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Scenic view of a large water fall in St Columba falls State Reserve on a dark misty day.
St Columba Falls (photograph: St Columba Falls)

St Columba Falls State Reserve

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Parking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
  • Toilets

ContactExpand/Collapse

  • St Helens Field Centre
    Eagle Street, St Helens TAS 7216
    Postal: PO Box 353
    St Helens TAS 7216
    Phone: 03 6387 5510

About

​At St Columba Falls State Reserve, the cascading fresh waters of St Columba Falls plunge almost 90 metres from the Mount Victoria foothills to the valley of the South George River. One of the many stunning waterfalls in Tasmania, St Columba Falls has a large catchment area that creates a continuous year-round flow down the steep granite cliff face.

The cascading falls can be easily viewed while enjoying your lunch at the nearby picnic area. Get up closer by following the short walking track through a forest of tree ferns, sassafras, beech and myrtle to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. As you wander, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the elusive platypuses that burrow and forage for food along the creek’s banks.

St Columba Falls is about 30 minutes’ drive from the popular East Coast township of St Helens, making it an easy day trip for coastal holidaymakers looking for things to do around St Helens.

The spectacular waterfall in the Columba Falls State Reserve has never been known to run dry since its discovery. With an average annual rainfall of 780mm, the area supports lush rainforest which provides a spectacular setting for the much-admired falls.

The downhill St Columba Falls walk to the foot of the falls features giant tree ferns and is listed by the Parks and Wildlife Service among its 60 Great Short Walks.  No bushwalking experience is required for the 20-30 minute return stroll. The track has a hardened and compacted surface. 

Interpretative signs tell the story of the reserve. To add to your enjoyment of this rainforest paradise, pack lunch or a snack and relax at the picnic area which has a view of the falls. The ground may be slippery so make sure your footwear is sturdy. Pack a light raincoat in case of rain and to avoid the spray from the casca​ding falls. 

The surrounding area, which includes the rich dairying district of Pyengana and fascinating Blue Tier, is well worth including on any itinerary to  St Columba Falls State Reserve.

Surrounded by densely wooded hills, the St Columba Falls State Reserve contains forests of tree ferns, sassafras, myrtle and beech, and provides a massive water catchment that flows year round.

The area was prime habitat for Tasmanian tigers (thylacines), once Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial, and long presumed extinct. Some locals believe they are still around. 

Visitors are more likely to see a platypus, although these shy creatures can be quite elusive. Keep a lookout along the banks of the reserve's creeks where they can be seen returning to their burrows. The reserve provides ideal habitat for these semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammals which feed on small invertebrates on the bottom of freshwater streams.

For more information on our wildlife please see Tasmania's wildlife.

Visit our caring for wildlife page for more information on interacting with and protecting our native animals.

​Aboriginal people followed the George and South George rivers from the East Coast of Tasmania to the hinterland, including the area around the St Columba Falls State Reserve.  Evidence of Aboriginal occupation can still be found in areas such as Mathinna, about 40km from the falls.

An Aboriginal word 'Pyengana', meaning earth or ground, was adopted by European settlers for the isolated area which now includes the reserve. 

Pioneers George and Margaret Cotton began farming the South George River valley in 1875. They called their property St Columba after the banished Irish saint. The adventurous Cotton children discovered majestic waterfalls on the family property which their Irish exile mother also dedicated to St Columba.

An intake bridge, located just off the approach road to the falls marks the starting point of a disused water race. This 45km channel carried water to the tin mine near St Helens. Remnants of the race can be seen on the eastern side of the bridge.

Buy a map from TasMap

​The falls are a 30 minute drive from St Helens. via the ​​​​Tasman Highway (A3), ​​then road C428 from Pyengana. 

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​The St Columba State Reserve is in a moderately high rainfall area. Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. 

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.