Nelson Falls is located along the Lyell Hwy 27 km east of Queenstown. There is a fair sized carpark and toilets available at the trailhead. In addition to the falls, this is also one Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. The track is 700 metres through thick and lush forest lined with impressive ferns, other vegetation and trees until you reach Nelson Falls which you can enjoy for a few minutes before heading back. During our recent visit, the Falls were very light but the forest environment rich in colour, making for a very nice walk. If you are here to see the falls, it wasn't an impressive showing this time around but if you just want to get out and stretch your legs, the trail itself was beautiful, easy and convenient if making the drive between Queenstown and Hobart and looking for interesting stops to make along the way.

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is truly wild and remote. Most of it is only accessible via walking tracks, which makes it perfect for anyone looking to escape crowds. I explored the Nelson Falls Nature Trail and was blown away by the Franklin River — powerful, clear, and surrounded by dense forest. Even a short visit here gives you a real sense of Tasmania’s untouched wilderness.

A must see waterfall and nature walk if you’re passing this Nelson Falls on your way to your next destination. It’s majestic when raining as the falls will turn on its full might. The nature walk (flat easy 20 mins walk) is so serene and refreshing.

On the way past we stopped at the river. Not sure what to expect but the walk was very well maintained and ended up being very pleasant. Everything was green and the waterfall at the end fairly spectacular. Worth the short walk and visit.

Outstanding. Super accessible. Toilets close by also. Great pit stop and short walk. 20 minutes return. Beautiful spot. A real gem.

This stunner is only a short flat walk to a big gorgeous waterfall! I definitely recommend this stop! Especially for the ones that don’t like walking!

Great stop! There are toilets onsite. Path is easy, gravel and beautiful. It feels like stepping onto a Jurassic Park movie set.

A fun and informative evening spent with tour guide Chris. We started with a 4wd tour around Queenstown and then up the amazing Mt Owen to take in the sunset views before we headed out of town for an exclusive mine tour. Chris was absolutely wonderful in sharing her knowledge of the area and answering all of our questions. Big thanks to Diane in helping organise our tour as well 😀

We had the best morning with Anthony who took us and our 2 sons on the Lost Mines Tour. He was full of history, information and stories, helped our boys get some samples from the mine, and made the whole experience unforgettable! Our boys had the best time! After, we spent some time in the beautiful Paragon Theatre and took in a movie about the Franklin River! Highly recommend reaching out and supporting this great business and learning more about the lovely town of Queenstown!

Definitely a must-do in Queenstown! We had an amazing sunset drive up to Mount Owen. Our tour guide was awesome, with heaps of local knowledge shared in a relaxed manner. He was able to answer lots of questions we had about Queenstown, the surrounding areas, and Tasmania in general. We were lucky enough to have a clear evening and were able to see an incredible range of mountains from the top! It was truly one of the most breathtaking views I have seen. We will hopefully be back one day to do more 4x4 tours with RoamWild.

Absolutely epic day with Roamwild. Driver was on time super friendly and safely got us up a pretty dam steep track to the top of mt Owen for our half day shuttle's. Great local knowledge of the town and great tips of the trails and where to go. Can't ask for more then that 👌

Great friendly service. The lake Margaret Power Station tour is great value.

Absolutely awesome mountain biking shuttle service. Wonderful driver, and very patient waiting for us at the bottom of the first run. Extremely affordable price for half day shuttle. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back again!

We recently had an amazing experience in Queenstown with RoamWild, participating in 3 of their tours - Lost Mines and Ancient Pines, Lake Margaret, and Mt Owen 4x4. In all cases, we were, in part or totally, taken behind locked gates and immersed in the rugged history, geography and situation of Queenstown by excellent local guides. So much of the story of Queenstown is in the history and this is not easily easily accessed without some local help. RoamWild delivered a truly enjoyable and informative full day, which can, of course, be spread over more than 1 day.

