Complete hiking guide for what to expect on the scenic walking track within the Douglas-Apsley National Park, Tasmania
The Apsley River waterhole and gorge walking circuit is a great short walk in the Douglas-Apsley National Park. It’s one of the few walking tracks in the park and offers perfect opportunities for a swim and to enjoy the serenity and crystal clear waters of the Apsley River.
This circuit can be completed as an out-and-back 6 km hike to the gorge, or as a longer and more difficult circuit walk.
Unfortunately, due to recent flooding during my visit, the full circuit was impossible. However, I’ve still included detailed information about the hike to help you complete it if conditions allow.
How to Get to the Apsley Gorge Walking Track
The Apsley Gorge circuit starts at the Apsley Gorge car park. This is just a quick 10-15 minute drive from Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast.
Location: Rosedale Road
The road into the car park is unsealed for the 8 km stretch after turning off the Tasman Highway opposite the Golf Course.
While unsealed, you won't need a 4WD to get here as any 2WD can handle it.
Car Rentals in Tasmania
Unfortunately, the cost of bringing your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania has skyrocketed in recent years. Now, it is usually cheaper to rent a car on arrival. I recommend using DiscoverCars in Tasmania to compare rates for different vehicles across dealerships.
(Rentals are limited in Tasmania so it's a good idea to book in advance).
Apsley Gorge Circuit
- Hiking Distance: 6 km return (out-and-back) 8 km if rock-hopping back along the river
- Duration: 2 hours return (out and back), apparently 4-5 hours if rock-hopping
- Elevation: 315 m total elevation gain
- Difficulty: Relatively easy (Tasmania Parks Grade 2 or Grade 3 if taking the river circuit)
You'll begin the circuit from the National Park car park (location pinned above), where you will also find an information sign with details for the hike. Follow on through the gates and continue on for signs pointing to the Apsley Gorge waterhole.
This first section is very easy and involves a short, pleasant walk through the dry forest toward the waterhole.
I record all my hikes on Strava using my Garmin GPS watch. You can find my GPX map and route for this hike here.
Getting to the Waterhole
Less than 1 km into the walk and you will already arrive at the waterhole. This waterhole is located on the Apsley River in a large clearing. This is a popular swimming spot and consequently, most visitors in the park are here just for a quick swim in the waterhole.
However, we were more interested in seeing the renowned gorge further up the river.
This next section involves a river crossing at the northeast side of the waterhole (downstream end). National Park signs and information said that this was just a rock hop, but the water level must have been really high for us as we needed to cross knee-deep water to get to the trail on the other side.
Tip: Obviously you need to keep an eye on the condition of the river and don't cross if this is rushing hard.
Continuing Toward the Apsley Gorge
Upon clearing the river, a sharp ascent begins immediately. This follows on for approximately 2 km through dry, open sclerophyll forest. This section is very easy to follow. There is a fairly wide trail and the ground is mostly hard, rocky, and rooty soil.
Soon you'll begin a short and sharp descent back down to the river. The trail pops out next to the bank.
Tip: Watch out for snakes on the trail as we spotted a big tiger snake basking in a sunny spot.
Soon you'll reach the Gorge which is surrounded by steep dolerite cliffs on all sides. There are deep pools and small cascades all the way down the river.
Tip: You might even spot the Australian Grayling an endangered native fish that is found in the pools along the gorge!
As I mentioned earlier in this post, there had recently been extensive flooding in the area when we commenced the Apsley Gorge walk.
As a result, traversing the rocky banks to form a loop back to the waterhole was simply impossible. However, we did try to get as far as we could in attempts to photograph. the small cascade further downstream.
However, if conditions have improved for your visit, this section along the river is supposed to be very scenic. It involves a bit of scrambling and rock-hopping, which inevitably takes a much longer time than simply turning back and following the clear trail you came in on.
I hope this guide to hiking the Apsley Gorge Circuit has been helpful.
For more hikes, waterfalls, and adventure attractions in Tasmania, make sure to check out some of my other guides below.
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!