A detailed guide to visiting Bridal Veil Falls and Champagne Falls near the Lemonthyme Lodge Wilderness Retreat, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Explore two of Tassie’s most picturesque waterfalls on a scenic circuit hike.
With all of the incredible natural attractions on offer in the Cradle Mountain region of Tasmania, you certainly won’t run out of things to do and see. However, if you’d rather skip the crowds and explore some hidden gems, then I’d highly recommend checking out Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls.
In this guide, I’ll fill you in on how to get to these waterfalls, what to expect on the short circuit hike and I’ll include some photos that I captured during my visit.
Where is Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls?
Bridal Veil Falls and Champagne Falls can be accessed on the same walking track departing from the Lemonthyme Lodge Wilderness Retreat near Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. This is approximately 31 kilometres from the Cardle Mountain Visitor Centre.
While you don't have to stay at this lodge to access the waterfalls, it is, in my opinion, a really underrated option for those looking for a comfortable wilderness base to explore the region.
Google Maps Pin: "Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat"
How to Get to the Waterfall Trailhead
Since this is a less-visited part of Cradle Country, you'll need your own transport to get here. The only way to navigate to this epic waterfall duo is to take the rather steep and winding "Cradle Mountain Rd". This is the same road you'll take to get to the Visitor Centre.
However, the turn-off for the waterfalls and the wilderness resort is a bit earlier on (if coming from the north). The road is named "Dolocath Road", which is a 7.8-kilometre stretch of unsealed road. This one is a little narrow with steep drops on the side but we managed in our large campervan. Any 2WD will be fine in good weather.
Once you arrive at the Lemonthyme Lodge, you'll find adequate space for parking with good signage for the start of the waterfall track to Bridal Veil Falls and Champagne Falls.
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).
If you don't have your set of wheels but you're still keen on exploring Tasmania's epic waterfalls and hidden gems, check out my hand-picked list of must-do activities below.
Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls Circuit Loop
- Hiking Distance: 5.2 km circuit
- Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Elevation: 300 m total elevation gain
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
This waterfall track to Bridal Veil Falls and Champagne Falls is a decent circuit loop that is very wide and well-signed throughout. While it is possible to hike to just one waterfall, I'd recommend doing this walk as a circuit to avoid doubling back. This way, you'll also get to see two epic waterfalls instead of just one! I walked this loop in a counter-clockwise direction, which I'd recommend as it makes for a more leisurely hike.
The track is suited to anyone with a decent level of fitness. The only real ascent is near the start, which follows a 4WD track for about a kilometre and a half before turning off to Champagne Falls.
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Champagne Falls
You'll see the wooden signpost to Champagne Falls after the rather steep 1.5-kilometre climb. This next section down to Champagne Falls is much narrower and descends sharply for about 200 metres to the base of the waterfall.
Truthfully, I wasn't really expecting Champagne Falls to be just so epic. That might be due to the fact that it's often overshadowed by its slightly larger neighbour: Bridal Veil Falls. In my opinion, Champagne Falls is my favourite of the two due to the beautiful green vegetation surrounding it.
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You might notice that much of the waterfall is obscured by a rocky outcrop and dense vegetation from the "official" viewing area. However, we walked around this to get a better vantage point closer to the waterfall. I also ventured down a little further down the gorge to get some unique perspectives.
Related: Leven Canyon Lookout
Bridal Veil Falls
Once you've soaked in the views of Champagne Falls, you can continue. on the trail down to Bridal Veil Falls which is further upstream on Bull Creek. Don't double back the same way, instead, continue on, following the wooden signs just to the left of the waterfall.
Soon, you'll cross the creek and then follow it upstream for another kilometre before arriving at the main event; Bridal Veil Falls.
This waterfall is approximately 25 metres tall, just 5 metres taller than Champagne Falls. You'll find it in a wide clearing with an impressive vertical drop. There's a bridge just beneath it which is a great spot to take photos.
Back to the Lemonthyme Lodge Wilderness Retreat
The last stretch of this short but rewarding waterfall hike continues over the bridge and back up the hill before again descending back to the Lemonthyme Lodge.
If you're still in the planning stages of your adventures in Tasmania, I'd highly recommend staying at the Lemonthyme, especially if you want to spend a bit of time around Cradle Mountain. Below are some photos of the lodge.
More Epic Adventure Ideas For Tasmania
Did you enjoy this short waterfall hiking guide to Bridal Veil Falls and Champagne Falls in Tasmania? Make sure to check out some of my other guides below too if you're after more travel and adventure inspiration for Cradle Mountain and the rest of Tassie!