There are 2 campsites at Florence falls, one for 4wd and one for caravanning. Luckily we arrived mid afternoon as it was a relatively small camping ground with about 15 sites, most of which were taken. Nick did a good job maneuvering both mums campervan and our van into one site. Once set up we walked down to Florence Falls, passing a magnificent bower birds bower with shell, bottle top, glass and stone decorations. From the top of the stairs the view down was beautiful, a lush rainforest area with 2 cascading waterfalls and waterhole. From the top of the stairs it was a quick 10min walk along a track, over a stream and through some tree ferns to reach the inviting waterhole. Mum opted to sit in the shade and watch while the rest of us jumped in to the beautiful clear fresh water. The boys spotted some tourists climbing up the rock face then jumping 15 metres into the water below. Although the thought made me feel sick, Josh begged us to have a go. The first time he did it I couldn't look, what if he didn't jump far enough out from the rock, what if.... What if.... The "overprotective mum" side was coming out. Josh jumped in and climbed up time and time again, loving the rush and excitement of it. Not to be outdone by his biggest brother Zach was determined to give it a go, and then not wanting to be the only boy not to do it Matt hesitantly gave it a go too, but landed not so softly, whacking the water bum first.
Day 2. We started the day with a walk down to the Tolber Falls lookout, following the path along a creek and bushland, Abbey and Zach enjoying walking along at Grandmas pace looking at flowers, rocks and insects along the way, Zach excited to see the prehistoric cycad palms from the dinosaur era. Time for a quick drink before heading to Bamboo Creek Tin Mine.
Controlled burnoffs were burning in different sections of the park. At Bamboo Creek Tin Mine the ground was still smoldering. As we walked along and over the creek we discovered the ruins of an old tin mine. Silica scattered the ground, and a path meandered along the ruins, information boards telling us of its history. Off to explore the cascades.
The day was warming up, and there were a few moans and groans at the thought of a 5.9km return walk. We agreed to stop for lunch and head back if it was too hot. We headed along a track lined with large grevilleas, with huge honey laden golden yellow flowers, reaching a narrow track along a creek. Suddenly the moans stopped as the excitement and adventure of rock hopping, crossing the creek numerous times by either balancing on a plank of wood or carefully finding rocks which weren't slippery. This sort of walk is one which is always enjoyed, although I'm not sure grandma found it quite as enjoyable. We stopped for lunch at a rock pool below the cascades, the kids and Nick enjoying a swim. After lunch we continued the walk, climbing up the rocky cascades, then walking up and over a hill before finally getting back to the car. By this stage we were all hot again, so we drove off to Wangi Campground, set up quickly before heading down to Wangi Falls to cool down.
Tired but exhilarated from our busy time here, we headed back to Tumbling Waters,our caravan park, the next day with a weeks worth of washing waiting to be done and grandma needing some r & r to recover.
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