Branigan Falls

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National ParkGPS Coords: -41.7192, 145.9462
Land Tenure: National Park

Tasmap Reference: 4038 Cradle

Updated on 31 Jan 2021

Branigan Falls (top tier)
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Craig Doumouras
image

Grade 4 Hike
Suitable for experienced hikers only.

25km's8+ hours returnRough track, many obstacles Limited signage

Generally distinct without major modification to the ground. Encounters with fallen debris and other obstacles are likely.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Unknown if accessible with a caravan
Unknown if accessible with a campervan or RV
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average rating of 7 out of 10

rated by 5 people

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About Branigan Falls

Branigan Falls is situated in Waterfall Valley along the Overland Track.  Its closeness to the track makes it audible when walking past the creek from which Branigan Falls derives from.  However, due to Vegetation Regeneration program along sections of the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, it is advised for travellers not to leave the track to visit the waterfalls.

For those with permission to view the waterfalls, the picture above shows a small waterfall of approximately 4 - 5 metres that is just above the main waterfall.  This section is easily accessible by an already existing track, that takes you beside the waterfall.  From this section, you will also be on the ledge of where the main drop of Branigan Falls commences

Another track is also available that leads you down to the base of the falls, though it is not easily found.  These tracks are well established, and once on the bottom of Branigan Falls, you are greeted with a waterfall that has a drop of at least 40 metres, dropping into a valley of gorgeous forest.  The waterfall has created a cavern behind it, making it possible walk behind it.

How to get to Branigan Falls

The hike to Branigan Falls commences from either the Ronny Creek carpark, or the Dove Lake carpark, walking your way towards the overland track, and then southwards along it. From either carpark, the hike is demanding, requiring a lot of uphill walking along rugged tracks. Once you climb to the plateau, the walk then takes you along side cradle mountain, where you have the option to detour to climb to Cradle Mountain's summit. The track also passes Kitchen Hut, which provides some well rewarded shelter from the sun if required. This section of the track continues to gradually climb until you reach the top of the plateau. The plateau is rocky, and walking can be tricky in places due to the rocks that need to be walked over, but generally, this section of the track is a welcome relief from all the initial climbing that had to occur at the commencement of the hike.

After over an hours walk, you will reach a fork in the track, with one section guiding you to the summit of Barn Bluff, and the other track guiding you to Waterfall Valley, along the Overland Track. Continue along the Overland Track where within 15 minutes you start to descend down through a series of steps and downhill slopes to Waterfall Valley. This walk is the completion of Day 1 of the Overland Track journey, and from here, various sights can be seen, including Lake Will, Barn Bluff, and (if permitted) Branigan Falls.

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Previous and Next Waterfall (Alphabetical order)

Branigan Cascades

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

Bridal Veil Falls

Moina

Grade 3 HikeGrade 3 Hike

Some bush walking experience recommended.

Waterfalls near Branigan Falls

Lower Branigan Falls

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

Branigan Cascades

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

Hartnett Rivulet Falls

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.