Regardless of being the most important (and finest) waterfall in Mt Barney Nationwide Park, Paddy’s Falls and is saved fairly beneath wraps. Explorer Miranda went deep to search out this one and it turned out to be greater than price it.
We Are Explorers acknowledges that this journey is situated on the normal Nations of the Mununjali, Githabul, and Yugambeh individuals who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview
Paddys Falls is an 18m-high waterfall, situated in Queensland’s Mt Barney Nationwide Park. Driving from Brisbane, it ought to take round 2 hours to achieve. The 9km return hike to the falls and again is a reasonably difficult stroll that takes 4-6 hours to finish.
Paddy’s Falls Details
Distance: 9km return
Time: 4-6 hours return – nearer to six hours with lengthy breaks, swimming, and photographs
Elevation achieve: 250m
About Mt Barney Nationwide Park
Most individuals consider Mt Barney Nationwide Park because the place to go for intense rock scrambling and tough ascents to make it to one of many many peaks.
Learn extra: Mt Barney: A Information to Mountain climbing QLD’s Most Lovely Peak
Typically sizzling, dry, and primarily all bush, this park might be not what involves thoughts when in search of a swimming oasis away from the crowds.
I’ve been to Decrease Portals many instances (Barney’s important swimming gap) however being a preferred monitor, hikers normally must share with dozens of others – even on weekdays. After I stumbled throughout a brief weblog on Paddy’s Falls on-line, I used to be sceptical to say the least. All of the grainy cellphone photographs individuals had posted confirmed a dried-up wall surrounded by even drier bush.
Observe notes have been pretty nondescript, however I had a topo map so I believed, why not? I managed to spherical up some mates who have been much more sceptical than I used to be, nevertheless it’d been raining all week so we had a flicker of hope.
Learn extra: First In a single day Hike to Mt Barney
Get to Paddy’s Falls in Mt Barney Nationwide Park
Mt Barney Nationwide Park is approx. 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane. Following Higher Logan Highway (that results in Yellow Pinch automobile park), flip off onto Seidenspinner Highway, the dust highway that results in Decrease Portals automobile park however flip left onto Drynans Highway as a substitute.
Move via the primary gate (make certain to shut it behind you if that is the way you discovered it). After a couple of minutes, you’ll go over Rocky Creek which, following extreme rain, can come over the tracks so be cautious. The following gate with an outdated hut is just a few hundred metres previous this creek with some cleared grassy spots for parking. Don’t undergo the second gate, that is non-public property.
Please observe! If Rocky Creek is flowing over the highway, the primary creek crossing within the hike will probably be tough however the falls will probably be pumping.
Talent Degree
Superior
The hike shouldn’t be significantly tough or lengthy, however requires primary navigation, map studying talents, and includes a serious river crossing. There are not any indicators or markers alongside the way in which. Be cautious of the river circumstances following rain.
Important Gear
- Mt Barney Nationwide Park map and compass
- 2L of water (3L+ in summer time plus electrolytes)
- Heat layers for after swimming
- Dry baggage for the creek crossing
- Rain jacket
- Head torch, simply in case
- Sandals for creek crossings
- Lunch, snacks (thermos of sizzling tea if swimming)
- Hat
- Lengthy sleeves
- Sunscreen (particularly for summer time)
- First assist equipment
- Totally charged cellphone (restricted reception)
- GPS system or watch (optionally available)
Learn extra: Bear in mind to depart no hint!
What It’s Wish to Hike to Paddy’s Falls
The beginning of the hike is on the finish of Drynan Highway, which, you probably have a low-clearance 2WD like me, could make the drive a bit spicy after plenty of rain. There’s just one creek crossing, which isn’t too dangerous, nevertheless it’s a mud highway that will get muddy and overgrown in sections. We parked on the second closed gate the place there’s an outdated constructing – that is the beginning of the hike.
Now, earlier than you rush to prepare, preserve the boots within the pack for now and chuck on a pair of sandals, as a result of 100 metres into the hike is one respectable creek crossing! Observe the fence from the automobiles to the left and also you’ll come throughout a Nationwide Parks signal and a monitor – comply with this to Barney Creek.
Please observe! Following rain, this crossing will be harmful with sturdy currents – play it secure and produce a buddy, and don’t be afraid to name it off.
We have been greeted by excessive waters and flooded banks, hardly a rock hop throughout. We nearly rotated proper then and there. However we tentatively shuffled in, holding our packs up because the water got here as much as the waist, and managed to push via the sturdy currents with out nice issue.
Fortunately, we have been a giant group and helped one another throughout, dragging the hobbits amongst us via with massive sticks.
From right here, it’s clean crusing alongside a hearth path. Observe it alongside for just a few kilometres, till the path involves a fork. The suitable fork leads straight all the way down to the creek, which you’ll be able to comply with all the way in which to the falls, nevertheless it’s gradual going and overgrown. The left important path leads up a hill to the highest of the falls and a few spectacular views.
On the high, I like to recommend heading off the path and instantly proper via open bushland, which’ll take you to the sting overlooking the falls. Observe the sting alongside till you discover the simplest option to scramble all the way down to the falls (watch out of free rocks). When you’re not comfy scrambling, it’s finest to take the rock-hopping route alongside the creek.
Learn extra: Waterfall & Swimming Gap Security
Holy COW! Paddy’s Falls is completely torrential, we have been gobsmacked! Mount Barney Nationwide Park has a waterfall, and it’s HUGE.
For sure, we took our time swimming and having lunch on the base. The water was chilly however refreshing after the hike.
Once more, return both rock hopping down steam or scramble up both facet of the falls to the monitor.
Profitable scout-out achieved!
FAQs for Mountain climbing Paddy’s Falls
What hikes are close to Paddy’s Falls?
Mt Maroon is nice day hike you are able to do that’s not removed from Paddy’s Falls, and for those who’re as much as it – tack on the facet quest of visiting its caves too. If you need an in a single day journey, there’s the formidable Mt Barney you may tackle, and for those who select to do it as a day trek ensure you depart early as it’s fairly lengthy, steep, and climate will be unpredictable.
The place can I get meals, petrol, or some further provides on the way in which to Paddy’s Falls?
When you’re driving from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, your most secure guess can be Beaudesert. It’s the most important city you’ll discover out that approach and will have all the required provides you want for a enjoyable time out.
