Tyenna: Discover karst, rivers and Marriotts Falls

In Tyenna itself, Marriotts Falls State Reserve protects important scenic and natural values. Nearby, a river, a waterfall walk and an extensive karst system come together—three different reasons to discover the area’s natural environment. You can make a walk, the landscape underground or fishing the focus of your stay.

Karst and caves nearby

A significant karst spring near Junee Cave lies within the Tyenna River catchment, close to Mount Field National Park. It is fed by up to 80 underground tributaries. The Junee Cave aquifer is also remarkable: it is one of Australia’s most extensive and hydrologically complex karst systems.

In Junee Cave State Reserve, the Junee River emerges at the surface after travelling 30 kilometres underground through a system of almost 300 caves. At Junee Cave, a short nature trail leads to the cave entrance where the river emerges. The reserve is a short drive south of Tyenna and five kilometres west of the town of Maydena.

Niggly Cave is part of the Junee cave system and is considered Australia’s deepest cave. This depth ranking may change as exploration continues. The short nature trail leads to the visible point where the river emerges; the figures for the length of its underground course and the size of the cave system also give a sense of the landscape below.

The Tyenna River and its trout

Near Tyenna, the Tyenna River is a large, fast-flowing river offering opportunities for all fishing methods. It is managed as a wild trout fishery and is dominated by brown trout, while also having a reputation as a rainbow trout fishery. The river has large populations of small to medium-sized brown and rainbow trout. Together, these features give anglers a nuanced picture: alongside its management and focus on brown trout, rainbow trout also play a role.

Fish populations and management conditions can change. Fishing conditions also vary seasonally and depend on rainfall and land access. Before fishing, check local access and current conditions.

Walking to Marriotts Falls

Just outside Tyenna, a signed turn-off leads to the walking track to Marriotts Falls. The total return distance is about five kilometres. The track is considered short and moderate, and is suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, it passes through groves of tree ferns and towering swamp gums, the tallest flowering plants on Earth.

A 2002 management plan describes the route through a river reserve along the Tyenna River: the track crosses two private properties and then continues through another river reserve along Marriotts Creek before reaching the protected area. The different sections of the track are therefore part of the route to navigate, along with the forest and waterfall. Check the signs on site and the current track conditions, as these can change.

For planning, the three nature experiences answer different questions: at Junee Cave, the cave entrance is a short drive south of Tyenna; the track to Marriotts Falls has an approximate return distance and a moderate rating; and for fishing, the season, rainfall and land access matter. If you’re looking for accommodation, first choose the focus you want for your stay, then take into account the relevant routes and conditions.

Discover more destinations

Huonville, Primrose Sands, Grove, Granton, Low Head, Nubeena, Bicheno, Taranna

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.