Location: Start at South Lawson Park in Honour Ave, Lawson.
There is a small car park opposite Livingstone Ave where this walk starts.
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Features: waterfalls, creeks, lookouts,
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| Junction Falls |
Trip Notes:
Where else would you find five impressive waterfalls in a
short bushwalk? We start at a new sign detailing the route (and the waterfalls)
by descending a long row of stone steps. About half way down there is an
intersection of tracks – the one on the left is our return route while the
track on the right goes to the old golf course. We continue straight ahead down
the steps where we can already hear the sound of the first waterfall – Adelina
Falls.
Following the damp and muddy path
we descend through a hanging swamp to reach a junction, where a 50 metre detour
to the right takes us to Adelina Falls. We cross over a small wooden bridge
nestled amongst ferns. An old moss covered barbecue stands in what once may
have been a cleared picnic area and the rock wall covered in ferns is being sprinkled
with shimmering sprays of droplets. After soaking up the atmosphere of this
fairyland we follow the creek back to
the junction.
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| Shimmering droplets at Adeline Falls |
This trail here is very muddy, especially when going through
the hanging swamps; there are a couple of bridges to cross and the track mainly
follows the creek. Here we pass tumbling cascades with various slippery side
tracks that lead to the water. The orange angophoras emerge through the ferns
and the whip birds strike their call. Eventually the track swings up a couple
of steps to the right but before going up, a worn foot pad takes us around a
boulder giving a dizzying look over one branch of Junction Falls (a bit
dangerous and not recommended for those who are averse to heights!). The main
track heads up the steps between a fence and a rock shelf and soon we cross a
creek over the top of the other branch of Junction Falls, which actually
comprises two waterfalls, one from Ridge Creek and the other from Lawson Creek,
that meet nearby. Winding our way down steep stone steps and turning left
before the long wooden bridge, we reach the first waterfall. The water
cascading down layers of rock, the fallen trees, green ferns and coachwoods standing tall all make this an impressive place. A little memory plaque
is fixed on the rock beside us and we sit and watch the falls in this peaceful spot.
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| Junction Falls |
Crossing the long wooden bridge and heading around a boulder
takes us to the other section of Junction Falls. This is another delightful
spot where the waterfall cascades over the rock face, splashing on the rocks
below while an old picnic table provides a seat from which to admire the
surroundings.
Continuing along the track with the creek now on our right,
the vegetation is a bit drier. We pass some weathered rock overhangs on our
left and soon come to a set of steps. To get to Federal Falls continue straight
ahead, down the pretty leaf littered path that takes us to the falls. Here we
are in a sort of cavern and there is a huge rock shelf protruding out to the
falls. Rocks covered in velvety green moss, coachwood trees and the beautiful
falls flowing through a wide beach make this a spectacular place. It’s a terrific
spot for a break and a picnic, and a place that kids can enjoy and explore.
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| Federal Falls |
After savouring this waterfall, we head back to the steps
which we climb, past the old painted writing on the rocks with distances given
in miles and yards. The steps rise steeply to a little lookout and we continue
through the bush, passing by blooming yellow wattle before descending to the
creek. There is a slightly difficult crossing as we need to rock hop - the original
bridge is no longer there, however preparations are evident for a new crossing.
The path meanders through the bush and soon a little detour leads down to a charming
spot beside a small waterfall – another nice place for a picnic. The track then
continues away from the waterfall past mossy rocks and logs; there is peaceful
silence here as the creek gently bubbles with the sweet ring of bird calls in
the air.
Soon we get to some steps, but before heading up we continue
straight ahead to visit Cataract Falls. In this lovely oasis stands an old
gnarled tree amongst sparkling ferns and flowing water, making this a beautiful
place. This is the last of the main
waterfalls on this loop, but we get to follow its course for some time as we
head back to the steps and ascend the escarpment. About half way up a detour to
the left leads to an engaging view overlooking the top half of Cataract Falls.
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| Cataract Falls |
Eventually the track meets a wider path where we turn left
(turning right eventually takes you to Terrace Falls). We follow the sign to Lawson
and we catch various glimpses of Cataract Falls from a few small lookouts. In
one stands a lovely memorial seat dedicated to a couple who “loved these
mountains”.
The track soon comes out at another car park, so we continue
past this and past the picnic table and large fireplace, and follow the brown
walker sign. Blooms of wattle and grevilleas with old man banksias line this
sandy trail. Eventually we meet our original track and turning right up the
stone steps gets us back to the start.
DH
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