What a wonderful experience. We prebooked the tickets online and went on the Heritage carriage. It was awesome from start to finish. Shown to our seats we started with a choice of drink followed by canapes. Stooping at another station on the way gave us the opportunity to pan for gold - unfortunately we did not make our millions as no gold was found that day. We then boarded the train again for the next leg through some unbelievably beautiful Tasmanian bush. We were allowed to get out on a little platform as the train moved which gave another experience with the trip. We were then served scones with hot drinks and some wonderful blackberry jam. We then arrived at our destination where we got off for around 40 minutes to go for a walk in the bush and watch the engine being drive to the back of the train for the journey home. You can go up stairs and watch all this from a bridge looking down - quite the experience. We then all boarded the train for the trip back. Again we were served some tasty treats finishing with a gorgeous chocolate that are specifically made for the trainline. We also got to fill in postcards that will be sent by the trainline to anyone in Australia - a lovely touch I thought. The commentary on the journey was great and gave a really interesting perspective on this part of the world. Staff were fantastic and made the journey even more wonderful. Totally recommended and if it's in your budget, would recommend the Heritage carriage experience.

We visited Tasmania this long weekend and everyone told us there was nothing to do in Queenstown. Well...I am glad I didnt listen to them. There are other things to do/see there, but because of the short stay we decided to do the West Coast Wilderness Railway only and be on our way. We were seated with another lovely couple which made the journey more comfortable. The food was very yummy and served at the perfect time. Now... the actual journey. The ride was nice, relaxing and educational. We had a couple of stops before returning back and each stop was fun. I must thank the staff for being very approachable, understanding and helpful. Special thanks goes to Bec...OMG she is the best! We laughed soooo much while learning about the history of the trains and the tracks. She made the journey so much more special. This trip is highly recommended!

Spent a great morning on the train travelling up the beautiful hills. Nice food and great commentary. One section is the steepest in the southern hemisphere and they have to engage the rachett "third wheel" to get up and then down the 1 in 16 incline. Fantastic experience

We took the Rinadeena Rack & Rainforest trip, in the Premium Carriage feom Queenstown. We had some great drinks and light snacks along the way. Dietary requirements were met with no issues at all. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The ride was slow and comfortable, with some history read aloud over the speakers as we went through the forest. There is heating, so it is warm, and toilet stops along the way. It's definitely worth the experience and is a must on the west coast. To wear coast wilderness railways: We would suggest getting a more confident and articulate reader, or even just pre recorded playback for the onboard historical readings. It was a bit painful listening to our guide. It was hard to keep up with the stuttering and mispronunciations, and didn't really get into the stories, which are super important.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Bec’s commentary was excellent as was Jeni’s attention to detail in the service of food and drinks in the premium carriage. The only thing that detracted from our experience was other passengers standing on the outside balcony of the premium carriage. They blocked our view forward on the return journey to Queenstown from Rinadeena. Only one passenger came out to take photos. The others just stood there, one or two for the whole return trip. I t would be good if signs were put up with a maximum of 5 minutes standing time on the outside balcony on both the outward and return journeys from Queenstown.

Absolutely fantastic tour of the rainforest in a fully restored diesel train. The carriages are beautifully restored also, Highly recommend this tour. We did the Premier Service and the staff were amazing

This was by far a fantastic trip yes the weather was not the best but the service was top notch I don’t hardly ever give 5 stars but you can’t help it on this trip we were lucky enough to get the first class carriage and it was amazing. Thanks team we had a wonderful day

What a hidden gem. We just did the short tour but loved the place and learning about the Theatres history. It really takes you back to a time when going to the pictures was really special and an important community and social interaction with friends and family. So glad that places like this are still around and being brought back.

This is a must do if you are in Queenstown. When he opened the door, I just went "wow". A very small amount paid to see such a wonderful piece of history and the work that has been done to restore it. Lots of original movie posters to look over. Loved the tour and the movie explaining all about it.

