Get up close and personal with cliffs and waterfalls on a spectacular walk to Wentworth Falls in the Upper Blue Mountains.
This walk to Wentworth Falls is one of my favourites in the Blue Mountains, with numerous cliffs and waterfalls up close and personal. The proximity of the scenery makes it quite spectacular, but rather hard to photograph. Nevertheless, you’ll hopefully get a reasonable impression from the photos that follow. One of the classics in the region. Continue reading “Wentworth Falls via National Pass, Blue Mountains NP, NSW”
A short walk to a rather unique copper coloured waterfall situated in Morton National Park, inland from Sussex Inlet.
This short and easy walk in Morton National Park, inland from Sussex Inlet on the NSW South Coast, ends at a rather unique copper coloured waterfall called Granite Falls. There wasn’t much water falling on the day we went, but it’s the rock colours that make it interesting. If you are driving down or up the coast then it’s worth making the side trip and stretching your legs to check this out. There were also wildflowers in abundance when we visited in mid spring. Continue reading “Granite Falls Track, Morton NP, NSW”
Take in views of the impressive Gerringong Falls on this walk in Budderoo National Park.
This partial circuit in Budderoo National Park takes you to the top of the impressive Gerringong Falls, with views of the falls just a side trip off the main track. The falls are apparently 150-180m high. There’s heath vegetation and a section of tall forest along the way. I’d say you’re unlikely to meet many (or possibly any) other walkers; we didn’t at least. Continue reading “Gerringong Falls Circuit, Budderoo National Park, NSW”
Two short walks through rainforest in Macquarie Pass National Park. You visit a small waterfall and walk up a scenic creek to a swimmable pool.
Two short walks starting at roughly the same place in Macquarie Pass National Park, on the escarpment inland from Kiama on the NSW South Coast. Both walks are through rainforest or similar vegetation. Macquarie Rivulet is reasonably scenic, and there is a swimmable pool up stream. Cascade Falls are a small but scenic waterfall accessed on a track starting on the other side of the Illawarra Highway. The water features on these walks are nice enough, but the rainforest vegetation is probably the highlight. Continue reading “Macquarie Rivulet & Cascades Tracks, Macquarie Pass National Park NSW”
Access to close up views of the spectacular Rob Roy Glacier for only moderate effort on this popular walk in Mt Aspiring National Park near Wanaka.
The Rob Roy Glacier Track was one of the first walks we did in New Zealand, and provides access to excellent views of the Roy Roy Glacier. There are impressive waterfalls along the way, as well as picturesque scenes in the West Matukituki Valley. The drive in is also nice, so there’s lots to recommend this walk.
On the drive in. Matukituki River West Branch on the drive in.
Nevertheless, friends who walked this with us in 2014 preferred the Routeburn Track to Flats Hut. But the views at the end of this walk are pretty spectacular, so I think it’s worth doing for those alone. It’s a fairly popular track so consider doing it on a weekday or out of season. Track notes at the end.
Rob Roy Glacier Track: The Scenery
We did this walk in 2008, 2012 and 2014, so I’ve included pictures from each of those occasions. Don’t be confused by the apparent change of weather conditions.
The trusty Landcruiser at the start. Apparently there have been thefts at this car park, so they recommend you take your valuables with you.
Crossing the Matukituki River West Branch. Matukituki River West Branch Matukituki River West Branch
We had friends with us in 2014. Sophia having a rest. West Matukituki Valley.
Some sense of scale in this shot. A 261m drop on this waterfall. The 261m high waterfall unofficially named Bridal Veil Falls. (A lot of waterfalls have that name it seems). Bridal Veil Falls (in 2008). Rob Roy Glacier A close up of the glacier. Sophia backed by the glacier.
Lots of waterfalls running off the glacier. This kea looks like it is posing for a portrait painting. Kea close up.
I want what you’re having. Warm, lush colours. Different colours in 2008. On the way back.
Track Notes
An obvious track the whole way.
The DOC website has basic information on the walk. It’s about an hour from Wanaka, and over 2 hours from Queenstown. There’s a few streams to ford on the drive in so they recommend a four wheel drive if there’s been heavy rain (or maybe snow melt?).
