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Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park / Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Tasmania, Australia

About Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls

Rating: 1.5
Difficulty: 1.5
Hiking Distance: 400m round trip (Pencil Pine Falls only); 1.3km round trip (both falls)
Suggested Time: 20 minutes (Pencil Pine Falls); 45 minutes (both falls)
Date first visited: 2006-11-27
Date last visited: 2017-11-30
Waterfall Latitude: -41.59555
Waterfall Longitude: 145.92992
Directions: Get to the waterfall
Vicinity: Find nearby waterfalls
Jump to: Photos, Videos, Other Info
Jump to: Comments and Reviews
Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Neither Pencil Pine Falls nor Knyvet Falls were waterfalls that we expected to visit prior to our visit to Cradle Mountain National Park.

It wasn’t until we noticed them some maps in the visitor centre that we realized how close they were to where we were staying within the park (at the Cradle Mountain Lodge).

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_028_11302017 - Pencil Pine Falls
Pencil Pine Falls

And since it only required a 1.2km return walk to visit these falls, it made sense to pursue them.

Pencil Pine Falls was a modest 10m waterfall that had segmented into at least two strands each time we saw it.

Knyvet Falls, which was also on the Pencil Pine Creek, exhibited a similar characteristic though that one was a little harder to see properly.

There was yet a third waterfall on Pencil Pine Creek back by the lodge right at the start of the Enchanted Walk.

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_080_11302017 - Looking upstream towards Knyvet Falls
Looking upstream towards Knyvet Falls

That last waterfall (formally called the Pencil Pine Cascades) exhibited a pleasing cascading characteristic that was very photogenic.

After all, it lent itself to long exposure shots with the aid of a tripod or the bridge railing.

The Enchanted Walk itself also allowed me to spot a rare platypus!

Experiencing Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls

For the track taking in the Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls, it began almost opposite the Cradle Mountain Shop and car park just down the hill from the Cradle Mountain Lodge reception area.

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_001_11302017 - Start of the track that reached both Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls
Start of the track that reached both Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls

The track was pretty much almost entirely on boardwalk or sturdy composite mesh as it passed through a small patch of buttongrass before descending steps to a junction.

Turning right at this junction, the boardwalk then meandered upstream towards the lookout neighboured by tall trees with the direct view of Pencil Pine Falls that you see pictured at the top of this page.

After having our fill of the falls, we then backtracked to the junction and continued to descend on the boardwalk path through native forest.

Throughout the walk, the path meandered alongside the dark tannin-coloured Pencil Pine Creek as the scenery alternated between thick forest and pockets of patchy grass clearings.

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_048_11302017 - The boardwalk path between Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls as it meandered alongside Pencil Pine Creek
The boardwalk path between Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls as it meandered alongside Pencil Pine Creek

Eventually, the track undulated and descended towards the signposted lookout right at the top of Knyvet Falls.

While this view left a lot to be desired, I did manage to continue the hike a short distance further to earn a slightly better and more direct (albeit partially overgrown) view of Knyvet Falls.

This was the turnaround point of this short track, and it only took about 45-50 minutes though a good chunk of that time was for taking photos as opposed to physical exertion.

It was only 10-20 minutes return for just the Pencil Pine Falls.

Experiencing Pencil Pine Cascades and the Enchanted Walk

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_102_11302017 - A wombat using the boardwalk as it went grazing in the buttongrass surrounding the Pencil Pine Falls Track
A wombat using the boardwalk as it went grazing in the buttongrass surrounding the Pencil Pine Falls Track

When I returned to the buttongrass patch by the trailhead, I managed to spot more wombats grazing alongside and crossing the boardwalk.

Then, I took some additional time to walk briefly south along the Cradle Mountain Road to the road bridge right at the start of the Enchanted Walk.

It was almost adjacent to the driving entrance to the reception area of the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

This bridge was where I looked upstream at the attractive Pencil Pine Cascades.

Enchanted_Walk_012_11302017 - The attractive Pencil Pine Cascades, which was practically next door to the Cradle Mountain Lodge
The attractive Pencil Pine Cascades, which was practically next door to the Cradle Mountain Lodge

I then embarked on an optional looping nature walk that began and ended at the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

I did this walk in a clockwise direction that started off along the southern bank of Pencil Pine Creek in an semi-open myrtle and pencil pine forest.

The wheelchair-accessible path passed by some interesting corrugated tin-tunnels (probably meant for kids) before the track veered right onto a bridge spanning Pencil Pine Creek.

On the other side of the bridge, the track then looped back towards the lodge as the terrain was much more lush and dense than earlier on in this walk.

