Love Creek Falls

23 February 2003

All that came on this walk had a fantastic day. All week the weather had been wet, wet, wet, and we were looking for another lovely wet day but then the damn sun came out!

After organising a car shuttle the group of 7 left Maiala at 8am to Greenes Falls. At this point a rough bush track was followed north to the top of a rainforest knoll and then east past some of the biggest Sydney Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna) the group had ever seen.

A quick descent led to beautiful Love Creek overhung with Bangalow Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) and Yellow Carabeen (Sloanea woollsii). We carefully made our way down to Love Creek Falls where the sun came out and an executive decision was made to descend to the base of the falls where some great swimming and showering under the falls took place. The water was rocketing through from all the rain and this if for no other reason convinced us all that the best time to come here is during periods of heavy rains!

The group then made their way up to the mezzanine platform in the falls where more swimming took place. Determined efforts at pencil diving could not see the bottom of the rock pool reached. We were convinced the pool here was over 3 m deep.

At the top we lounged around with morning tea at hand. In all we would of spent at least an hour and a half swimming and dining at the falls in the sun! A quick rock hop up the creek to the tributary falls led to the ascent point for Mt D'Aguilar West Peak.

On the way we passed a beautiful grove of some very old Cycads (up to 3m in height), each sporting a Crow's Nest Fern. Coming down the ridge was a "Go Bush" group led by the Brisbane Forest Park Ranger - Martin who were on the way to Love Ck.

Soon we arrived at Hanging Valley where lunch was consumed. Hanging Valley is a wonderland rainforest environment. After this we headed for the cars near Tenison Woods Mountain. Sadly the walk was over by 3:30pm and we headed off to Samford for pies.

To finish off I would like to say the following. Wet weather can make the experience that much richer. For instance on this walk we had great water flow in creeks, superb waterfalls, rich bird life, beautiful mists, glorious heavy rain showers that you could hear in the distance like a waterfall that came closer and closer until you were under it, and great camaraderie as all-weather walkers are great company.

Thanks to all who came and made this a terrific walk. David