FOUR Gloucester Environment Group enjoyed a dry, mostly sunny day for bushwalking when they ventured to Waitui Falls on 19 May.
Walks coordinator Rod Eckels had identified the spot on the upper reaches of the Camden Haven River, which offers the chance to visit a waterfall and swimming hole deep in the Comboyne State Forest.
“We exited the Pacific Highway at the Moorland turn off and drove 20km inland on a gravel road, through the village of Hannam Vale, to park not far from the waterfall,” the group’s Steve Robinson said.
“To give us some exercise Rod had found a 7km loop of logging tracks and forest trails through the woodland and rainforest to give us an appetite for lunch at the Falls.
“The forest was at its best with all the rain this year and for me the most striking aspect were the many graceful stands of Bangalow Palms rising from the gullies of the tributaries of the Camden Haven River.”
The intrepid walkers had two main creek crossings to contend with.
“I took my boots off to cross the largest tributary, only to drop one boot into the flowing stream,” Steve said.
“It floated down the stream as I yelled for help, but fortunately a whirlpool sucked in my boot only to spit it out against the current and just within reach of my stick – an experience that will teach me to always zip up my pack.
“Back on track with two wet boots I thanked my lucky stars.”
Three hours of gentle walking and listening to lyre birds brought the walkers to their lunch spot, which viewed the 20-foot vertical cliff over which the river flowed into a pool that can be easily accessed for a swim.
“We were surprised to meet two sets of young international backpackers at the falls and were told it has recently been added to some travel guides as a remote wilderness gem,” Steve said.
“We watched in admiration as two intrepid young people swung off a rope into the chilly water, but none of us was tempted to follow.”
