Montezuma Falls and Ring River

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesZeehan
FinishRosebery
DifficultyDifficulty 3.5/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance43.1 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed24.31 km/hr
Travel Time1 hr 46 mins
Page Updated: 6 Mar 2024

Description

This trek covers a small section of South-West Tasmania and begins in Zeehan. The two main highlights of the trek are within the state forest being the tallest waterfall in Tasmania that you will reach after travelling through rainforest, and the Ring River track that veers off the same track on your return journey that is significantly more challenging than the way you came in with muddy tracks and the crossing of a fast flowing river, which is the Ring River. The trip ends back on the main highway further NE of Zeehan enroute to Rosberry/Tullah.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

Montezuma Falls is the tallest in Tasmania at 104 metres. The Montezuma Track traverses through rainforest and is often wet and slippery. Light rain is typical for most of the year. Even in summer, good wet weather gear is essential along with warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

History

This track follows the old North East Dundas Railway formation that was first opened in 1898. You may see some remains of the collapsed trestle bridge in the valley along the way. Comprised of 2ft gauge line, it carried steam trains hauling ore between Williamsford and smelters south of Zeehan, having first been hauled from the Hercules Mine on Mt Reid. In 1929 the line ceased operation.

TrekID: 69

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
The Montezuma Falls vehicular track is not a difficult 4WD track, however drivers will require constant concentration and care at the numerous river crossings that occur at base of hairpin turns at base of steep sections. Drivers should be wary of oncoming traffic and should use an UHF radio to warn other drivers of your presence. It is suggested that UHF radio 10 be used to transmit your callsign followed by "Montezuma" every 10 minutes to notify others in the vicinty of your presence - you should therefore be scanning all stations or at least Channel 10.

The Ring River Track however is significantly more challenging and should only be attempted by drivers that possess both experience, and a vehicle that has been prepared for deep river crossings. Travel in convoy along this section of track is highly recommended in case of the need for recovery as there is every chance of getting bogged in mud, or having dramas at the river crossing. During the peak summer tourits season over the Xmas holiday period, there should be sufficient drivers along the track to ensure that those with a UHF radio should be able to make contact with others nearby if additional help is required.

Trailers of any sort are definately not suitable for this trip - mostly due to the fact that there is no turning bay at the end of the track at the falls and there is very little room on the narrow single lane track for oncoming vehicles to pass one-another.

We have provided an alternative return route from the end of the Montezuma Track - exiting the Montezuma Track along the River River Track which meets the Murchison Highway. Note - this is much more difficult track and involves the crossing of the Ring River which can hold significant fast flowing water after rain. Much of the track is eroded and rutted and after rain is quite challenging.

There is no camping or facilities along either of these tracks and drivers should be fully self-sufficient. This should be planned as a day trip only.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 6 litres4cyl 7 litres4cyl 9 litres
6cyl 7 litres6cyl 8 litres6cyl 8 litres
8cyl 7 litres8cyl 7 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

All year (avoid particularly wet periods as rain may close Montezuma Falls track)

Closest Climatic Station

Mount Read
Distance from Trek Mid Point 8.78km E
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C14.214.311.78.96.34.63.64.15.47.610.911.7
Mean Min. °C5.76.34.83.42.10.90.10.10.31.33.23.9
Mean Rain mm201.1168.6267.4282.8395.7341.1391.5336.3379.2373.2221.4290.8
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Zeehan to Murchison Hwy (A10) & Montezuma Falls Access
Driving: 10.51 km
Heading: 51°
Avg Speed: 69.53 km/hr
EST Time: 09:04
Murchison Hwy (A10) & Montezuma Falls Access to Montezuma Track - Creek Crossing
Driving: 6.23 km
Heading: 88°
Avg Speed: 11.73 km/hr
EST Time: 31:52
Montezuma Track - Creek Crossing to Montezuma Falls Track & Ring River Track
Driving: 4.08 km
Heading: 70°
Avg Speed: 15.93 km/hr
EST Time: 15:22
Montezuma Falls Track & Ring River Track to Creek Crossing
Driving: 0.96 km
Heading: 186°
Avg Speed: 15.02 km/hr
EST Time: 03:50
Creek Crossing to Creek Crossing
Driving: 1.24 km
Heading: 55°
Avg Speed: 12.28 km/hr
EST Time: 06:03
Creek Crossing to Montezuma Falls
Driving: 1.18 km
Heading: 64°
Avg Speed: 17.2 km/hr
EST Time: 04:06
Montezuma Falls to Creek Crossing
Driving: 1.18 km
Heading: 244°
Avg Speed: 17.2 km/hr
EST Time: 04:06
Creek Crossing to Creek Crossing
Driving: 1.24 km
Heading: 235°
Avg Speed: 12.28 km/hr
EST Time: 06:03
Creek Crossing to Montezuma Falls Track & Ring River Track
Driving: 0.96 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 15.02 km/hr
EST Time: 03:50
Montezuma Falls Track & Ring River Track to Ring River Crossing
Driving: 3.19 km
Heading: 12°
Avg Speed: 9.47 km/hr
EST Time: 20:12
Ring River Crossing to Murchison Hwy (A10) & Ring River Track
Driving: 2.88 km
Heading: 342°
Avg Speed: 12.74 km/hr
EST Time: 13:33
Murchison Hwy (A10) & Ring River Track to Murchison Hwy (A10) & Montezuma Falls Access (via Walk)
Driving: 7.7 km
Heading: 85°
Avg Speed: 58.05 km/hr
EST Time: 07:57
Murchison Hwy (A10) & Montezuma Falls Access (via Walk) to Rosebery
Driving: 1.75 km
Heading: 30°
Avg Speed: 49.53 km/hr
EST Time: 02:07
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

No Places To Stay available for this trek

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

Related Travel Journals

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