Enchanted_Walk_038_11302017 - On the other half of the looping Enchanted Walk, I was fortunate to spot this elusive platypus dipping in and out of the surface of Pencil Pine Creek
On the other half of the looping Enchanted Walk, I was fortunate to spot this elusive platypus dipping in and out of the surface of Pencil Pine Creek

It was in this stretch of boardwalk that (with the aid of a trio of folks here) I happened to spot an elusive platypus in the creek during a post-dinner evening stroll.

The boardwalk continued to meander alongside Pencil Pine Creek passing by more corrugated tin tunnels as well as some burroughs for wombats and Tasmanian Devils.

The kilometre walk rejoined “civilization” at the reception area of the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

From there, I could walk back down the driveway to the Cradle Mountain Rd, or walk back to the room since we were staying here in each of our visits.

Authorities

Pencil Pine Falls, Knyvet Falls, and Pencil Pine Cascades reside in Cradle Mountain National Park in Cradle Valley, Tasmania. It is administered by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_004_11302017 - Shortly after the initial grassy stretch on the Pencil Pine Falls Track, the track descended these steps to get right along Pencil Pine Creek as seen during our late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_007_11302017 - Descending to the junction where the path on the right led up to Pencil Pine Falls on our late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_008_11302017 - Heading back upstream towards the lookout deck for the Pencil Pine Falls during our late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_011_11302017 - Descending to the lookout for Pencil Pine Falls on my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_016_11302017 - This was Pencil Pine Falls from our second visit in late November 2017
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_022_11302017 - Long-exposed shot of Pencil Pine Falls during our late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_044_11302017 - After having my fill of Pencil Pine Falls, it was time to head back downstream towards Knyvet Falls during our late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_051_11302017 - Apparently, I wasn't along on my early evening jaunt to the Knyvet Falls during my late November 2017 visit because this fellow was heading back from Knyvet Falls as I was heading there
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_053_11302017 - Some parts of the track to Knyvet Falls were a little more open during my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_058_11302017 - The Knyvet Falls Track meandered between more dense groves of trees as seen during my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_061_11302017 - Finally approaching the Knyvet Falls Lookout during my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_068_11302017 - Looking down over the top of Knyvet Falls as of late November 2017
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_070_11302017 - More contextual look across Knyvet Falls and further downstream during my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_073_11302017 - Looking across the profile of Knyvet Falls during my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_075_11302017 - After going a little further past the Knyvet Falls, I managed to get this obstructed view back towards the falls on my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_083_11302017 - Heading back along the boardwalk after having my fill of Knyvet Falls on my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_086_11302017 - Heading back through this opening on the way up to the trailhead by Cradle Mountain Lodge on my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_094_11302017 - Adding to the naturesque ambience were birds like this one giving out interesting birdsongs early in the evening on my late November 2017 visit
Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_100_11302017 - Continuing on the atmospheric early evening return hike through picturesque scenery like this en route to Cradle Mountain Lodge on late November 2017
Enchanted_Walk_003_11302017 - Immediately after I was done with the Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls walk, I then went onto the Enchanted Walk where it began with this attractive cascade during my late November 2017 visit
Enchanted_Walk_013_11302017 - Contextual look towards the Pencil Pine Cascade or the Enchanted Cascade during my late November 2017 visit
Enchanted_Walk_017_11302017 - Embarking on the Enchanted Walk during my late November 2017 visit
Enchanted_Walk_018_11302017 - Looking back across Pencil Pine Creek towards the Cradle Mountain Lodge from the Enchanted Walk during my late November 2017 visit
Enchanted_Walk_023_11302017 - As I was going clockwise on the Enchanted Walk in late November 2017, the early part of the hike was in more open terrain flanked by ancient pencil pine trees and myrtle trees
Enchanted_Walk_026_11302017 - This was one of the tunnels that was along the Enchanted Walk in late November 2017, which I'm sure the kids could enjoy
Enchanted_Walk_029_11302017 - Going across a bridge over Pencil Pine Creek as part of the Enchanted Walk in late November 2017
Enchanted_Walk_043_11302017 - Walking by a couple of burroughs that could be used by both wombats and Tasmanian Devils among other nocturnal organisms along the Enchanted Walk as seen in late November 2017
Enchanted_Walk_046_11302017 - Hiking alongside Pencil Pine Creek on the Enchanted Walk. That fellow further up the trail actually helped me to spot the platypus in the creek during my late November 2017 visit
Enchanted_Walk_047_11302017 - Passing by one of the low corrugated tin tunnels that I believe were really meant for kids to go through during the Enchanted Walk in late November 2017
Enchanted_Walk_053_11302017 - Returning to the Cradle Mountain Lodge and ending the Enchanted Walk excursion on late November 2017
Enchanted_Walk_087_11302017 - Looking back at the reception area for the Cradle Mountain Lodge as it was getting dark in late November 2017
Cradle_Valley_077_jx_11272006 - Since Julie and I had stayed at the Cradle Mountain Lodge, I was able to do the Pencil Pine Falls Track and the Enchanted Walk right after having an early dinner on our visit in late November 2006
Cradle_Valley_044_jx_11262006 - The Pencil Pine Creek Track started off with grasslands cut forth by the somewhat narrow boardwalk leading downstream along Pencil Pine Creek as seen in late November 2006
Cradle_Valley_046_jx_11262006 - Starting to get our first clean looks at Pencil Pine Falls and the wide plunge pool before it during our visit in late November 2006
Pencil_Pine_Falls_001_11262006 - Contextual look towards the Pencil Pine Falls during our late November 2006 visit
Pencil_Pine_Falls_003_11262006 - Frontal centered view of Pencil Pine Falls in higher flow from our first visit back in late November 2006
Pencil_Pine_Falls_005_11262006 - A closer examination of Pencil Pine Falls across the wide plunge pool from the track in late November 2006
Cradle_Valley_050_jx_11262006 - Beyond Pencil Pine Falls, the narrow wooden boardwalk continued further downstream flanked by denser foliage than before as seen during our late November 2006 visit
Cradle_Valley_051_jx_11262006 - Some parts of the wooden boardwalk was a little more overgrown and protruded onto the narrow walkway as seen during our late November 2006 visit
Cradle_Valley_052_jx_11262006 - Still continuing further along the narrow track amidst more overgrowth between Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls as seen during our visit in late November 2006
Knyvet_Falls_003_11262006 - Portrait view over the top of Knyvet Falls during our late November 2006 visit
Knyvet_Falls_008_11262006 - Looking down at the diminutive Knyvet Falls from its top from back in late November 2006
Knyvet_Falls_010_11262006 - On our first visit back in late November 2006, I was able to get a slightly more open and cleaner view of Knyvet Falls looking back upstream
Knyvet_Falls_015_11262006 - More zoomed in downstream view back up at the Knyvet Falls during our late November 2006 visit
Cradle_Valley_057_jx_11262006 - Going back up the way we came to the trailhead for the Pencil Pine Creek Track in late November 2006
Enchanted_Walk_001_11262006 - Looking towards the Pencil Pine Cascade or Enchanted Cascade as seen during our late November 2006 visit
Enchanted_Walk_004_11262006 - More zoomed in look at the Enchanted Cascade or Pencil Pine Cascade seen during our late November 2006 visit


For all intents and purposes, the trailheads of both the Pencil Pine Falls / Knyvet Falls Track as well as the Enchanted Walk were pretty much right by the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

So the driving directions are pretty straightforward from any town in the area with the aid of navigational aids via GPS or iPhone.

Pencil_Pine_Knyvet_Falls_127_11302017 - Looking across the Cradle Mountain Road towards the Cradle Mountain Lodge
Looking across the Cradle Mountain Road towards the Cradle Mountain Lodge

The Cradle Mountain Lodge was merely 5km south of the Cradle Mountain Rd turnoff from Belvoir Rd (C132) or about 1.8km south of the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.

There was parking right across the signed trailhead in front of the Cradle Mountain Shop.

To provide you with some geographical context, Cradle Mountain was about 111km (over 90 minutes drive) north of Queenstown, 101km (about 75 minutes drive) south of Burnie, 78km (about 75 minutes drive) southwest of Devonport, 93km (about 90 minutes drive) west of Deloraine, 157km (about 2.5 hours drive) west of Launceston, and 319km (4 hours drive) northwest of Hobart.

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Nearly 360 degree sweep checking out the falls from the viewing deck


Slightly obstructed but more direct view of the falls before walking over to the signed viewing deck at the top of the falls


Right to left sweep covering the Pencil Pine Cascades upstream of the bridge just at the bottom of the Enchanted Walk


Fixated on the Pencil Pine Falls in more full flow on our first visit back in late November 2006


Looking down over the top of the Knyvet Falls

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Tagged with: cradle mountain, lake st clair, tasmanian wilderness, cradle valley, tasmania, waterfall, australia, pencil pine, knyvet, enchanted, kentish



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Enchanted Falls or Pencil Pine Cascades (naming correction) August 28, 2015 5:08 am by Caedence Kuepper - I noticed on this page that you guys didn't know the name of the cascade that can be seen from the bridge at Cradle Mountain. It is officially known as Pencil Pine Cascades, although it is known to most people as Enchanted Falls (which I think is a much nicer name). Names aside, this really… ...Read More

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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
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