Wughalee Falls

Tasman National ParkGPS Coords: -43.1842, 147.9600
Land Tenure: National Park

Updated on 04 Jul 2024

Wughalee Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
image

Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

17km's6 Hours returnRough unformed track Sign posted

No Modification of the natural environment.

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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About Wughalee Falls

Wughalee Falls is a surprisingly little-visited waterfall considering it is the only significant falls along the Three Capes Track, a short distance downstream of the Wughalee Falls campsite. The main reason for this lack of notoriety is that no track accesses the base of the falls, and the track downstream of the campsite skirts past without providing a good view. As a result, some online sources confuse the real Wughalee Falls with a small 2-3 metre falls just upstream which the track passes right beside. Wughalee Falls make an impressive 20-25 metre plunge over sandstone cliffs, and are worth the effort if you're prepared for a short but steep and nasty descent. 

For a daywalk to Wughalee Falls, take the Old Cape Pillar Track from Fortescue Bay, a well constructed if somewhat dull trail that leads steadily uphill until it intersects with the Three Capes Track. Continue straight through towards Cape Pillar, then take a left turn down the steep trail to Wughalee Falls Campground. In all, it is 8km from Fortescue Bay to the campground. 

The falls can be reached by following the old Three Capes Track route downstream from the campground, crossing the creek above the falls then leaving the track when level with the falls on the right. There is no single correct route to the base as whatever way you go is extremely steep with no trace of a track, so off track experience and extreme care is required. Once at the base of the impressive falls, it is possible to explore further downstream to some smaller waterfalls in a scenic pocket of rainforest which abounds with fungi in Autumn. 

The name of the falls was chosen by the Aboriginal Land Council, with the word Wughalee meaning "to jump". The falls are on a small creek in an area of relatively low rainfall, so to make the considerable effort worthwhile visit after some decent rain. The photo on this page was taken in late May after some light rain and reflect a roughly average flow over the falls. 

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