Tuross Falls

Tuross Falls and its impressive 35m drop pleasantly surprised us with its flow despite all the indications that this waterfall wouldn't flow at all during our visit.

The reason why we were so pessimistic about it was that apparently the Snowy Mountains and its surroundings were so hard hit by drought that all the hills were totally brown with seemingly lots of fuel for bushfires. This was such a discouraging sign even though we were technically still in Spring. On top of that, it took quite a while to get here (we'll get to the details of that shortly), so you can imagine the kind of gamble we made with our time and money on the hope that this waterfall would still perform.

Once you're at the car park (see directions below on how to get there), we had to do a pretty straight forward two-hour return walk. During our walk, all the creeks were dry. But we still persisted.

At the end of this walk, we finally descended some stairs and reached a wooden platform where we got satisfying (albeit distant) views of the falls. Even as I write this page, I still couldn't believe that it flowed as well as it did. But if such conditions persist, I'm sure it will go dry eventually (click here for a recent photo of the falls in better flow).

First off, you have to find the easy-to-miss road leading to Wadbilliga National Park just north of the town of Cooma. I believe this is the Cooma-Numeralla Road. Then, you will find a signed turnoff directing you into an unsealed road that becomes increasingly rough and rocky the further you go. The last section of this road was officially said to be recommended for 4wd, but we were able to do it in a passenger vehicle. Still, you'll have to inquire about conditions before heading off just to be safe.

We took the chance because some kind employees at the Cooma Visitor Centre called up someone that one of them knew near the falls and indicated it was fine. A younger lady also said she would go there in a passenger car herself from time to time. So that gave me the confidence to at least give it a try. But that was then. I'm sure conditions change and it may no longer be the case on your visit.

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We were the lone car parked at the car park

Julie on the trail

More contextual view of Tuross Falls from the viewing deck

We spotted this kangaroo while on the rough unsealed road to the car park

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TRIP REPORTS

• November 8, 2006

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