Virtual Horsetail Falls for Treadmills

The Horsetail Falls Walk climbs a short section of mountainside beside the Lyell Highway near Gormanston, about 5 kilometres east of Queenstown on Tasmania's rugged West Coast. This 12-minute walking video follows the track towards the viewing platform, with Horsetail Falls, Mount Owen and the exposed landscape around Queenstown providing the backdrop.

The walk is short, but there is a fair bit of climbing packed into it. The track follows the steep hillside with stairs, handrails and a raised boardwalk, gaining around 55 metres over a relatively short distance. The surrounding mountains are noticeably bare in places, a reminder of the mining history around Queenstown and the major changes that have taken place across the landscape.

Horsetail Falls itself drops around 50 metres down the mountainside and is very seasonal. The flow is usually strongest after good rainfall and during the wetter winter and spring months, when the waterfall becomes much more prominent against the surrounding rock.

The track was extended in 2024, providing access further towards the top of the falls and opening up additional views across the West Coast mountains. The elevated position also gives the walk a good sense of the rugged terrain around Mount Owen and Queenstown.

For the treadmill version, the pace is around 4 km/h with a 4% incline. This gives the session a noticeable uphill rhythm without making it excessively difficult. Dropping the incline to 2–3% would make for an easier indoor walk while still keeping the feeling of climbing the hillside.

The actual walk is roughly 1.6 kilometres return, although distances can vary slightly depending on how the route is measured. Despite being short, the stairs, steady climb and exposed mountain scenery make it feel like a proper little hike.

At just 12 minutes, this is a compact virtual walking session with a clear uphill focus. The combination of the incline, boardwalk and stairs, along with views of Horsetail Falls and the rugged West Coast landscape, gives it plenty of character for such a short walk.

Trail Information

  • Location: Gormanston, Tasmania, Australia

  • Trail: Horsetail Falls Walk

  • Walk Duration: 12 Minutes

  • Terrain: Mountain & Boardwalk Trail

  • Suggested Treadmill Incline: 4%

  • Walking Pace: Moderate