Road Trip Diaries # 3 – Off to Araluen and Wheel of Fire Falls
Waking up at Platypus Bush Camp was one of those days that I wish would happen more often. After all, I seldom find myself near a bubbling creek in the middle of a rainforest and being awakened by harmonious calls of birds and chorus of cicadas, frogs and crickets. The camp is situated in a beautiful lowland rainforest and is the nearest camping ground to the jump-off point for Finch Hatton Gorge, which was our next stop for the day.
The cheeky sulphur crested cockatoo at Platypus Bush Camp
We had an early start this time after a restful sleep. A dip at the swimming hole looked inviting, but I opted for the cold rainforest shower to start the day. But it wasn’t the cold shower that washed away my early morning lethargy. The freaking green Australian frog hanging inside the rim of the toilet bowl did. Good thing I hadn’t yet sat on the throne and started my business. No wonder they have a sign telling you to keep the lid closed at all times. Well, at least it wasn’t a python or something. It could always be worse!
On the way to Araluen Falls
Small cascades along the trail
Rocky streams near the falls
After breakfast, we drove to the starting point of the walking trail. There were already many camper vans and 4 wheel-drives parked in the area when we got there so we didn’t waste much time and proceeded with trek as well. It took us less than an hour to reach the first small but gorgeous waterfalls. Araluen Falls is a 1.6km walk along scenic trails and returns along the same path. There are two lookouts from the top and at the bottom of the falls, which are accessible via wooden stairs.
Araluen Falls
After taking a breather and a few pictures, we then traced our steps back to the main trail and continued on to the Wheel of Fire Falls. The trail is well marked and some sections have railings and boardwalk. The scenery along the way to the falls is stunning. Aside from the variety of plants and trees, you get to glimpse at various sized cascades, refreshing streams, and the spectacular gorge carved over thousands of years by the relentless water. Our walk ended in a big swimming hole under the falls.
Araluen Falls
Wheel of Fire Falls
The waterfalls however, couldn’t be seen from the lookout. We had to scramble over some rocks to the other side of the pool to get a good view of its cascade. We had a quick lunch here and after taking a nap on the huge flat rocks Charles and I both mustered to brave the cold water. But only one of us ended up being successful and that was not me. Others had tried too, but no one dared to stay long in the water, it was just too cold.
Swimming hole at Wheel of Fire Falls
We had our lunch here.
Some backpackers sunbathing after the cold dip
We spent a bit of time at the swimming hole before finally heading back to Mackay. Our trial run for the road trip had been great so far and coming days looked even more exciting. The next day would prove to be a day of firsts: my first Australian beach and my first encounter with a wild kangaroo.
On the way to Mackay
(This is part of our 6-week North Queensland Road Trip Series, which took place July- August 2010)
Australian Road Trip: A Vantastic Beginning
Road Trip Diaries # 1 – An Encounter with the Strangest Animal in the World
Road Trip Diaries # 2 - Of Strangler Figs, Leeches and Long Holidays
Ang ganda naman dito. Napaka-photogenic ng lugar, pati nung model dun sa huling picture. Hehe.
Thanks Ced, di ka talaga mawawalang ng subject sa trip an to, landscape, wildlife pati na rin mga beautiful models from all over the world
I love the last picture…it like saying the road is endless and its out there to be explored…nice sunbathing backpackers ren (isa ba dun yung bilin ko? hehe)
LOL, kuha ka na ng visa dito, 7 days lang processing, mag eenjoy sigurado si Sabertooth dito
wow..amazing pictures, great place for adventurer and nature lover to explore:))
Salamat Boo
.. di mo napityuran si mr. green frog, haha.
oo nga eh, usually yung mga wild life na ginugulat ako, nakakaligtas sa picture
very nice of you to wake up to the sound of the forest with the fresh green trees and the sounds of nature in the morning! saya din nung last shot na pic. I’ve always wanted to have a photo taken on a long road.
It’s mostly like that in Oz, one long and flat road, in the oUtback you would think it’s endless
Wow. Nature Trippin’ FTW! Yan ang hindi ko magawa dito sa UK. The cold weather is depriving me to do so
Naaaliw ako sa mga Australia-related entries mo especially if i see you with your special someone. Sana next time kapag magu-update din ako ng travel entries, may special travel buddy na rin ako LOL
See you soon 
hahaha, medyo hindi ko kaya magmuni-muni mag-isa sa kagubatan lalo na takot ako sa snakes
first time kong dumaan dito sa blog mo.. ganda ng mga pix.. malamang.. madalas nako dadaan dito sa blog mo.. ^_^
I’m definitely digging those waterfalls shots!
This is a great series Claire , I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thank you Mark, I enjoy recalling the memories as well
ang ganda ng kuha mo ng falls! did you bring a tripod with you? sayang super lamig ng water, sarap sana mag swimming after trekking. =)
Yep, I brought my tripod everywhere
ang ganda! bagay tlaga pang picture ang surroundings, lalo na un mga falls! ang ganda ng bagsak ng tubig. i love your photo of “Rocky streams near the falls”
Thanks Stan
Awesome adventure… I’m glad that I get to know your blog so that I can read your travel stories again the next time I visit here… I’d been to Queensland too but never heard of the cascades so I’m glad you shared it with us here.:) Gold Coast beach is gorgeous by the way so stop by there if you have a chance…:)
Should you wish to know about my site, pls visit http://www.jorietravel.blogspot.com
Thanks:)
Thank you for dropping by my site Jorie, you have a great site as well. I will be reading about your Gold Coast adventures
wow looks beautiful ..
Thank you Sheril, nice seeing you here
nice view refreshing..labbbettt