July 2022 - Three Falls, Mt Field NP

Bob organised us today to visit Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls at Mount Field National Park. We last did this circuit in May 2012. Today our group comprised Bob, Wayne, Philip, Gary, Adam, Arav, Angie and Di. We'd arranged to meet at the Visitors' Centre at Mt Field at 10.30.

The first glitch was that the walkers had to start out with Angie and Di, who had been a little late leaving town and were then held up by some unexpected difficulties charging Di's short range EV in New Norfolk [the company had changed their account app, etc etc]. The walkers enjoyed the easy stroll to Russell Falls, along the wide accessible path, smooth enough for wheelchairs.

The Fall were as spectacular as usual.

The next twist in the plan was the discovery that the path up behind Russell Falls connecting to Horseshoe Falls was blocked off for safety reasons. So the group trekked back to the Visitors' Centre, just in time to see Di and Angie swing into the carpark.

We switched to Plan B, which was to drive up to the Lady Barron Falls carpark, and double back towards Horseshoe Falls. Reassembling up the road a little, we walked the Tall Trees loop (one of Tassie's Great Short Walks) which happened to be on the way to Horseshoe Falls.

(Philip was behind the camera).

Then we strolled further along that path, passing the top of Russell Falls, to reach the Horseshoe Falls.

It was beautiful, quiet and peaceful in the rainforest. There were very few other walkers on the tracks, which was a bonus. And we met a pair of pademelons.

We backtracked to the carpark, where Gary took Adam and Arav off up to Lake Fenton. The rest of us took the track to Lady Barron Falls. This was a slightly longer track, also very peaceful.

The falls did not disappoint.

We walked along the rest of the loop trail to the Visitors' Centre. This is mostly downhill but surprises with a steep set of stairs towards the end.

The Waterfall Cafe was our stop for lunch, which was very welcome by now! Wayne then ferried Bob back up to the carpark to retrieve his car, and followed up by surprising us with delicious friands for dessert, made by the lovely Gerwyn who hadn't been able to come today (thank you Gerwyn!).

It was another lovely day in nature with good friends.