Starting from Ferntree Camping Ground, Raglan VIC, this circuit walk visits the Ferntree and Cascade waterfalls through the eucalypt woodland of Mount Buangor State Park. Ferntree Falls is a spectacular waterfall sitting amidst the ferns and moss covered rocks. Close your eyes and enjoy the sound of water gushing down, as the freshening air fills into your lungs. The messmate and blue gum forest is no less interesting than the waterfall, especially with all the bird species you can spot around. The aboriginal people of the Beeripmo Balug clan living here long ago called this forest 'Bereep-Bereep', which means 'wild mount'. Keep in mind that phone reception can be minimal to non-existent in the area, so prepare accordingly. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Ferntree Falls Nature Walk & Fern Tree Waterfall Road (-37.3104341,143.2400462)
Keep right onto Fern Tree Waterfall Road and drive for another 2.6 km
Turn right onto Fern Tree Waterfall Road and drive for another 570 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the northeastern end of the Fern Tree Camping Area(near Joffa’s Hut), head towards the informational signpost along the dirt path, keeping the hut to your left. Pass through the bollard, then move past the said signpost(to your left) towards the formed walking track. In about 40 metres, veer right as the track splits into two to continue along Ferntree Falls Loop(counterclockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Ferntree Falls Nature Walk & Fern Tree Waterfall Road Start heading along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk (a walking track).
There is a toilet (about 60 m back from the start). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
Joffa's Hut (about 30 m back from the start).
There is a toilet (about 25 m back from the start).
After another 60 m continue straight, to head along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk.
Keep right.
After another 200 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 35 m pass the "Fern Tree Falls" (10 m on your left).
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk.
After another 125 m turn left, to head along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional but highly recommended side trip to the Cascade Falls, another little waterfall sitting beautifully in nature. Keep in mind that this side trip is steeper than the core route. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 65 m continue straight, to head along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk.
After another 160 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 290 m veer right, to head along Ferntree Falls Nature Walk.
After another 40 m come to the end.
Optional but highly recommended side trip to the Cascade Falls, another little waterfall sitting beautifully in nature. Keep in mind that this side trip is steeper than the core route.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 250 m come to the end.
About 10 m past the end is "Cascades".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 250 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Ferntree Falls Loop
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
1 km
Time
30 min to 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one -17 m back from the start.
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 360 m apart with the largest gap of 1 km.