-Apsley National Park.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
From Tasman Highway (A3) turn into Rosedale Rd. Final 6km is unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles and mountain bikes. Road is subject to flooding.

About

​This walk starts as a gentle stroll through open woodland before reaching the surprising and lovely Apsley Waterhole. The beautifully tranquil pool in the Apsley River begs you to stop and gaze into its waters. Or if the weather’s right, you might want to wade or swim in the delightfully clear water. The walk crosses the river and leads you up through dry, open forest. It soon descends back to the river at the Apsley Gorge. In dry weather it’s possible to make this a circuit walk by returning along the river. Otherwise return the way you came.

​The Douglas and Apsley Rivers are home to an endangered native fish called the Australian Grayling, which grows to about 30 cm in length. They are dark greenish to greyish olive along the back, lighter and silvery on the sides with a whitish belly.

Simple map showing the Apsley River Waterhole walk and surrounds.