Meander Falls Hiking Trail, Meander, Tasmania
Meanders Falls Hike: Distance, Time, & Getting There
Meander Falls is located in the Northern part of Tasmania bordering the Central Plateau Conservation Area, located within the Meander Forest Reserve. It is stated to be one of the more challenging day hikes in Tasmania and after experiencing this first hand… I completely agree.
Parks Tasmania suggests you allow 4.5 - 7 hours return for the hike, but as always, is completely over-estimated to allow for slower hikers with multiple resting stops. It is always recommended to pack a head torch and basic survival kit on longer hikes like this because one can never be too safe. The trail is marked by Red out and Yellow in markers and is approximately 10.5km long.
My experience at Meander Falls commenced at 1PM in August, where the sunset was due at 6:00pm. Whilst also being in a forest, you can assume light will disappear quicker. I was a little bit hesitant in leaving the trailhead at 1 pm given the 7-hour estimate but I’ve completed other hikes around the state at a fast pace. In short, I was back in the car park at 4 pm. A total of 3 hours with about 45 minutes at Meander Falls to soak it all in. Literally. I would presume most hikers would complete this in 4.5 hours return if fit and determined. Don’t forget to account for your driving time to get to the Meander Falls Hiking Track car park. This is about 1 hour from Launceston and 3 hours from Hobart.
The weaving track into the valley is timeless. The greenery and old man’s beard hanging from trees in the forest really is the perfect reset, not to mention the pristine air that feels so good to inhale. There are multiple viewing platforms looking down to Meander River on the ascend which only heightens your excitement for Meander Falls. The water for the most part is VERY clean. You can drink the water straight from the river without a life straw, knowing that it’s been filtered naturally and originated from rain or snow on the central plateau.
When visiting in winter the waterfall often freezes over, which makes for great photos for the budding photographer. Ensure you pack warm clothing. In August, I wore a jumper and a top-layer raincoat. I ended up taking both layers off whilst running up the mountain and heating up.
One of the most exciting moments for me on the hike, alongside the forest, was reaching the top of a middle grade ascend to see Meander Falls in the distance. I’ll let the imagery of this speak for itself.
Once at the top of Meander Falls, ensure you follow the track to the left and boulder to the bottom of the waterfall. Feeling the wind from the water impacting the river at the bottom is a fun experience. There are also some other interesting perspectives down there and a great opportunity to fill up your water bottle.
As always, clean up after yourself on this hike. Leave nothing but your footprints. This hike reveals one of the nicest waterfalls in Tasmania and shouldn’t be skipped by the budding photographer, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast.
A big ol’ smile at the base of Meander Falls after a challenging jog up the mountain.
MEANDER FALLS IN SUMMARY:
Return Time: 4.5 hours for most fit adults.
Car Park Location: 1 hour from Launceston CBD, 3 Hours from Hobart CBD.
Helpful Hint: Deloraine is the last township with a supermarket and outdoor equipment.
Pack: Snacks and a water bottle! There are ample opportunities to fill up your drink bottle with clean water on the hike. Fruit, nuts, and a sandwich are great to have at the midway mark.
Warnings: Ice can be slippery during winter, pack a raincoat as you’re in a rainforest, pack a torch if you’re uncertain on your speed and sunset times, and always tell someone when you go hiking.
The viewing platform at the top of Meander Falls, Tasmania.
Don’t forget you snacks!
Beautiful moody scenery across the Huntsman Lake, also known as the Meander Dam. This area is a popular trout fishing location.
