Horsetail Falls Walk
A scenic boardwalk walk to Horsetail Falls in Tasmania, offering stunning highland views and a nearby rugged lookout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Higher water volume for falls
Horsetail Falls Walk
Best Time
Higher water volume for falls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic boardwalk walk to Horsetail Falls in Tasmania, offering stunning highland views and a nearby rugged lookout.
"The walkway makes the trip there easy with incredible views up to the falls - recommended!"
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The stable, wide boardwalk with handrails makes this walk accessible and enjoyable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Allow 45+ Minutes
For the full walk to the top viewpoint and back, plan for at least 45 minutes. Shorter visits to the first viewpoint are also rewarding. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardwalk to the Falls
Main trail from carpark
A well-maintained boardwalk gently ascends, offering increasingly spectacular views of the falls and surrounding highlands.
Upper Falls Viewpoint
Top of the main trail
Reach a platform above the falls for a breathtaking panorama of the creek winding through the highlands, with Mount Owen as a backdrop.
Iron Blow Lookout
Across from Horsetail Falls carpark
A short drive from the falls, this lookout provides stark, moon-like landscapes and panoramic views of the rugged terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Queenstown's Scenic Beauty
Best Viewing Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The stable, wide boardwalk with handrails makes this walk accessible and enjoyable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Allow 45+ Minutes
For the full walk to the top viewpoint and back, plan for at least 45 minutes. Shorter visits to the first viewpoint are also rewarding. :clock1:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The dramatic highland landscapes and the falls themselves offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
⛰️ Combine with Iron Blow
Don't miss the nearby Iron Blow Lookout for a different perspective of the rugged, otherworldly scenery. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The stable, wide boardwalk with handrails makes this walk accessible and enjoyable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Allow 45+ Minutes
For the full walk to the top viewpoint and back, plan for at least 45 minutes. Shorter visits to the first viewpoint are also rewarding. :clock1:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The dramatic highland landscapes and the falls themselves offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
⛰️ Combine with Iron Blow
Don't miss the nearby Iron Blow Lookout for a different perspective of the rugged, otherworldly scenery. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Horsetail Falls Walk for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained boardwalk, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience. While some note the falls can be gentle depending on the season, the overall journey through the highlands and the nearby Iron Blow Lookout are highly recommended for their unique, rugged landscapes.
"We were fortunate to visit the falls when in Queenstown. The walkway makes the trip there easy. You have incredible views right along the pathway and up to the falls - recommended!"
ruth rowlands
"There are several attractions east of Queenstown that you will find along Lyell Highway including Horsetail Falls. There is a fairly large roadside carpark at the Iron Blowhole Rd turnoff. From there you take take the boardwalk track which gently ascends the mountainside until the Horsetail Falls comes into view. The falls were rather gentle during our recent visit but you could make them out from the boardwalk and designated viewpoint around halfway to the falls.
The trail continues all the way to another platform just above the falls on the other side of the valley. We opted to not make the complete walk given the falls seemed rather light at the time of our visit. Best to allow around 45+ minutes for the full walk in and back out. If you are only going to the first viewpoint, 20-25 minutes is sufficient."
Brad
"From the Iron Blowout we hiked to Horsetails Falls. probably about a 30 min walk, and both spots were interesting - with stark, windy, moon-like landscapes."
Norm P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horsetail Falls is located east of Queenstown, accessible via a short drive along the Lyell Highway. There's a fairly large roadside carpark at the Iron Blow Road turnoff, which is the trailhead for the walk.
Yes, there is a fairly large roadside carpark available at the Iron Blow Road turnoff, making it convenient to start your walk.
While public transport options might be limited, having a car is the most convenient way to reach Horsetail Falls from Queenstown.
The most common access is via the boardwalk track starting from the carpark at the Iron Blow Road turnoff.
Yes, the Iron Blow Lookout is located just across the road from the Horsetail Falls carpark and is worth visiting for its unique landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Horsetail Falls is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit.
Horsetail Falls is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor natural site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee for the Horsetail Falls Walk. The trail and viewpoints are open to the public free of charge.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the trail. Daylight hours are best for appreciating the scenery.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and respect the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the first viewpoint is about 10-15 minutes, while the full walk to the top of the falls takes around 30 minutes one way. The return trip is about 45+ minutes. +1
The trail is a well-maintained, stable boardwalk with handrails that gently ascends the mountainside. +1
The Horsetail Falls in Tasmania does not allow walking behind it. This feature is typically associated with Horsetail Falls in Oregon, USA. 
The viewpoint halfway up the trail offers a good look at the falls, but the platform at the top provides a more scenic view of the creek and surrounding highlands. +1
Yes, the well-maintained boardwalk is generally suitable for children, but adult supervision is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. Visiting during the rainy season might provide more water flow for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and the expansive highland scenery. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
The main boardwalk offers various vantage points. The platform at the top of the falls provides a particularly scenic backdrop.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone usage in the area to ensure compliance.
The combination of the cascading water, the rugged highland landscape, and the unique boardwalk trail creates a picturesque scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for kids to experience Tasmania's natural beauty in a safe and accessible way. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy the stunning views together. The nearby Iron Blow Lookout also offers a different, visually striking landscape that kids might find fascinating.
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe the unique Tasmanian landscape. Consider visiting during the rainy season for a more powerful waterfall display, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance during drier months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walk and Its Scenery
Reviewers often highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the unique, almost otherworldly landscapes surrounding the falls. The trail continues to a platform above the falls, offering a more expansive panorama of the creek winding through the highlands, often shadowed by the imposing Mount Owen.
It's recommended to allow around 45 minutes for the full return walk to the top viewpoint, though a shorter visit to the initial viewpoint is also satisfying.
Exploring Beyond the Falls
This nearby attraction is easily accessible by car and offers a different perspective on the region's unique geology and landscapes. Visitors often combine a trip to Horsetail Falls with a stop at Iron Blow, making for a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural wonders.
For those interested in the broader Queenstown experience, the town itself is known for its rich mining history and its dramatic, rugged scenery.
Exploring Queenstown can provide context to the landscapes you witness at Horsetail Falls and Iron Blow, offering a deeper appreciation for the region's natural and industrial heritage.
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