A delightful short walk from the Lyell Highway—the last between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown—takes visitors alongside a burbling river to a beautiful set of falls. The mossy forest, featuring sassafras, myrtle and a variety of ferns, gives hints of the high rainfall in this area. These falls are always a wonderful sight, but can be a spectacularly roaring torrent after heavy rain. Return via the same track.
Along the boardwalk to Nelson Falls you will come across interpretation panels highlighting the ancient plants you see along the way, including at least seven species of fern. These interpretation panels will take you on a journey back in time to when Tasmania was a part of the great supercontinent of Gondwana.
Among the forest trees you will discover ancient species that once dominated the Australian landmass, but are now confined to the wetter regions of Tasmania and south-east and eastern mainland Australia. Many of the species of these cool temperate rainforests are only suited to the cool, moist conditions of places such as the Nelson Valley.
