Esperance Falls

Southwest National ParkGPS Coords: -43.3166, 146.8359
Land Tenure: National Park

Updated on 12 Nov 2022

Esperance Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
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Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

6km's6 Hours returnRough unformed track No directional signage

No Modification of the natural environment.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Not suitable for caravans
Not suitable for campervans or RV's
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About Esperance Falls

The Peak Rivulet drainage to the north of Adamsons Peak has one of the highest concentrations of high quality waterfalls found anywhere in Tasmania, however none of the dozen or so falls found in the area have names, or tracks leading to them. Esperance Falls is no exception with a spectacular 40 metre drop over two tiers, but requiring a 6km return, six hour bushbash to reach. Compared to the horrific scrub and horizontal found on the southern side of the valley at Catwalk and Peak Falls the hike to Esperance Falls is comparatively open, though it remains a challenging off track hike with very steep sections and some tough scrub bashing. 

To reach Esperance Falls, take Esperance River Road from Raminea and continue past the campground, keeping right at the junction with Peak Rivulet Road. Soon after, turn left onto Caseys Road and continue to an open point with impresive views into the valley and across to Adamsons Peak near the end of the road. There is a gate on Caseys Road, though as of November 2022 this was found closed but not locked. From the start of the walk it is possible to get very distant views to a waterfall on Peak Rivulet, which is not Esperance Falls and would be exceptionally difficult to access on foot. 

After parking, head into the regrowth forest and look for an old fire break which provides the easiest access down the slope. Eventually you will come into more open rainforest, where evidence of tree stumps and tramways from very old logging operations are visible. Continue across the creek at the bottom of the gully and find the best route forward towards the waterfall, generally roughly on contour. There are a number of interesting features along the hike, including some huge fallen logs making bridges over creeks and an impressive gorge created by a huge rock split (clearly visible on two metre contour maps). As you near the falls the bush gets increasingly thick and scrubby. Try to follow along the top of the escarpment along animal trails, then look for a way down through a gap in the cliffs when around 300 metres from the waterfall, and follow the base of the cliffs on the final approach. Clearly given the lack of tracks this is very general guidance only, and it goes without saying that emergency and navigational equipment, as well as significant experience is necesary to attempt a trip into this remote area.

As the name suggests, Esperance Falls drain from Esperance Peak and therefore have a pretty substantial drainage, so exhibit spectacular power over the tall upper drop and wider lower tier after decent rainfall. Behind Peak Falls, this is the tallest of the waterfalls in the Peak Rivulet drainage and sits comfortably in the top echelon of Southern Tasmania's waterfalls. Intrepid explorers may notice upper waterfalls about one kilometre further upstream, however the bush thickens up substantially above the main falls and is likely to be essentially impenetrable.  

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