Timbs Falls (Lonnavale Falls)

LonnavaleGPS Coords: -42.8977, 146.7548
Land Tenure: Permanent Timber Production Zone Land

Updated on 20 Sep 2024

Lonnavale Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
image

Grade 4 Hike
Suitable for experienced hikers only.

1.4km's45 Minutes 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
Share on
Rating

average rating of 7.2 out of 10

rated by 7 people

Photo Gallery

About Timbs Falls (Lonnavale Falls)

In the hills above Lonnavale is a very impressive unnamed waterfall, unnoficially known as Timbs Falls (or Lonnavale Falls). The falls drop over 3 significant sections, with an impressive 15-20 metre plunging lower tier followed by a large cascade immediately above it, and a 10 metre upper tier 100 metres or so further upstream. For a waterfall so little known, Timbs Falls has the potential to be very accessible, with a surprisingly well made track cut to the lower falls, and a slightly more scrambly trail to the upper sections. Unfortunately, access has been frustrated by road closures, though this has recently been improved with the opening of a gate on the Russell Road as of 2024.

To reach the falls, take Lonnavale Road from Judbury, taking a right turn to stay on the road at the intersection with Denison Road. Next, turn right onto Russell Road, immediately crossing a bridge over the Russell River and continuing to follow the road on the eastern side of the river. This road continues all the way to the start of the trail to the falls, passing a gate that had been locked but as of 2024 has been removed. If this gate is every reinstated, access is also possible from the western side of Russell River via Denison Road and McDougalls Road, however this requires 2.5km of walking along the road from the road closure at the Twin Bridges, as well as wading through the creek which has had its bridge removed (not recommended after rain). 

The track to Timbs Falls begins just on the western side of a culvert over the waterfall's creek. As of September 2024, a blue sign has been placed at the trailhead pointing to "Lonnavale Falls" which makes navigation substantially easier. From here, it is a relatively easy 10 minute walk to the lower falls. The track winds up a ridge, then cuts along contour to hit the base of the falls, where a pile of debris provides a fairly straightforward route across the creek for the best views. To continue to the upper falls, look for a small sign on a tree on the opposite side of the creek to the track in, and follow this somewhat rocky and exposed track to the top of the lower falls. A rough track continues further, climbing alongside the second tier and upstream 100 metres to an impressive third falls. 

The walking times and distances on this page previously reflected the distances starting the walk from the Twin Bridges, but given the gate on the Russell Road is now removed these have been changed to show only the time and distance required to hike to the falls from the trailhead proper. If the gate is again closed in the future, the hike will again need to start from the Twin Bridges and involve an additional 2.5km of road walking each way plus the stream crossing. 

Map

Avoid Private Property

Not every area in Tasmania is available for the public to explore. Watch our video tutorial to learn how to identify which areas are on public land.

Previous and Next Waterfall (Alphabetical order)

The Fourways

Vale of Belvoir

Grade 4 HikeGrade 4 Hike

Suitable for experienced hikers.

Tin Spur Falls

Grade 4 HikeGrade 4 Hike

Suitable for experienced hikers.

Waterfalls near Timbs Falls (Lonnavale Falls)

Compton Falls

Lonnavale

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

Robbies Falls

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

Stony Falls

Moogara

Grade 5 HikeGrade 5 Hike

Suitable for very experienced hikers only.