Getting the timing right on waterfalls sometimes just comes down to that serendipitous sunny day that peeks out after a week of grey and grumbling downpours. This summer has been wetter than most but has made for some spectacular views of the many waterfalls Tasmania has to offer visitors.
Southwest of Hobart, Pelverata falls is situated down Pelverata road outside the locality of Pelverata at the head of Pelverata creek, the very epicentre of the “pelver-verse”. A quick 33 kilometers from Hobart this short hike is a convenient quarter-day trip that can fit into any schedule. The hike is listed as 3 hours return and excepting one short section of some steeper rocky trail, is a comfortable gradual incline culminating in arriving at one of Hobart regions tallest waterfalls (115m).
Pelverata Falls (Credit: Chon Hosokawa)
On the drive out of Hobart, just before passing Kingston we stopped to get some fresh raspberries from the ever-present seasonal roadside stall on the highway before getting back on the road. Turning left off of the A6 at Sandfly and taking the first right onto Pelverata road gets you on the final stretch. The turnoff to the carpark is well signed but you can note its 12.4km from the Sandfly turnoff or keep an eye out for the Pelverata memorial hall on your left.
I don't go see waterfalls unless it's been raining so I've never walked the track without it being a bit of a muddy mess, but you can skirt the worst of it rock to rock or just give in and wallow in the muck. When you reach the falls there is a viewing platform but a short scramble can get you down to the water where you can snack on your raspberries and contemplate how slippery the rocks are.
As always, the return hike breezes by as you scoot down the steady decline that tapers off into a leisurely forest walk as you emerge back out at the carpark. On the return drive heading southwest on Pelverata road can bring you back around to Huonville which is a great opportunity to stop in for lunch (accompanied by a cheeky Tassie cider) before heading back to Hobart.
Chon Hosokawa - Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre