Cuckoo Falls closure questioned
• The three hour return walk to see Cuckoo Falls has been closed for years, questions are now swirling as to why they can't be reopened. Photo by Louise Fairfax.
By Taylor Clyne
December 02, 2020
It’s been years since the beautiful Cuckoo Falls walk has been open to locals and visitors alike following a shut down by Parks and Wildlife (PWS) in early 2014.
As a part of the Tasmanian Forest Agreement a quantity of the Mount Maurice Regional Reserve including Cuckoo Falls was transferred to PWS in 2013.
Prior to this the attraction was maintained by Forestry Tasmania in conjunction with the local Apex Group.
During some wild weather some years later, a large tree blew over the track and a small landslip occurred close to the falls.
Instead of fixing the issue, the nature-based attraction was closed down and has remained that way ever since.
Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre manager Helen Shepherd said her team are asked constantly about the Cuckoo Falls walking track by visitors to the area.
“It’s ten times or more a week that we are asked as the attraction still shows on many of the older maps, we’d love to see it re-opened.
“There is a lot of support from the local tourism groups and the community too,” she said.
Mrs Shepherd explained that she had contacted PWS regarding the possibility of it being re-opened and was met with instructions to refer people to other attractions like Ralph Falls.
“The more things we have for people to do here the longer they will stay in our area, the better for all our businesses. It’s a win / win situation.
“Cuckoo Falls is practically on our doorstep and adds to Scottsdale nature-based activities like the Rail Trail and Mt Stronach.
“People have not only looked at older maps they have read about them.
“Seen pictures in waterfall books or Facebook posts. It is just such a shame that we can’t send them to have a look.
“Of course, we recommend other areas like Ralph Falls and St Columba but it's about value adding and it seems like such a waste that it is cordoned off.”
A PWS spokesperson said they believe the area is prone to landslips, has steep side slopes and slippery, rocky ground.
“If Council wishes to invest and open the site, the PWS would consider issuing the Council with a license agreement, noting that making it accessible would come at a considerable cost.”
Mayor Greg Howard said the Council fully supported the walk being re-opened for the enjoyment of all.
“It's a great experience that attracts an extra demographic of tourist to the area.
“This waterfall was a major draw card and clearly should be re-opened,” he said.
“Cuckoo Falls is PWS’s asset and they are the ones who have let it fall into disarray so therefore it is their responsibility to restore the track.
“Comments regarding the safety of the area due to landslips are rubbish, there is one small landslip close to the falls, it would be easy to track around that particular area.
“The problem with Parks is they waste their money on compliance instead of spending it on maintenance and improvements of their assets.
“It appears the project will need a specific grant and direction from government to rectify the situation and get the track opened up for the benefit of all,” he concluded.