This was a very pleasant walk led by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW. The plan was to walk from Faulconbridge to Springwood via the Victory Track, then along the Sassafras Gully Track to Glenbrook Creek, then to Springwood via Magdala Creek and Fairy Dell.
Clarinda Falls
A hot day was forecast, but there would be good swimming opportunities. In the party were Brian, Sue, Margaret, Paul, Esther, Helen, Diane and myself. we met at Faulconbridge Station and soon set off down the Victory Track. We could hear the loud calls of a multitude of cicadas – the sound of the summer.
We soon passed the small Eleanor Falls. This waterfall seldom flows.
Eleanor Falls
Further downstream was Clarinda Falls – which had quite a good flow.
Now, we were in the rainforest section of the creek – and a few fungi were out.
We kept walking, and soon had passed the junction with Numantia Creek and reached the Sassafras Gully Track. Quite a few birds were out. We managed to spot a Rufous Fantail – but it was rapidly darting about making it hard to photograph.
We soon reached the Lagoon – the large swimming hole at the junction with Glenbrook Creek. We stopped here for a break and some of the party enjoyed a swim.
We then resumed our walk, and continued down to the junction of Numantia Creek. Here we had another swim and also our lunch. Two large Water Dragons were watching us – and would no doubt look around for any scraps after we had departed.
We then started up the Magdala Creek track. Martins Falls were flowing reasonably well – but not as good in comparison to Clarinda Falls (that catchment must have had better rain).
Martins Falls
We then competed the nine creek crossings that take you to Fairy Dell. From there it was a short walk to Springwood Station. A pleasant day out. Thanks to Brian for organising the walk.