Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge

Apsley River Waterhole & Gorge: Tasmania’s Secret Oasis

Walking trail:

Grade 2 | 2-3 hr return | 5.6km

Grade 3 | 4-5 hr circuit | 7km

When people flock to the East Coast of Tasmania, they usually have their eyes set on the white sands of Wineglass Bay. But just inland from the coastal town of Bicheno lies a different kind of treasure: the Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge.

Located within the Douglas-Apsley National Park—one of the last remaining areas of untouched dry sclerophyll forest in Tassie—this spot offers a refreshing dip in emerald waters and a rugged gorge walk that feels like a scene from a prehistoric movie.

The Hike at a Glance

• Distance: 1.2km return (Waterhole) / 5.6km return (Gorge)
• Time: 15 mins (Waterhole) / 2–3 hours (Gorge)
• Difficulty: Grade 2–3 (Easy to the waterhole; moderate rock-hopping to the gorge)
• Highlights: Natural freshwater swimming, towering eucalypts, and dramatic river boulders.

The Experience: From Easy Dip to Rugged Exploration

The beauty of the Apsley River is that you can choose your own adventure level:

1. The Apsley Waterhole (The Quick Dip)

Just a short, flat 10-minute walk from the car park, you’ll find the Apsley Waterhole. This is a massive, deep natural pool surrounded by smooth river stones and shaded by giant gums. On a warm Tasmanian summer day, there is no better place to wash off the salt from the beach. The water is incredibly clear, often taking on a beautiful "tea-tree" stained glow or a bright emerald hue depending on the light.

2. The Apsley Gorge (The Adventurer’s Choice)

If you’re feeling energetic, continue past the waterhole toward the Gorge. The track becomes narrower and more rugged, eventually leading you to the riverbed where the "track" is essentially whatever path you choose over the massive boulders.

The gorge itself is spectacular, with steep rock walls closing in around the river. It’s a place of total silence, interrupted only by the trickle of water and the call of local birdlife.

Top Tips for Your Apsley Adventure

1. Bring an Inflatable: If you’re heading to the waterhole, bring a pool floatie or a tube! The water is calm and deep, making it the ultimate spot to drift under the canopy.
2. Watch the Rocks: The river stones can be incredibly slippery, even when they look dry. Take your time during the rock-hopping sections toward the gorge.
3. Wildlife Spotting: This park is a haven for Tassie wildlife. Keep an eye out for Bennett’s wallabies near the trail and, if you’re lucky, platypuses in the quieter reaches of the river at dawn or dusk.
4. Wildflower Season: If you visit in spring or early summer, the dry forest comes alive with native wildflowers, including beautiful orchids and flowering heaths.

How to Get There

The Apsley River Waterhole is located at the southern end of the Douglas-Apsley National Park.

• From Bicheno: It’s an easy 15-minute drive. Head north on the Tasman Highway (A3) and turn left onto Ransley Steet, which becomes Apsley River Road.
• Note: The road is unsealed (gravel) for the last few kilometers but is easily accessible by 2WD vehicles. A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required.

Activities

• Hiking
• Photography
• Swimming
• Camping

Facilities

• Lookouts
• Walking trail
• Carpark
• Barbeque
• Toilets