Maddens Falls Walk

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Maddens Falls is located near the eastern entrance of Dharawal National Park. On a grey day I made the short walk to the lookout. It was quiet, and aside from another lone walker, it was deserted, with rainfall on leaves making the only sound.


The path to Maddens Falls revealed itself to be one of the easier walks within the Park - less than 2 km for the round trip journey to the waterfall. And it was easy to find - with a small parking space alongside Darkes Forest road, and boards marking the spot.

From Helensburgh, find your way there by heading along the Princes Highway, and turning right onto Darkes Forest Road. Continue along it until you see this sign on your left:


I made my way down the 10Z Management Trail, starting just behind the sign. A few minutes on I saw a boardwalk off to the right. It soon became clear that it was necessary for more than just wet weather, with much of this part of the trail passing over swampy land.




Visitors frequent Maddens Falls to take photos, bird watch and for general wildlife spotting. Not surprising, considering that Dharawal National Park is home to more than 500 plant and animal species .


I eventually came upon the lookout platform - the falls lay to my left and the valley stretched out before me.



At the falls there is a little seating. It is a small platform however - not big enough for a picnic. It is nice to sit and rest for awhile, though, enjoying the views and the sound of the falls before returning the way you came. Be aware that there are no amenities provided at the site. Be sure to bring drinking water.

The Maddens Falls walk is the perfect way to get your scenery hit while barely breaking a sweat - and yet still get the sense of isolation and escape that is usually only the reward of longer bush walks.

Among the other attractions of the Dharawal National Park are O'Hares Lookout Walking Track and the Minerva Pool Walk , both of which provide a more challenging walk.

#waterfalls
#walks
#things_to_see
#outdoor
#nature
#natural_attractions
#national_parks
#greater_sydney
#free
%wnsydney