Waterfall Creek Rock Pools

Mt Walsh National Park, Queensland

There are three large, deep pools to choose from within this granite rock cascade in the Mount Walsh National Park, inland from Maryborough. Timing is important with this swim to avoid slip hazards in the wet and stagnant water in the dry. Above: Two of the Waterfall Creek Rock Pools (Order this image)

At the end of the undulating 1.5 km walk from the car park, Waterfall Creek emerges from the scrub as a barren, bright orange and grey, wide open rocky landscape, with trickling water providing the promise of a swim. After reaching the creek, it is about 50 metres more scrambling over boulders, rock shelves and loose rocks to reach the first pool. The is the largest of the three pools, with shallow entry from the downstream end, or a rock shelf that slopes down into deeper water at the upstream end. This pool usually has a little waterfall at the upstream end that brings in fresh water, but when I visited after an extended dry period, the water here was stagnant. Continuing on to the middle pool, the shallower areas of this second pool had extensive algal growth that made getting into the water somewhat slimy and unappealing. The lack of flow in the creek surprised me. Coming from heavy rain at Hervey Bay earlier in the day, the area around Waterfall Creek was bone dry, suggesting quite different weather patterns affecting these two relatively close regions. Above: The cliff edge at the uppermost rock pool at Waterfall Creek Rock Pools (Order this image)

Heading a few metres further upstream, the water quality in the upper pool was much better, with no visible algae and good conditions for a swim. Getting in and out of the water is a bit tricky because of the smooth rocks around the edge and not much to grab onto, with the water quickly becoming deep away from the rim of the pool. Under the water there was a huge boulder in the middle of the pool, and a few broken branches and loose stones that might have washed in from upstream. I liked the high wall that looms up over the far end of the pool, and the adjacent mini-pool that is about the size of a bathtub.

Out of the water, the surrounding rock shelves are great for relaxing in between swims, rock hopping, and watching others in the water, with clear views along the river bed downstream. Above: Algal growth in the middle pool after an extended period of low rainfall (Order this image)

If you are visiting here, try to time it when the creek is likely to be flowing, but when the sun has had enough time to dry out the rocks so that they are not as slippery. This will allow you to fully experience all three pools, and enjoy the little waterfalls and cascades in between. Perhaps check the recent and forecast rain at Gayndah as a guide, rather than relying on the Maryborough weather information. If arriving in the morning as the first visitors for the day, keep your eyes up as I nearly face planted into the hugest spider I have ever seen (roughly as big as an adult hand), which had spun a web across the track right at my eye level. Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this swim, the managing authority has warning signs on site stating that "swimming is not recommended". It advises to take extreme care around the rock pools because the wet, smooth granite rocks can be treacherous. I slipped and fell once, and only avoided injury by being extremely careful. The managing authority advises to not jump or dive into the rock pools due to submerged obstacles (rocks and logs), and to supervise children closely. There are various other warnings at the start of the walk related to staying on the track, only walking during daylight hours, avoiding wet weather, carrying enough food and water, beware of ticks, etc. The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at the start of the walk to the rock pools. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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