Tasmania · Attraction
St Columba Falls State Reserve
Tasmania's tallest accessible waterfall
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
St Columba Falls plunges approximately 90 metres through a lush rainforest gorge near the dairy farming hamlet of Pyengana, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania. The reserve is a 30-minute drive inland from St Helens along sealed roads and is open year-round at no charge. A short, easy return walk through cool-temperate rainforest leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
The 1.2 km return walking track runs downhill through a canopy of tree ferns and myrtle beech to reach the base of the falls, where mist and the roar of water create an immersive natural experience. The track surface is hardened and compacted, suitable for most fitness levels, though the climb back up takes around 20 to 30 minutes in total. A wide wooden viewing platform positioned directly below the falls offers an unobstructed view of the cascade year-round, as the falls are fed by a 4,200-hectare catchment.
Facilities at the reserve include a car park, picnic tables with views of the falls from above, barbecues, and toilets. An information shelter at the trailhead provides natural and cultural history context. The reserve pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Pyengana Dairy Company, famous for its cloth-bound cheddar and on-site cafe, making it an ideal half-day excursion from St Helens or a stop en route between the Bay of Fires and Scottsdale.
Scenic views
