On the edge of takayna / Tarkine

Waratah

A mining town with a waterfall running through the middle. Follow the tracks out of town and the rainforest is right there.

A waterfall in the centre of townOne of Tasmania’s earliest mining townsRainforest walks and Philosopher Falls

Waratah Tasmania is a small historic mining town on the eastern edge of takayna / Tarkine, between Tasmania’s North West coast and Corinna. Its centrepiece is Waratah Falls, where the river drops from the middle of town into the forested valley below.

Tin discovered at nearby Mount Bischoff transformed Waratah into one of Tasmania’s early mining towns, and that history is easy to follow on foot.

Start at Waratah Falls

Waratah Falls flowing over rocky ledges in Waratah, North West Tasmania

Waratah Falls gives the town its claim to fame. The Waratah River flows through the centre of town before dropping over the falls into a fern-lined gorge.

View the falls from town or allow around 15 minutes to follow the short path to the lower viewing platform. Water levels change with rainfall, and paths near the falls can be wet or slippery.

Allow time for the surrounding reserve, waterwheel and historic railway bridge, which show how the river and the town’s industrial history connect.

Around Waratah

Waratah is compact enough to walk. Allow a few hours to see the falls, follow the town’s mining story and walk beside the lake.

HISTORY

Visit the Waratah Courthouse Museum

The former courthouse holds photographs, objects and personal stories from Waratah’s mining years. Beside the…

Waratah Courthouse Museum →

MINING HERITAGE

See Waratah’s mining machinery

Continue the town’s mining story at Kenworthy’s Stamper Mill, where machinery demonstrates how ore was…

Tarkine Interpretation Centre – Athenaeum Hall →

LAKE AND WILDLIFE

Walk beside Lake Waratah

Take a walk around Lake Waratah and follow the new lakeside walkway for views of…

Walker crossing a footbridge on the Philosopher Falls track near Waratah, Tasmania

Walk into the rainforest

Waratah sits close to rainforest, rivers and lookouts on the eastern edge of takayna / Tarkine. Philosopher Falls is the main walk, while Whyte Hills Lookout and Hellyer Gorge are shorter stops on the way. Rainforest tracks can be wet and muddy, so wear suitable footwear and check current road and track conditions before leaving town.

Philosopher Falls surrounded by rainforest near Waratah, with stairs leading to the viewing platform.

Walk to Philosopher Falls

Around 10 km from Waratah, the Philosopher Falls track follows the Arthur River through moss-covered rainforest and alongside a historic mining water race.

The final section descends a long flight of stairs to a viewing platform overlooking the multi-level waterfall. Allow approximately one to one and a half hours for the return walk, depending on conditions and how long you spend at the falls.

The track can be wet and muddy throughout the year, and the steep staircase may not suit every visitor. Wear suitable footwear and allow more time after heavy rain.

Philosopher Falls

Whyte Hills Lookout

Continue beyond the Philosopher Falls turn-off to Whyte Hills Lookout for views across the north-western…

Stop at Hellyer Gorge

If you’re travelling between Waratah and the North West coast, stop at Hellyer Gorge on…

Hellyer Gorge picnic area →

The restored former Waratah Post Office now provides heritage accommodation in the centre of town.

Stay in Waratah

Staying overnight gives you time to see the town, visit Philosopher Falls and continue towards Corinna without fitting everything into one travel day. Accommodation includes the historic Bischoff Hotel, the restored former Post Office, holiday rentals and the lakeside Waratah Camping Ground. Places to eat and buy supplies are limited and opening hours change, so carry food and essentials if you’re continuing into more remote areas.

Hotels

Bischoff Hotel

The Bischoff Hotel is a heritage listed Edwardian-Federation style building, constructed in 1909. Said to be the only hotel in the country with waterfall views, you must experience…

Website

Holiday Houses

The Post Office

The Post Office is a 1913 heritage-listed post office that has been lovingly restored into a luxury escape for couples but accommodates up to four guests. Located directly…

Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks Farmstays

Waratah Alpaca and Pepperberry Farm

This is a hosted stay through Hipcamp, below is the information provided by the Host regarding their offering. Welcome to Waratah Alpaca and Pepperberry Farm in the charming…

Website

View all Stay in Waratah

Visiting Waratah with a caravan or motorhome

Motorhome crossing the bridge over the Arthur River in North West Tasmania

Waratah Camping Ground has powered and unpowered sites beside Lake Waratah, within walking distance of the waterfall, museum and other town attractions.

Facilities include toilets, showers, a coin-operated laundry, barbecue shelter and nearby playground. There’s a public dump point on Annie Street.

Sites can’t be pre-booked and are first come, first served. During busy periods, contact the Waratah Post Office before arriving to check likely availability.

Waratah is reached by sealed road, but the surrounding routes are winding and conditions can change in wet or cold weather. Allow extra time, particularly when towing.

Find caravan parks & campgrounds

Book established sites

More info →

Short term camping

Council-managed short-stay camping

More info →

Caravan services

Restock before continuing

Check facilities →

Frequently asked questions

What is Waratah known for?

Waratah is known for Waratah Falls, which drops through the centre of town, and its history as an early Tasmanian tin-mining settlement. Tin discovered at nearby Mount Bischoff in 1871 led to the town’s development.

Is Waratah a good place to visit?

Yes. Waratah is great for an easily accessible waterfall, mining history, a lakeside setting and nearby rainforest walks. It can be seen in a few hours or used as an overnight stop on the way to Corinna.

How long should I spend in Waratah?

Allow at least two to three hours to see Waratah Falls, walk beside the lake and visit the town’s historic attractions. Allow half a day if you’re adding Philosopher Falls.

Stay overnight if Waratah is part of a longer journey to Corinna, or if you’d rather not fit the town and the walks into one day.

Can I see Waratah Falls without doing a long walk?

Yes. Waratah Falls can be viewed from the centre of town. A short path also leads to a lower viewing platform, although the path can be wet or slippery.

How difficult is the Philosopher Falls walk?

Allow approximately one to one and a half hours for the return walk. Much of the track is moderate, but reaching the viewing platform involves a long and steep staircase. Wet and muddy conditions are common.

Is there accommodation in Waratah?

Yes. Options include the Bischoff Hotel, the restored former Post Office, holiday rentals and Waratah Camping Ground. Availability is limited, so check ahead.

Can I buy food and supplies in Waratah?

Not much. Places to eat and buy supplies are limited and opening hours can change, so carry food and essentials, especially if you’re continuing towards Corinna.

Can I take a caravan or motorhome to Waratah?

Yes. Waratah is reached by sealed road and its campground has powered and unpowered sites. If continuing to Corinna, check current road conditions and consider the size and clearance of your van and vehicle.

Can I travel from Waratah to Corinna?

Yes. The route travels through Savage River and reaches Corinna on the northern side of the Pieman River. The Fatman Barge is not required to enter Corinna from this direction, but it is required if you continue south towards Zeehan.

The area