Regardless of being the largest (and greatest) waterfall in Mt Barney Nationwide Park, Paddy’s Falls and is stored fairly beneath wraps. Explorer Miranda went deep to search out this one and it turned out to be greater than value it.
We Are Explorers acknowledges that this journey is situated on the normal Nations of the Mununjali, Githabul, and Yugambeh individuals who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview
Paddys Falls is an 18m-high waterfall, situated in Queensland’s Mt Barney Nationwide Park. Driving from Brisbane, it ought to take round 2 hours to succeed in. The 9km return hike to the falls and again is a reasonably difficult stroll that takes 4-6 hours to finish.
Paddy’s Falls Information
Distance: 9km return
Time: 4-6 hours return – nearer to six hours with lengthy breaks, swimming, and photographs
Elevation acquire: 250m
About Mt Barney Nationwide Park
Most individuals consider Mt Barney Nationwide Park because the place to go for intense rock scrambling and troublesome ascents to make it to one of many many peaks.
Learn extra: Mt Barney: A Information to Mountaineering QLD’s Most Stunning Peak
Usually scorching, dry, and primarily all bush, this park might be not what involves thoughts when searching for a swimming oasis away from the crowds.
I’ve been to Decrease Portals many instances (Barney’s foremost swimming gap) however being a well-liked monitor, hikers normally should share with dozens of others – even on weekdays. Once I stumbled throughout a brief weblog on Paddy’s Falls on-line, I used to be sceptical to say the least. All of the grainy cellphone photographs folks had posted confirmed a dried-up wall surrounded by even drier bush.
Observe notes had been pretty nondescript, however I had a topo map so I assumed, why not? I managed to spherical up some mates who had been much more sceptical than I used to be, however it’d been raining all week so we had a flicker of hope.
Learn extra: First In a single day Hike to Mt Barney
Methods to Get to Paddy’s Falls in Mt Barney Nationwide Park
Mt Barney Nationwide Park is approx. 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane. Following Higher Logan Highway (that results in Yellow Pinch automotive park), flip off onto Seidenspinner Highway, the filth highway that results in Decrease Portals automotive park however flip left onto Drynans Highway as a substitute.
Go by way of the primary gate (ensure that to shut it behind you if that is the way you discovered it). After a couple of minutes, you’ll move over Rocky Creek which, following extreme rain, can come over the tracks so be cautious. The subsequent gate with an outdated hut is only some hundred metres previous this creek with some cleared grassy spots for parking. Don’t undergo the second gate, that is non-public property.
Please word! If Rocky Creek is flowing over the highway, the primary creek crossing within the hike can be troublesome however the falls can be pumping.
Ability Stage
Superior
The hike shouldn’t be significantly troublesome or lengthy, however requires fundamental navigation, map studying skills, and includes a significant river crossing. There are not any indicators or markers alongside the best way. Be cautious of the river circumstances following rain.
Important Gear
- Mt Barney Nationwide Park map and compass
- 2L of water (3L+ in summer season plus electrolytes)
- Heat layers for after swimming
- Dry luggage for the creek crossing
- Rain jacket
- Head torch, simply in case
- Sandals for creek crossings
- Lunch, snacks (thermos of scorching tea if swimming)
- Hat
- Lengthy sleeves
- Sunscreen (particularly for summer season)
- First help equipment
- Totally charged cellphone (restricted reception)
- GPS gadget or watch (optionally available)
Learn extra: Keep in mind to depart no hint!
What It’s Prefer to Hike to Paddy’s Falls
The beginning of the hike is on the finish of Drynan Highway, which, in case you have a low-clearance 2WD like me, could make the drive a bit spicy after plenty of rain. There’s just one creek crossing, which isn’t too dangerous, however it’s a dust highway that will get muddy and overgrown in sections. We parked on the second closed gate the place there’s an outdated constructing – that is the beginning of the hike.
Now, earlier than you rush to prepare, hold the boots within the pack for now and chuck on a pair of sandals, as a result of 100 metres into the hike is one first rate creek crossing! Comply with the fence from the vehicles to the left and also you’ll come throughout a Nationwide Parks signal and a monitor – comply with this to Barney Creek.
Please word! Following rain, this crossing might be harmful with robust currents – play it protected and produce a buddy, and don’t be afraid to name it off.
We had been greeted by excessive waters and flooded banks, hardly a rock hop throughout. We nearly circled proper then and there. However we tentatively shuffled in, holding our packs up because the water got here as much as the waist, and managed to push by way of the robust currents with out nice problem.
Fortunately, we had been a giant group and helped one another throughout, dragging the hobbits amongst us by way of with huge sticks.
From right here, it’s clean crusing alongside a fireplace path. Comply with it alongside for a number of kilometres, till the path involves a fork. The correct fork leads straight all the way down to the creek, which you’ll comply with all the best way to the falls, however it’s gradual going and overgrown. The left foremost path leads up a hill to the highest of the falls and a few spectacular views.
On the prime, I like to recommend heading off the path and instantly proper by way of open bushland, which’ll take you to the sting overlooking the falls. Comply with the sting alongside till you discover the best solution to scramble all the way down to the falls (watch out of unfastened rocks). If you happen to’re not comfy scrambling, it’s greatest to take the rock-hopping route alongside the creek.
Learn extra: Waterfall & Swimming Gap Security
Holy COW! Paddy’s Falls is totally torrential, we had been gobsmacked! Mount Barney Nationwide Park has a waterfall, and it’s HUGE.
Evidently, we took our time swimming and having lunch on the base. The water was chilly however refreshing after the hike.
Once more, return both rock hopping down steam or scramble up both aspect of the falls to the monitor.
Profitable scout-out achieved!
FAQs for Mountaineering Paddy’s Falls
What hikes are close to Paddy’s Falls?
Mt Maroon is nice day hike you are able to do that’s not removed from Paddy’s Falls, and should you’re as much as it – tack on the aspect quest of visiting its caves too. If you would like an in a single day journey, there’s the formidable Mt Barney you possibly can tackle, and should you select to do it as a day trek ensure you depart early as it’s fairly lengthy, steep, and climate might be unpredictable.
The place can I get meals, petrol, or some additional provides on the best way to Paddy’s Falls?
If you happen to’re driving from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, your most secure wager can be Beaudesert. It’s the largest city you’ll discover out that means and may have all the mandatory provides you want for a enjoyable day trip.
