Ringtail Falls

GPS Coords: -41.4330, 145.5342
Land Tenure: Permanent Timber Production Zone Land

Updated on 27 Aug 2022

Ringtail Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Craig Doumouras
image

Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

4.96km's2 hours return returnFormed track, some obstacles Limited signage

Formed earthen track, few obstacles. Generally a modified surface, sections may be hardened. Width: variable and less than 1200mm. Kept mostly clear.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Suitable for caravans
Suitable for campervans and RV's
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average rating of 6.2 out of 10

rated by 8 people

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About Ringtail Falls

Situated downstream from Waratah Falls in Waratah Tasmania, Ringtail Falls is a decent waterfall that can be accessed via the Old Powerhouse Track.

The Old Powerhouse Track is a loop walk that guides you deep into the gully that Waratah surrounds, taking you to the unofficially named Ringtail Falls. A small diversion from the track will take you to the old Powerhouse, a derelict building with machinery artifacts.  The hike will also take you across a Water Race, a channel used for diverting water to nearby mining operations.

About the Hike

The hike is a loop walk meaning it can be done in either direction.  Access to the track is possible from Mount Road, however it is not signposted.  The track appears to start by walking beside a properties driveway.  It is not recommended to take this route.

Alternatively you can start the walk from the northern end of William Street.  A small wooden stake with a white flag marks the start of the track.  Follow the track through the paddocks for about 5 minutes beore it begins to enter into a forested area.  Shortly after a signpost will indicate that you can access the Old Powerhouse track.  The track is easy to follow and gradually and consistently descends downhill for over 1km.  The track is slippery and tends to be sloppy underfoot. It is recommended waterproof hiking boots be worn.  As you near Waratah River some handwritten signage can be seen at a junction in the track.  To the right, the old powerhouse can be seen, and is recommended to visit.  To the left, the sign tells you it will take you to the top of Ringtail Falls.  The track to the top of the waterfall should be taken, and just before you reach the top of the waterfall, another track has started to appear that steeply descends to the base of the waterfall.  For avid hikers, this will not be difficult to take.  At the base, the waterfall can be seen clearly through the trees and is rather impressive.

To continue the loop walk, you must go to the top of Ringtail Falls where a wooden platform with a rope crosses over Waratah River.  The wood is slippery when damp and much care is required.  Once across the other side of the river, you must walk steeply uphill for over 1km.  At the time of writing (August 2022), there were a lot of fallen trees blocking the track and extra care was required to negotiate around the obstacles.  Eventually, the the steepness of the walk subsides, and you will reach a water race that has wooden steps for you to cross over. Once across, it's a short walk along some unused 4WD tracks until you reach Mount Road.  

Along the road, you will pass the main buildings of Waratah as well as see Waratah Falls from its official lookout.

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