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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“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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