Everything you need to know about visiting Dip Falls near Stanley, Tasmania. Discover an epic rainforest waterfall and check out the short big tree walk on a quick day trip from Stanley.
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! It’s also really accessible, assuming you have your own vehicle, and a great bang-for-time adventure if you’re around Stanley.
In this post, I’ll describe everything you need to know to plan a quick trip out 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 Nothwest region of Tasmania. It flows on the Dip River within the Dip Falls Forest Reserve. The nearest township is Mawbanna, a small farming community just over 5 kilometres away.
- Google Maps Pin: "Dip Falls"
Car Rentals in Tasmania
The best way to experience the incredible island of Tasmania is to have your own car. However, rentals sell out quickly, especially during the busy holiday periods. Make sure to compare prices across dealers in Hobart, Devonport and Launceston on RentalCars first.
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.
On our drive out, we spotted a very rare Eastern spotted quoll dragging a wallaby carcase 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. Of course, we pulled over and snapped some photos of the little fella as they are rarely seen in the day time.
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.
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 Walk Down to Dip Falls
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, visitors are rewarded with some great views of the cascading Dip River and the upper tiers of the waterfall.
#1 Water Bottle Filter
Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!
// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.
The Ultimate Tasmania Travel Resource
Looking for more Tasmania travel guides & adventure inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
RELATED: Complete Guide to the Tarkine Drive
Dip Falls - What to Expect
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. You'll immediately notice 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.
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 are 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.
Bonus: The Big Tree Walk
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!
Where to Stay in NorthWest Tasmania: A Quick Guide
Tassie's northwest has a lot to offer. If you're planning your trip, consider picking an accommodation option up here as a base, at least for a few days. Below are my recommendation options in the best areas to help you out.
Stay near the Edge of the World - A rugged northwest coast is a great place for adventurers to base themselves.
- Arthur Spa Cottage 9/10
- Ocean View Cottage 9.2/10
Stay in Stanley - Famous for the iconic nut but offers great seaside accommodations.
- Hanlon House 9.3/10
- Stanley Village Waterfront 8.8/10
Stay in Boat Harbour - One of the most beautiful and underrated beach towns in Tasmania. A must-visit!
- Heavenly Farm B&B 9.1/10
- Boat Harbour Garden Cottages 9.1/10
Stay in Penguin - A quaint coastal town with a unique name.
- Penguin Seaside Homestay 9.5/10
- Penguin Beachfront Apartments 9.3/10
RELATED POST: Where to Stay in Hobart
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. Below are some good adventures to start with.