Twin Falls …waterfall wonder at Canyon Lookout

A crisp clear day dawned and it was time to revisit the Springbrook National Park.  It had rained for nearly a week on the Gold Coast and the creeks were flowing strongly which meant for magnificent waterfalls.

 

The Twin Falls circuit walk is accessed at the Canyon Lookout and although everything was sodden and muddy we ventured into the dense vegetation wearing good walking shoes. It did not take long before our shoes were filthy dirty!

 

We started to descend into the valley and our first stop was at the top of the Twin Falls. It was breathtakingly beautiful as four creeks merged as little waterfalls out of the vegetation to become one at the top of the falls.

 

 

At this point we cross over the top of the falls on a walkway and to our left was the magnificent Twin Falls with the water cascading down and a view over the valley.

 

 

We descended further in to the valley walking next to sheer cliff edges and passing through some small caves formed by rock clefts and huge boulders. We wound our way still further down passing numerous smaller waterfalls along the way until we reached the bottom of the Twin Falls.

 

This was awesome – standing in the spray and looking up at the water cascading down which was deafening. We were able to walk under the falls, behind the water plummeting 60m down into the rock pool.

 

 

I was able to capture some good shots while walking through the spray although I, my camera and glasses were slowly getting drenched. The sheer thrill of being behind all that water is something to cherish.

 

 

Coming out the other side of the falls.

 

 

We still had a way to go now that we were at the bottom of the valley; and an encounter with another stunning waterfall before the 200 stair climb to the top.

 

All this in the next post…

 

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Nightcap National Park …World Heritage listed

A Kookaburra welcomes you to Nightcap National Park. In fact, he was quite tame, no doubt from receiving a morsel or two to eat!

 

 

 

There are two walks through the Minyon Valley with its ancient rainforest vegetation.

 

Minyon Falls Walk

This is a 6km (approx. 2 hour) moderate walk which includes some hills to experience the amazing Minyon Falls in the spectacular Nightcap National Park. Walk through the beautiful brush box rainforest valley to the plunge pool of the 100m Minyon Falls and see magnificent Strangler Figs, Bangalow Palms and Helmholtzia Lily along the way.

 

Minyon and Condong Falls Walk

This is a 9km (approx. 4 hour) walk through beautiful brush box rainforest to experience two awesome waterfalls Condong Falls and Minyon Falls. On your way see magnificent Strangler Figs, Bangalow Palms and Helmholtzia Lily and stop at the Minyon Falls plunge pool before walking on to the Condong Falls.

 

Start of the Minyon Falls walk and onto the Condong Falls.

 

 

Directions to the Minyon Falls.

 

 

 

What to bring

·         Wear a pair of sturdy covered shoes.

·         Bring a raincoat as the weather is changeable in the ranges.

·         Bring sunscreen and a hat.

·         Bring at least 750ml of water.

 

Where is

The Nightcap National Park is easily located from Byron Bay, Lismore and Ballina. For directions go to this link – Nightcap National Park

 

The Weather

You might want to check out the weather at Bureau of Meteorology before planning your trip.

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Minyon Falls …rises out of the rainforest

The Minyon Falls can be found in the Nightcap National Park whose ranges form the southern rim of the massive Tweed volcano caldera, one of the largest and best preserves of its type in the world. Mt Warning is the plug from this extinct shield volcano which once had a diameter of over 100km.

 

Two thirds of Nightcap National Park is a World Heritage area after logging of the Daintree was stopped in this significant ecosystem. Whian Whian State Conservation Area which is adjacent to Nightcap NP plays an important role in protecting the catchment area of Rock Creek Dam, and provides an extended protection zone for Nightcap and protects threatened species.

 

Standing on the viewing deck, which extends out over the valley is breathtaking in itself, as there is nothing but the platform under you. The untouched Minyon valley with its ancient rainforest vegetation and the Minyon Falls that rise over 100m out of the rainforest, is an awesome view.

 

This pic was taken from the top of the falls as the water cascades down; and shows just how high the falls actually are by the view through the trees.

 

 

Minyon Falls – taken from the viewing deck.

 

 

Further upstream and deeper into the rainforest.

 

 

 

More to come … some easy bushwalking …

 

 

 

 

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Queen Mary Falls …in all it’s glory

Take an easy, serene walk through the rainforest to the Queen Mary Falls and enjoy the Kookaburra while the icy, clear water gushes down the creek and through the pools to finally cascade over the falls. Truly magnificent!

For more on the Queen Mary Falls see the March posts.

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Natural Bridge …the waterfall cascades into the cave

 Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park is a most unusual geological feature created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of a basalt cave. Natural Bridge is home to an amazing colony of glow-worms, whose lights can be seen only after sunset. Lookouts and lush rainforest also grace this World Heritage-listed haven, making it one of the most popular parks in Australia.

As we entered the park we were greeted with huge tree. Looking up the trunk made for a spectacular photo as it seemed to keep going forever.

We took the short circuit walk through the lush rainforest to the natural arch over Cave Creek.

The view of the unique waterfall cascading down into the cave through its roof is amazing.

We ventured into the dark cave and got closer to the waterfall which was almost deafening as it tumbles into the cave with the sun shining through.

We left the cave and did the easy climb to the top of the Waterfall where we dipped our hands into the pools of very cold water.

As we walked through the park we could hear the calls of paradise riflebirds, green catbirds and wompoo fruit-doves.

There is also an area where you can enjoy a picnic and relax in the cool rainforest.

Nocturnal tours are also available to see delicate glow-worms and on summer nights you can see luminous fungi and fireflies.

Mini-bus tours also run to the park from the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah.

How to get there …

Please note that the scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

Natural Bridge is located on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, about four kilometres north of the border gate. From the Pacific Highway, you can turn off at Nerang (30 kilometres to the park) or at Mudgeeraba (42 kilometres to the park via Springbrook plateau).

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