Ration Tree and Olivers Falls

 

With a clear, sunny, winters day an adventure was on the cards. We decided to head to Ration Tree Falls and Olivers Falls which were located 50m apart just outside of Liena. We hit the road early and headed inland towards Liena. I always love driving past Mount Roland as it always looks so grand. 

Along the route, just past Gowrie Park, we stopped at Round Mountain lookout. The landscape was amazing with the distant mountains framing the horizon and an ocean of green lighting up the forest floor. 

Continuing on to our destination we stopped further up the road at Mersey Valley Lookout. This was a pull off from Oliver’s Road and looked out over Mersey Valley.

Back in the car and following Google Maps which took us to an imaginary Road right near the falls. We then referred to Waterfalls of Tasmania website and had more success in locating the start of the walk. To read more about the falls go here: https://waterfallsoftasmania.com.au/waterfalls/ration_tree_falls. The Ration Tree Falls is graded at a level 5 and should be completed by experienced bush walkers. I will talk about the dangers a bit further along. 

We found the start of the Ration Tree Falls track which was clearly marked with pink tape. I have to say this track was marked so well, clearly showing the correct way. A lot of the track involved walking over button grass which was a different flora to what we normally walk along. This needed a level of concentration as to where to place your foot. We were also intrigued at the amount of lichen covering the trees. It looked quite eerie. 

The first three quarters of this track was reasonably safe but as we got higher and closer to the waterfall the track becomes a lot more dangerous with not much room for footing between the track face and the embankment. We also experienced a fair bit of mud which can become slippery. We finally reached the top of the track with a beautiful view of Ration Falls and the scenery looking out over the valley.

Mick continued on down a steep track to get to the base of the falls and I opted to stay at the top. He had a rope to guide him down and also to help him get back up again. 

Ration Tree Falls was pretty spectacular with a good 30m plunge. After admiring the scenery, we backtracked and returned. Once hitting the road we walked 50m up the hill to get a photo of Olivers Falls. We were unable to get any closer to this fall from our location on the road because of thick blackberry bushes.

We returned to the car and decided to continue along the road to Parangana Dam. We crossed the bridge and took a photo of the roaring Mersey River. We then kept driving to find the dam. I have been to a few dams across Tasmania but not this one. I really enjoy visiting places I have not been to before. The dam was spilling and powerfully falling.

We continued along the side of the dam. The water looked amazing, reflecting the trees and mountains. 

We had a lovely day out, stopping at multiple locations and visiting new waterfalls and dams. Tassie put on a beautiful day and presented us with some beautiful environments.