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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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.