Definition
Russell Falls is a permanent, cascade-type waterfall situated within Mount Field National Park in the south‑eastern region of Tasmania, Australia.
Overview
Located approximately 100 km northwest of Hobart, Russell Falls lies on the New River, near the park’s main visitor centre. The falls are a prominent attraction on the park’s popular “Russell Falls Walk,” a short, well‑maintained trail that provides easy access for tourists and locals alike. The waterfall is part of a series of falls that includes Horseshoe Falls and the taller Lady Barron Falls, all of which contribute to the park’s reputation for rugged natural scenery and diverse flora, including ancient rainforest species such as Nothofagus (southern beech) and Pseudowintera (winter's bark).
Etymology/Origin
The name “Russell Falls” is traditionally thought to honour a early European settler or surveyor bearing the surname Russell who was active in the region during the 19th century. Accurate information regarding the precise individual after whom the falls were named is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Type: Cascade waterfall
- Height: Approximately 20 m (65 ft) vertical drop
- Watercourse: New River, a tributary of the River Tyenna
- Geology: The falls flow over a hard dolerite sill, creating a series of stepped drops that generate a misty spray, especially during periods of higher runoff.
- Hydrology: Russell Falls maintains a year‑round flow, with increased volume in the winter months (June–August) following higher precipitation and snowmelt in the surrounding highlands.
- Access: The falls are reachable via a short (≈ 300 m) sealed walking track from the park’s visitor facilities, making them accessible to a wide range of visitors, including those with limited mobility.
Related Topics
- Mount Field National Park – the protected area encompassing Russell Falls, known for its temperate rainforests, alpine plateaus, and multiple waterfalls.
- Tasmanian waterfalls – other notable cascades in the region, such as Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, and the highland St Columb’s Falls.
- Tourism in Tasmania – the role of natural attractions like Russell Falls in the state’s ecotourism industry.
- Dolomite geology of Tasmania – the broader geological context that gives rise to many of the island’s waterfall formations.