Horsetail Falls
Home | Gormanstown, TAS
Ollie Khedun and West Coast Council
Ollie Khedun and West Coast Council
Ollie Khedun and West Coast Council
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Overview
Highlights
The west coast of Tasmania has a long mining history. Gold was originally found at Iron Blow in Gormanstown back in the 1800's. Miners arrived in droves to discover more profitable copper and they began to strip the land bare. Now, due to copper smelting and large-scale excavation, the hills around Queenstown are an ethereal moonscape devoid of vegetation. Instead, the land is unnaturally stained to serve as a beautiful reminder of what happens when greed gets out of control.
Due to the temporary closure of the Mt. Lyell Mine for maintenance back in 2014, and the subsequent loss of tourism dollars for Gormanstown, the Tasmanian government built the $555,000 walking track to Horsetail Falls. Completed in 2017, the stepped boardwalk clings to a steep hillside to bring you to a viewing platform. You'll get a side-on view of the massive falls pouring out of Morse Creek, Queenstown's mountains and the ocean beyond. This quick and beautiful detour is a great way to stretch your legs during a long west coast drive and the 1-kilometre return walk is easily done in conjunction with Gormanstown's other lookout -- The Iron Blow Lookout across the Lyell Highway.
Activities
- Walking
- Photography
Facilities
- Walking trail - 1km return | grade 2
- Look out
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- The wooden boardwalk is elevated off a steep hillside, but there are handrails. Supervise children at all times.
- There are many steps up to the lookout which requires a minimal level of fitness.
- The wooden boards may be slippery after a rain. Make sure to wear shoes with a good grip. Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements when outside exploring.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- National park fees may apply for national parks in Australia. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
Photo credits: Ollie Khedun and West Coast Council
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