Dip Falls Tasmania: Epic Waterfall & Big Tree Walk

Discover Dip Falls near Stanley, an epic rainforest waterfall with a short big tree walk.

If you’ve found yourself on this blog before, then you’ll know I’ve photographed and documented loads of waterfalls in Tasmania. In my opinion, Dip Falls in Northwest Tasmania is one of the best on the island!

Another great thing about this waterfall is its wheelchair access. Although there are many stairs down to the falls there is a great viewing platform at the top that overlooks these incredible cascades making it accessible for everyone.

Below, I’ll describe everything you need to know to plan a quick trip to Dip Falls and the nearby Big Tree Walk (definitely recommended). I’ll also include some photographs that I captured of the waterfall that I hope will inspire you to make a quick trip.

Where is Dip Falls Tasmania?

Dip Falls is located between Stanley and Wynyard in the northwest region of Tasmania. It flows on the Dip River within the Dip Falls Forest Reserve. The nearest township is Mawbanna, a small farming community around 5 km away.

Google Maps Pin: "Parking area at beginning of the track"

How to Get to Dip Falls

Like many of the waterfalls in Tasmania, you'll need your own car to get to Dip Falls. The road out here is mostly sealed but has a final stretch of well-maintained unsealed gravel road for a few kilometres at the end. Don't worry though, we managed with absolutely no dramas in our big camper so any 2WD will be fine.

If you're coming from Stanley, expect a scenic 41 kilometre drive through farmland and forested sections. The road is a little winding in sections and can be narrow, so watch out for big trucks.

Once you navigate to the pin above, you'll find a large car park suitable for roughly 10 vehicles. There are picnic tables here and a signpost pointing the way to the short track down to the base of Dip Falls.

On our drive out, we spotted a very rare Eastern spotted quoll dragging a wallaby carcass across the road (it was twice the size of him). This was our second quoll spotted in this region so make sure to be careful out there not to hit any.

If you don't have your own vehicle, then, unfortunately, Dip Falls might be off the cards for you (unless you want to give hitchhiking a crack). Don't fret though, there are loads of epic adventures to be had in Tasmania. Below are some of my must-do's in the region that don't require your own transport.

The Dip Falls Walk

To get to the base of the falls, you'll need to walk down a few flights of steel steps. It's only about 300 metres to the waterfall from the car park, but just be mindful that there are quite a few stairs to get down. If you've got a regular level of fitness this is a breeze.

Along the way, we were rewarded with some great views of the cascading Dip River and the upper tiers of the waterfall.

What to Expect at Dip Falls

Dip Falls height: 30 m (estimated)

Dip Falls is a unique waterfall unlike most I've seen in Tasmania. It's a two-tiered waterfall, with the largest drop being at the base. But, that's not what makes it special. We immediately noticed the cubic-basalt-formed rock wall, an impressive black geological formation.

If you visit in Winter or after heavy rainfall, you'll be in for a treat as the flow can get pretty impressive.

There is a large viewing platform at the base where you can stand, photograph and admire the beauty of Dip Falls.

Since this one is quite out of the way, we were expecting to be the only people here, just like at Preston Falls and Guide Falls. This wasn't the case though, several cars arrived while we visited early in the morning.

Tip: Upon arriving at the Dip Falls Reserve, you'll notice just how beautifully wild the nature is here. It's a solemn reminder that this entire region, now cleared for farming, was once a thriving temperate rainforest ecosystem. Let's do our best to protect what's left. Learn what the Bob Brown Foundation is fighting for.

Dip Falls Upper Viewing Platform

If you don't fancy the steep staircase down to the falls, you can still get a great view of Dip Falls from above. You'll find a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform just a few hundred metres past the walking track, on the other side of the bridge.

The Big Tree Walk Near Dip Falls

Alright, since you've already made it out here, you're going to want to check out the big tree walk.

Trust me, this was one of the most impressive trees I'd seen in Tassie, possibly even more so than Evercreech White Knights and the Styx Tall Trees.

If you continue on past the bridge for a few hundred metres around the bend, you'll arrive at another large car park. This is where you will find the short trail known as the "Big Tree Walk". You can walk this track to the tree and back to the car park in less than 15 minutes, so I highly recommend it.

The tree itself is one of the last-standing giants in the reserve. Next to it, you'll see the remains of its fallen brother.

Unfortunately, the Big Tree at Dip Falls is dying. It's had a long life and it seems to be hollowing out from the inside. You can actually poke your head inside the tree, just be careful to respect this beast of a tree!

More Epic Tasmania Adventures

I hope that you've found this short guide to visiting Dip Falls and the Big Tree Walk near Stanley, Tasmania.

While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other articles. I've covered loads of adventures and I reckon you'll find many ideas for things to do for your trip to Tassie.

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!