Natural Arch Waterfall …in flood

Spectacular views of Natural Arch as it looked on the 2nd January 2008

The home of Glowworms and tranquility transforms itself after a little rain…

Absolutely awesome…

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Natural Arch Waterfall …such a peaceful place

This is a preview to one of my future posts coming soon.

But there is more, much more see my next post for some spectacular views of Natural Arch …

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Teviot Falls …through the Rainforest Way

Teviot Falls are found on the McPherson Range near Wilson’s Peak in Queensland, Australia, close to the border with New South Wales.

 

 

 

 

We travelled along the Main Range Drive and as we entered the Teviot Forest Reserve the trees enclosed the road. On the partially unsealed road up the range is the Teviot Gap, also known as The Head, and this is the best place to view the falls.

 

 

We stopped and took lots of pics of the breathtaking views.

 

 

We were amazed at the way the landscape changes along this route.

 

 

We stopped at the Carrs Lookout at the top of the winding mountain climb to view the vast patchwork of the valley floor below, reaching up the edges of the surrounding peaks. The Great Condamine River begins in this Darling Downs Valley and flows west to become part of the Murray Darling River System in the south of NSW.

 

 

We continued along this route to the Queen Mary Falls…  (Described in the previous post)

 

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Queen Mary Falls …circuit walk

Bush walking is one of the many pleasurable experiences around the beautiful Queen Mary Falls.

 

On the Western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Spring Creek winds its way through the park, plunging 40m over the sheer rock face of Queen Mary Falls.

 

Queen Mary Falls are located in Main Range National Park. In the Condamine River headwaters where the Spring Creek cascades over a waterfall into a rain forested gorge.

 

Within the park you can enjoy picnicking, bushwalking, studying nature and admiring the views from the lookout. To make the park more enjoyable it features picnic tables, shelter sheds, public toilets and drinking water.

 

This area is known as the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves World Heritage Area.

 

The circuit walk is an easy short walk, approximately 2 kilometres which will take you about an hour, longer if you take binoculars to do some bird watching of the rare species seen within the park; and your camera to capture some magnificent shots of the spectacular waterfalls and towering open forest.

 

The area is a photographer’s paradise.

 

 

 

 

The walk takes you down to the foot of the falls where you find absolute peace and tranquillity.

 

We walked down through the tall open forest dominated by towering forest red gums and brush box to subtropical rainforest in the gorge. Our first view of the spectacular Queen Mary Falls was a delightful surprise to see the waterfall drops 40m over the glistening basalt rock to the gorge below.

 

As we crossed Spring Creek, we walked through a fine mist spray from the waterfall. The amazing thing is that you can actually get up close to the cascading water by walking over rocks to almost stand under it. Standing in the cool mist spray was also a relief from the heat that can be felt in the park. We also saw small eastern water dragons’ sunbaking on the rocks and spiny cray scurrying around the rock pools.

 

 

Photo of the bottom of the waterfall, in the spray.

 

 

 

We climbed steadily back up to the picnic area which completed the circuit walk, passing through open forest with flowering Banksia shrubs and wattles, casuarinas, bush orchids and native ferns. There are also beautiful rock pools at the top where a pleasant swim and paddle can be had.

 

Photo taken on top of the waterfall.

 

 

 

Two things I need to do – get binoculars to enjoy the bird species on the next visit and to make sure the visit is in the springtime to experience the beauty of the wild flowers.

 

Queen Mary Falls are actually the top tier of three waterfalls situated in the mountains behind the small town of Killarney. A little further on are Daggs Falls and Browns Falls that are not quite as high, but I have been told are equally as beautiful.

 

 

Browns Falls and Daggs Falls are at the bottom of the range leading up to Queen Mary Falls. Browns Falls are also very beautiful. There is a 20 minute walk in from the road near Browns Falls picnic area which is well worth the walk. A short adventure along the creek, a little rock hopping, and you feel as if you are in an unknown wilderness.

 

Daggs Falls can be seen from a platform lookout about 3km below Queen Mary Falls, and are just as spectacular as Queen Mary Falls.

This is something to experience on my next visit…

 

How to get there … because I know you will want to visit this park. (This is for you … Yanina Yoga)

Queen Mary Falls is about 42km east of Warwick and 11km east of Killarney on the Killarney-Boonah Road near the New South Wales border. This section is about 2.5 hours south-west of Brisbane via Boonah or Beaudesert and the Teviot Gap Road or via Cunningham’s Gap and Freestone or via Warwick.

 

 

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“Canyon Lookout”…keep to the track

 

There are 3 walks, actually 2 walks and the 3^rd is more of a hiking trail, from this lookout point. I am yet to do these walks but will attempt the first two in the near future. I think I might need to persuade a more experience walker to accompany me on the 17km hike!

 

Twin Falls circuit

4km return (2-3 hours)

Moderate fitness required.

 

Explore four different plant communities, creeks, waterfalls and rock clefts. Descend to the valley and climb back up about 200 stairs. Carry a drink, snack and raincoat.

 

Twin Falls

2km return (1-2 hours)

Moderate fitness required.

 

See the main Twin Falls circuit features but walk half the distance. Follow the circuit to Twin Falls and return the way you came. Walk includes a series of short, steep ramps with handrails.

 

Warrie circuit

17km return (full day)

High level of fitness and remote bushwalking skills required.

 

Enjoy rock-hopping creeks, occasionally climbing around fallen trees and muddy, partially overgrown tracks? This is the circuit for you!

 

Warrie (rushing water) describes the biggest creek crossing, where all watercourses draining the canyon merge at the Meeting of the Waters.

 

Depart early and enjoy this remote bushwalking experience. Crossing creeks can be difficult after rain. Wear sturdy shoes. Carry food, drink, raincoat, map, compass, first-aid kit and torch.

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