Yamanie Falls
Yamanie Falls is a pretty two-tier waterfall with the creek flows into the Herbert River on the northern side.
Location - Girringun National Park, Queensland, Australia
Difficulty - Grade 5, off-track
Distance - ~30 km return
Time - Allow 7-12 hours return
Yamanie Falls is a pretty two-tier waterfall. Yamanie Creek flows into the Herbert River on the northern side. The mouth of the creek can be difficult to see from the river but it's well worth the detour to the spectacular Yamanie Falls. See the national park's map for suggested crossing points.
From the top of the escarpment, Yamanie Creek plunges in a single drop from the clifftop into a pool below. From here, the falls separate into five drops that tumble into a crystal-clear rock pool.
How to get there
The falls are a common detour for the Herbert River Great Walk.
Start at Yamanie pick-up point campsite which is a 'hike-in' site set in open woodland close to the Herbert River. The campsite can also be reached by four-wheel drive. This area was used extensively for grazing cattle by previous land managers. Many cattle still inhabit the area.
From Yamanie pick-up point, head upstream along the track. Rainforest plants such as quandongs, candlenut, and figs merge into the open forest for the first 2 kilometres of track. The track continues to the Herbert River where you can cross at this suggested river crossing. Resident crocodiles live in this part of the river.
Continue along the track and past the small gullies that scattered throughout the open forest. Once you've arrived at Orange Tree, continue along the banks of the Herbert River on the southern side of the river. The river then straightens into a long lagoon before reaching a set of rapids. There is a distinctive rocky bend with rapids where the seasonal Herkes Creek runs into the Herbert River.
Yamanie Creek runs into the Herbert River on the northern side. The mouth of the creek can be difficult to see from the river. There is an impassable bluff opposite the mouth of Yamanie Creek, on the southern side of the river. Generally, the easiest walking is on the northern bank of the river.
It should take about 1.5 hours to walk the 1.8 kilometres stretch along Yamanie Creek to Yamanie Falls. Along the way you will come across a fork in the creek. Keep to the right-hand side. As you approach the falls, the boulders get bigger.
At the base of the falls, look up - spectacular sheer cliffs frame the creek. From the top of the escarpment, Yamanie Creek plunges in a single drop from the clifftop into a pool below. From here, the falls separate into five drops that tumble into a crystal-clear rock pool. As you get closer to the bottom of the falls, large boulders create crevices and walkways to explore. Above, climbing pandanus cling to small ledges and crevices in the rock face.
Return via the same route.
Interactive Map
See also Queensland National Park's map.
Notes
Be aware that estuarine crocodiles may be encountered in waterholes, creeks and rivers along the Great Walk. Crocodiles can be dangerous. Do not take unnecessary risks and remember to Be crocwise in croc country. Avoid travelling along the bank near sections of deep water as crocodiles may be encountered in dense grass and shrubs.
It is the western boundary of the mahogany glider's habitat. Only recently re-discovered to science, the nocturnal mahogany glider is an endangered species with only a tiny part of its habitat remaining.
If you look carefully, you might catch a glimpse of brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies or forest kingfishers. You may even hear the noisy chatter of scaly-breasted lorikeets or the deep, gruff call of wompoo fruit-doves.
This article, and all other articles, are for entertainment purposes only and are not to be used as a guide. Please see our Disclaimer for more information.