Dip Falls and the Big Tree

The falls drop over a broad fan of hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by the slow cooling of ancient lava flows, giving the cascade a geometric quality quite unlike the narrow plunge falls found elsewhere in Tasmania. Water volume is highest during winter and spring after rainfall, when the full width of the basalt ledges runs white. In drier months the flow narrows to elegant threads, exposing more of the striking rock formations beneath. The setting is surrounded by tall wet eucalypt forest that keeps the air cool and damp even in summer.

From the signed car park, a graded path descends via a recently constructed timber staircase to a lookout directly opposite the lower falls section, and a second track follows the Dip River through forest to an upper lookout platform that is wheelchair accessible. The combined return walk covers around one kilometre and takes approximately 30 minutes. Both lookouts offer distinct perspectives and it is worth doing both. Dogs are not permitted on the tracks.

The Big Tree reserve is reached by continuing along the unsealed road from the falls car park for approximately one kilometre. A short flat loop walk through cool temperate rainforest leads to the base of the tree, which is fenced to protect the root system but can be viewed and photographed from close range. The scale of the tree is genuinely humbling. The road from the Bass Highway to Dip Falls is mostly sealed with only the final few kilometres unsealed, and is suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles.