Nelson Falls, Waterfall in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania, Australia

Nelson Falls plunges 30 meters through ancient rainforest, creating white water against dark rocks in the Tasmanian wilderness. The water descends in stages, forming small pools and channels as it moves through the forest floor.

The falls formed through geological processes spanning from ancient seas through glacial periods to its current shape. The area became part of Franklin-Gordon National Park, which protects Tasmania's remaining natural landscapes.

Nelson Falls lies within the Tasmanian Wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage area listed in 1982 for its Aboriginal rock art and glacial landforms. The falls are reached by a short walk from the Lyell Highway, a road that follows part of the old Lyell railway route. The surrounding rainforest includes myrtle and sassafras trees.

The falls are reached from a car park on the Lyell Highway, about 27 km east of Queenstown through the Nelson Valley. A short walking track leads from the car park to a viewing point at the base of the cascade. The site lies within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, so expect wet, cool rainforest conditions and a track that can be slippery after rain.

Water flows consistently year-round thanks to the temperate rainforest environment that preserves moisture. This steady flow sets it apart from many other falls in the region that fluctuate with seasons.