We did a self guided tour today, so glad we did, such an interesting look at the history of the theatre. We thoroughly enjoyed it, definitely recommend 👌

The Paragon Theatre is a heritage-listed theatre in Queenstown Tasmania and was built in 1933 in true art deco style. This unique building with its stunning hand-painted floor. The floor was the creation of Alex Stevenson, a local GP who was originally from Zimbabwe. Built with a tiered ground floor and a dress circle that extended almost half way across the theatre, it was designed to seat 1,150 patrons. It was a success until the late 1970s

A wonderful afternoon was had Jo was extremely accommodating we watched Breakfast at Tiffanys with an afternoon tea intermission. Jo gave a lovely talk on the history of the theatre. I hear really good things about the evenings held there too. As it is a big old building I would highly recommend rugging up but don't let a bit of cold spoil a wonderful atmosphere ;) Queenstown is lucky to have such inspirational people in the town

A step back in time .beautifully preserved cinema of a bygone erea. Entertainment is second to none .acoustics are recording studio quality. Big comfy couches to relax in .a hidden treasure. I recommend if you are in Queenstown drop in it is a must do experience.

Totally should visit here -do the tour - and watch the “Franklin” movie - to understand the history and the beauty of the west-southwest and how lucky for all of us that it exists.

There are several attractions east of Queenstown that you will find along Lyell Highway including Horsetail Falls. There is a fairly large roadside carpark at the Iron Blowhole Rd turnoff. From there you take take the boardwalk track which gently ascends the mountainside until the Horsetail Falls comes into view. The falls were rather gentle during our recent visit but you could make them out from the boardwalk and designated viewpoint around halfway to the falls. The trail continues all the way to another platform just above the falls on the other side of the valley. We opted to not make the complete walk given the falls seemed rather light at the time of our visit. Best to allow around 45+ minutes for the full walk in and back out. If you are only going to the first viewpoint, 20-25 minutes is sufficient.

Such a beautiful waterfall & location. Short walk, mostly boardwalk the whole way, a little bit tough but manageable. Kid friendly with supervision of course. Visited late September.

From the Iron Blowout we hiked to Horsetails Falls. probably about a 30 min walk, and both spots were interesting - with stark, windy, moon-like landscapes.

Didn't get to the Falls as had my first attack of the fear of heights. Got to this point for the photo. 😊 If there was more rail to hold on the inside of the mountain I may have made it. The fear was holding the outside rail.

Amazing waterfall. Walkway makes it easy to get closer as well.

A short walk that would suit small children to the elderly well maintained paths to the falls with a viewing platform, walk will take approximately 20/30 minutes one way there are various other walks that can take you to the top of the mountain range, these walks are not for children or the elderly though. Would highly recommend stopping by & taking this walk in, great views that overlook Queenstown itself plenty of parking @ the base, unfortunately there are no toilets on site.

Absolutely a must. Easy walk. Lots of stairs though

A cold and wet day was chosen for this walk with my dog from the Oval so it was. It of a longer walk vs driving up to the car park. The track from the car park starts off easy, and has a couple of displays to read about, and then gets very steep. Good job there’s a hand rail. The view from the top would be way better in sunny weather but it was still impressive with the hills in mist and cloud. Interesting info boards at the top so I learned a bit while there.

The signage to Spion Kop Lookout is unclear, however, we managed to find our way to the small car park at the foot of the hill. The path up is clear and well maintained, but very steep in sections. Little grids have been embedded in the concrete to prevent slipping. The 360 degree views from the summit are magnificent and well worth the climb. The famous Queenstown oval, "The Gravel", can be clearly viewed. We enjoyed the South African connection to the Boer War which was explained on the informative display boards.

Great spot to go find and enjoy..a little effort to reach the top but fantastic reward. We saw some resting curled up Tiger snakes on our walk up.. be careful, as always. Snakes and all wildlife common in Tassie.

Locals recommended to visit. I only recommend to go if you have a good heart and good legs. A very steep walk up. A view of Queenstown to be found.

Great place to see the views of Queenstown. It is an extremely steep climb, but well worth it.

Good workout to get to the top where there are excellent views over Queenstown.

Great look out but very steep on the last leg about 5 minutes of calf pain if you have any issues walking don’t go