Everything you need to know to visit one of Tasmania’s most underrated waterfalls; Guide Falls. Includes how to get here, what to expect and photography that I hope will inspire your visit.
When I set out on a mission to explore as many epic hikes and waterfalls in Tasmania as I could in the short five-month stint, I truly didn’t expect there to be just so many. Truthfully, I truly was, and still am blown away by just how many epic waterfalls there are in Tassie.
This one is a clear stand-out in the northern region. Guide Falls is a spectacular plunging waterfall located near Burnie. It’s also super-accessible and doesn’t require a long hike to get to.
Find out how to get to Guide Falls Burnie, what to expect once you arrive and check out photos from my trip.
Where is Guide Falls?
Guide Falls is located in the "Guide Falls Reserve", just 17.1 kilometres south of Burnie in Tasmania's north. The actual waterfall is found at the end of a very short return walk that is accessible by anyone. The upper level of the falls is wheelchair accessible.
- Google Maps Pin: "Guide Falls"
How to Get to Guide Falls
To get to Guide Falls, you'll need your own car as there are no public transport options available. The easiest way to navigate here is to plug in the google maps pin above, which will take you to the car park at the reserve.
Otherwise, for road directions, just follow the Ridgley Highway south from Burnie until you reach the town of Ridgley. Immediately after the town turn right onto W Ridgley Road and follow it until you see signs for the reserve. The turn-off to the waterfall car park is on the left just before the bridge crossing Guide River.
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 RentalCars.com 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 own vehicle, then don't worry. You will still find loads of epic adventures and waterfalls in Tasmania. Below I've listed some of my must-do activities that you'll find in the region. Make sure to check them out.
RELATED: Complete Guide to the Tarkine Drive
Guide Falls - What to Expect
Upon arriving at the Guide Falls Reserve, you'll find a large car parking space just by the Guide River. Here, the local council has also put up a picnic area and a toilet block. The short track follows the Guide River upstream for about 200 metres before opening up to the main waterfall.
Although there isn't much information online, I'd estimate the height to be roughly 25 metres. However, it's the width and sheer force of this single-plunging beauty that really makes it quite spectacular. While you might not see it form the base of the falls, there is a second drop a little futher up from the main waterfall.
I was honestly pretty suprised at just how epic this waterfall was. The farmland surrounds didn't really match the ambience of the powerfall waterfall but after spending a good 30 minutes taking photos and relaxing by the falls, we had totally forgot where we were.
Once you have admired the view from below, walk up the short flight of steps to get an awesome vantage point of the waterfall from above. There's also a car park up here and a large grassy field.
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 POST: Trowutta Arch – An Unmissable Short Tarkine Walk
More Photos of Guide Falls
Here are some more photos that we captured on a rainy day at Guide Falls near Burnie, Tasmania.
#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.
More Epic Adventure Ideas in Tasmania
Did you find this quick guide to visiting Guide Falls in northern Tasmania useful? If so, then I know you'll love some of my other blog posts. I've spent a fair stint of time documenting and exploring the natural beauty of Tasmania. In the process, i've discovered loads of off-the-beaten path spots and adventure ideas. Check out some of the other posts below to get started.