The Gorgeous Coomba Falls
A pleasant 40 minute drive from Kingaroy headed towards Toowoomba and located just outside the lovely little town of Maidenwell, you will find picturesque Coomba Falls. A must see spot if you are ever in the area, tucked away in it's own mountain oasis. Not an an easy place to find, if you didn't know it was there. A very hilly, but fully sealed two kilometre road turnoff located right next to the Maidenwell General Store, ends in a gravel carpark area atop the Coomba Falls park.
Newly erected stairs
Be warned though, it's a steep climb down to the falls. Fortunately a lovely new partially railed, non-slip stairway has been erected alongside what was the old carved stoned steps, making the trip down to grassed area a much more user friendly proposition. It is still a steep climb back up to the carpark though and a certain basic level of fitness is recommended. The area is not disabled friendly at all unfortunately.
Swing Rope
But once you have made the trek, the view is well worth it. Cascading over ancient volcanic boulders, the falls make a wonderful backdrop for an afternoon of relaxing, or picnicking. The deep natural water hole surrounded by impressive granite rock makes for the perfect place to cool down in the summer months. The depth of the water and the mountain location, however makes the water icy cold most year round, which doesn't seem to deter the local youth from making the most of this unspoilt natural lake. There's even a swing rope attached to a tree which conjures up images of a simpler time. And whilst I wouldn't recommend it myself, people do climb the rock wall and hurl themselves into the icy depths. To each their own, I guess.
Gorgeous granite boulders line the lake
The falls are part of the Tanduringie Creek which meanders on past the swimming hole over more impressive granite boulders and down the mountain side. Some choose to fish these waters, although I am not sure what varieties are caught. If you one of the more adventurous types, you can climb down the rocks and hike beside the Creek for a ways, although it's pretty challenging terrain in parts.
Stunning Black Boy Trees
Entering the area is like stepping into a Land Before Time, with a positively prehistoric feel. Apart from the obvious Aussie bushland, the area is dotted with amazing Black Boy Trees (Xanthorrhoea) which add to the feeling of being in another land. Wildlife abounds with many different bird species, lizards and butterflies. I was thrilled on a recent trip to Coomba Falls to discover a new bird species which I was unaware previously existed, and fortunate enough that he was willing to pose for a picture. Coomba Falls offers photographers of all skill levels, many a wonderful and sometimes challenging photo opportunity, and surrounded by such natural beauty you can't fail to capture an image to impress.
The very first Spotted Pardolote I have ever seen
It is off the beaten track a little. There are rest rooms and a wonderful general store and cafe 2 kilometres down the road at Maidenwell, but no direct facilities in the park area. But with just a little planning and forethought, you can have a most wonderful time in this stunning part of the South Burnett. And if the weather is warm enough, don't forget your bathers.
Keep an eye out for the various wild flowers