Location:
Phillips Falls is situated in the North-East of Tasmania, just outside the small town of Pyengana and close to the well-known St Columba Falls. Access is via St Columba Falls Road, a mostly sealed route with the final section on a short, unsealed gravel road. The falls are easy to reach and suitable for most vehicles.
Hike length:
Roughly 1 km return, taking about 20–30 minutes depending on pace and conditions.
Difficulty Level:
Easy–Moderate — suitable for most walkers with basic fitness. The track is short but can be muddy, uneven and slippery after rain, with a few roots and steps to navigate. The final approach to the falls lookout may require careful footing.
Dogs allowed:
No, dogs are not permitted.
More information:
The track to Phillips Falls is straightforward to follow, with a clear forest trail leading you through lush temperate rainforest filled with ferns, moss and towering trees. Only a few minutes into the walk you’ll start to hear the sound of the Cascade River rushing through the valley, and small side streams create lovely photo opportunities along the way.
As you continue along the track, you’ll soon reach a short spur that brings you directly to the viewing area for Phillips Falls. Here, the waterfall drops beautifully over tiered rock formations into a mossy, forested gorge — a peaceful and photogenic spot that feels wonderfully secluded.
While you can’t easily access the base of the waterfall due to steep and overgrown terrain, the upper viewpoint still offers an impressive look at the falls and the surrounding rainforest. The area can become slippery after rain, so take your time and watch your footing on wet sections.