Burgess Falls

Southwest National ParkGPS Coords: -43.2237, 146.5989
Land Tenure: National Park

Updated on 18 Mar 2023

Burgess Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
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Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

10km's8-9 Hours returnRough unformed track No directional signage

No Modification of the natural environment.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Not suitable for caravans
Not suitable for campervans or RV's
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About Burgess Falls

Draining out of Lake Burgess, unoficially-named Burgess Falls is a remote waterfall reached by an incredibly difficult bushbash from the Square Tarn Track. The falls make an impressive 25 metre plunge a short distance downstream from the outlet of the lake in a deep valley, and are a great reward for any dedicated waterfall bagger able to make the trip. 

To reach Burgess Falls, follow the Square Tarn track as it climbs 500 metres to the plateau, then follow the wet and boggy trail until nearly level with Lake Burgess, where a small but conspicuous highpoint is visible to the south of the track. Hike off track through alpine scrub for a few hundred metres to this highpoint, and then decide the best way to descend. On our trip we took different routes down and up, and found the (slightly) preferable route was to descend to the lowest rocky outcrop visible from the highpoint, then pick the best looking route down from there. The descent is incredibly difficult, entirely choked up with scoparia and other alpine scrub that is near-impenetrable at points. With a descent of 250 metres vertically over a horizontal distance of just 400 metres you are basically clambering down cliffs for much of the descent (and ascent of course) and given the thickness of the scrub often obscuring the ground, it is very easy to step in holes and slide down cliffs if you are not incredible careful. 

While an impressive waterfall, Burgess Falls is one of the hardest waterfall day walks in Tasmania, and is not one to anticipate a return visit to. 

Driving Directions

Take the West Picton Road heading towards Farmhouse Creek and the Eastern Arthur Traverse, making a right turn onto the signed Picton Spur 1 just after the culvert over Cook Creek. 2 kilometres further, take another right onto Picton Spur 1/2. While the roads to this point are passable in a 2wd, unless you have a high clearance 4wd it is best to park at this junction and walk the last 1.5km to the trailhead, as there are substantial washouts on the spur road.

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