Notley Fern Gorge
A lush, accessible rainforest gorge with towering ferns, charming bridges, and a serene walking track near Launceston.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful rainforest immersion
Notley Fern Gorge
Best Time
Peaceful rainforest immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush, accessible rainforest gorge with towering ferns, charming bridges, and a serene walking track near Launceston.
"Absolutely wonderful place to have a look at a beautiful gorge with lots of little bridges, big ferns, fungi, trees...."
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Beat the crowds by arriving at dawn for a peaceful, almost private rainforest experience. :camerawithflash:
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The path can get muddy, so wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lush Rainforest Canopy
Throughout the gorge
Immerse yourself in a vibrant green world of towering trees, ancient ferns, and moss-covered everything.
+1
Brady's Tree
Along the main loop
Marvel at the sheer size of this impressive tree, a true giant of the gorge.
Scenic Bridges
Crossing the gorge
Cross charming bridges that offer unique perspectives of the gorge and its flowing river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Beat the crowds by arriving at dawn for a peaceful, almost private rainforest experience. :camerawithflash:
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The path can get muddy, so wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Family-Friendly Path
The well-maintained path and clean toilets make it great for families. :child:
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Walk
The 1.5km loop is generally easy, taking about 30-45 minutes. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Solitude
Beat the crowds by arriving at dawn for a peaceful, almost private rainforest experience. :camerawithflash:
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
The path can get muddy, so wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Family-Friendly Path
The well-maintained path and clean toilets make it great for families. :child:
🚶♀️ Easy Loop Walk
The 1.5km loop is generally easy, taking about 30-45 minutes. :walking:
🌿 Informative Signage
Learn about the local flora with helpful signs along the trail. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Notley Fern Gorge's accessible beauty, describing it as a 'hidden gem' with a stunning rainforest walk. The well-maintained path, charming bridges, and impressive tree ferns are frequently praised, making it a family-friendly and tranquil escape. Some note the path can be muddy after rain, and early visits are recommended for the best experience.
"Great easy walk - very accessible for Launceston and surrounding region. Clean toilet block makes the walk family friendly, too!"
Christine Booth
"Absolutely wonderful place to have a look at a beautiful gorge with lots of little bridges, big ferns, fungi, trees.... excellent path and decent exercise. Allow a casual 1-2hrs. Nice to see some informative signs for the trees etc. Parking for a dozen or dozen cars and a decent public toilet."
Walter van Praag
"Arrived at 6am in the morning so we basically had the whole place to ourselves. It's quiet and really calming, a very nice walk and Brady's tree was stunning! (Lots of spider webs inside though haha) it might have been raining the day before so the path was a bit muddy. Great experience and there are plenty of signs about different ferns along the way."
Xiao Xiao Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Notley Fern Gorge is conveniently located about a 30-minute drive northwest of Launceston. Follow signs for the Tamar Valley region.
Yes, there is a car park available, typically accommodating about a dozen cars. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Public transport options to Notley Fern Gorge are limited. It is best accessed by car.
The drive is generally pleasant, taking you through the picturesque Tamar Valley.
While there is parking, it's best to check specific regulations for larger vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Notley Fern Gorge is generally accessible without an entry fee, often falling within national park limits. It's a nature reserve that welcomes visitors to explore its beauty freely.
As an outdoor nature reserve, Notley Fern Gorge is typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening hours, allowing for flexible visits.
There is usually no admission fee to enter Notley Fern Gorge, making it an affordable natural attraction.
Yes, Notley Fern Gorge can be visited year-round. Each season offers a unique charm, from lush greens in spring and summer to potentially moody, misty atmospheres in autumn and winter.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions, but it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is a 1.5km loop walk that takes about 30-45 minutes. It features a mild downhill at the start/finish and leads to lovely fern and river scenes.
The walk is considered easy to moderate, with a short, mild steep section. It's graded as a 'grade 2' hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, there is a clean public toilet block located near the car park, making it convenient for visitors.
Expect to see a dense rainforest with towering trees, abundant ferns (including tree ferns), and thick moss. You might also spot fungi.
A casual visit to explore the loop and enjoy the scenery can take 1-2 hours. If you're just doing a quick walk, 30-45 minutes is sufficient.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridges crossing the gorge offer great vantage points. The dense, moss-covered trees and giant ferns create a magical, photogenic atmosphere.
Absolutely! The lush rainforest, unique flora, and dramatic gorge scenery provide endless opportunities for nature photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the trees and gorge. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Keep an eye out for the impressive Brady's Tree and the various bridges. +1 The interplay of light and shadow within the dense forest is also a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to look for different types of ferns and mosses, and perhaps even spot some small wildlife.
The relatively short duration of the walk means little legs won't get too tired, and the beautiful, immersive environment provides plenty of wonder. Remember to bring sturdy shoes, as the path can be damp. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The well-marked trail and informative signage make it easy to navigate independently.
+1 The short duration means you can easily fit it into a day of exploring the Tamar Valley region. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+2 Early morning visits are highly recommended for the best light and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for capturing the magic of the forest. Key photographic subjects include the impressive Brady's Tree, the charming bridges, and the intricate details of the fungi and mosses.
The unique microclimate and vibrant ecosystem make it a rewarding location for observing and documenting natural beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Rainforest Ecosystem
These ancient plants, along with towering eucalyptus and other native trees, create a dense canopy that filters sunlight, fostering a unique microclimate within the gorge. The forest floor is carpeted with thick, verdant mosses and a variety of fungi, adding to the mystical atmosphere. Visitors often remark on the overwhelming sense of green and the feeling of being transported to another world.
+1 The air is often cool and damp, contributing to the rainforest's characteristic ambiance. For those interested in conservation, Notley Fern Gorge serves as an excellent example of a protected natural area. Its relatively small size (around 25 acres) makes it a concentrated display of Tasmanian rainforest wonders.
The accessibility of the walking track ensures that this natural beauty is available to a wide range of visitors, from families to solo hikers. +1Navigating the Notley Fern Gorge Walk
This trail is generally considered easy to moderate, with a 'grade 2' rating, making it accessible for most visitors. The path features a short, mild downhill section at the beginning or end, depending on your direction of travel, leading you down into the heart of the gorge. As you descend, you'll encounter charming bridges that gracefully span the gorge, offering picturesque views of the river below and the surrounding fern-laden banks.
It's important to note that the path can become muddy, especially after rainfall, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit