G’day all,
First day of spring and a small break in the rain. It was still overcast but at least not pouring down. I was woken up at 6:30am by Joey Jess wanting me to take her for a bike ride. So, off we went towards Nandroya Falls about 2.5 klm from camp. I had hoped we might be able to mountain bike up the track but after 500m we crossed a creek and left the bikes behind. A further 300m and we came to the intersection of the loop trail. 1.7 klm to the left and 3.5 klm to the right. We headed to the left and were soon at Silver Creek Falls which were quite beautiful and well worth the visit. Onwards and dropping deeper into the gorge for about a 1 klm you can hear the thunder of the Nandroya Falls which topple over a huge drop of over 50m uninterrupted to a beautiful circular pool at the bottom. Shortly after the Douglas Creek drops again about 10m over a wider area. These falls are spectacular and a must visit. The main falls remind me of the Montezuma Falls in Tasmania.
We left Nandroya Falls and headed along Douglas Creek on the extended loop of 3.5 klms. The track follows the Douglas Creek for approx 1.5 klm before slowly heading back towards Henrietta Creek. Along this stretch the Douglas Creek again drops with many small falls to delight anyone taking this track. Without eating breakfast before taking off, we were feeling very hungry, made worse when we started planning our trip to Mt Ossa and what food we would take. I have promised to fly to Tassie with Jess to climb Mt Ossa so she can also complete climbing the highest peak in every state.
After what seemed like ages we were back to the bikes and headed for camp. If I had my time again I would head back past Silver Creek Falls. This is the more scenic and quicker route. If its been raining there is a lot less mud around.
Both Jessy and me wolfed down a hearty breakfast, got into the car with Lovely Lynda and Amy and headed out to see Tchupala Falls and Wallicher Falls a short distance from camp. The walkway to both the falls starts at the same spot close to Crawfords Lookout.
This is only a short walk of 350m to Tchupala Falls and 500m to Wallicher Falls. After about 100m from the start of the track the track splits and we took the right hand branch towards Tchupala Falls. After a few hundred metres you come to the start of the falls which are quite awesome. The falls continue on down the valley dropping significantly again. In the past you could follow the falls down further but unfortunately cyclone Larry in 2006 has caused extensive damage to the track and it is now closed for the immediate future. What a shame because from the top these falls would have been unbelievable. Watch the walk track around here because it drops away steeply on both sides of the track.
Heading back up the track we again got to the intersection and this time took the left hand fork. After a few hundred metres there is a clearing in the rainforest and you can view the falls. These falls are a wide drop that plummets approx 20m. They are again quite beautiful. This Douglas Creek certainly has some amazing waterfalls as it thunders through the valley towards the ocean. You can continue along this track back to the Henrietta Creek Camp Ground but you must crossover the Douglas Creek twice and then over the Henrietta Creek. With the rain we have had recently the Creek’s in the area were flowing well and this would have been a challenge. That at least is the good thing about all the rain…the creeks and flowing nicely making all the waterfalls even more spectacular and brilliant. Of course the downside is water brings out the leaches and my count so far today was 5 to me and 1 to Jessy.
Back in the car we headed towards Millaa Millaa and the 15 klm loop road around the small township, officially called the “Waterfall Way,” with the Ellinjaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls. Each of these Falls are easily reached with very small walks set up for the many tourists travelling through this region. First stop was the Ellinjaa Falls which has a 200m bitumen walk way to the base of the small falls…pretty but not spectacular. Onto to Zillie Falls. Zillie Falls is only a walk of about 50m to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. Unfortunately the view is a little blocked which is a shame because I think by travelling to the base of the falls you would be met ,with a sensational waterfall. Oh well, onto Millaa Millaa Falls and the best of the three on this road. The waterfall makes its way over an uninterrupted fall of about 30m into the most tranquil and pretty pool. Better still on a warmer day you could have enjoyed a beautiful cleansing and refreshing swim in the pool…this would have made the day for sure. I checked the water temperature and it was cold!
Leaving Millaa Millaa Falls there was no doubt that Nandroya Falls were the best falls we had seen today…hands down. Yes you have to walk further to get there, but that works to your advantage too because not so many people can be bothered taking on the leaches and mud, not to mention the 5 klm round trip, so you can enjoy this most pleasant, tranquil and beautiful spot to yourself. It is one of those places of breath taking beauty!
We then drove through the Millaa Millaa township stopping in at the local museum which is a treasure chest of history of the town and surrounding area. The kids enjoyed the museum (which was free) and the lady at the door was a walking information bureau on the area which was great to have a chat and plan the next part of our trip.
Leaving Millaa Millaa we headed back up the Palmerston Highway back towards camp turning off on the loop road, Brooks Road which is a beautiful scenic alternative to the main highway. Along the way we stopped off at The Mungalli Creek Bio-Dynamic Diary and tasted some nice yoghurt and cheese. We had a coffee (and hot chocolate) and decided on toast sandwiches for the kids and a toasted foccacia for the adults. We topped them off a Macadamia, chocolate topped mango cheesecake whilst the kids enjoyed a chocolate mud cake.
With our bellies full we headed back to our camp as the rain came down. A nice warm shower (after collecting water again…) and off to bed after a great day exploring waterfalls.
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia