Timbs Falls (Lonnavale Falls)

LonnavaleGPS Coords: -42.8977, 146.7548
Land Tenure: Permanent Timber Production Zone Land

Updated on 14 Sep 2021

Lonnavale Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
image

Grade 4 Hike
Suitable for experienced hikers only.

6.4km's2.5 hours returnRough track, many obstacles Limited signage

Generally distinct without major modification to the ground. Encounters with fallen debris and other obstacles are likely.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Unknown if accessible with a caravan
Unknown if accessible with a campervan or RV
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average rating of 7.6 out of 10

rated by 5 people

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About Timbs Falls (Lonnavale Falls)

In the hills above Lonnavale is a very impressive unnamed waterfall, unnoficially known as Timbs Falls. The falls drop over 3 significant sections, with an impressive 15-20 metre plunging lower tier followed by a large cascade immediately above it, and a 10 metre upper tier 100 metres or so further upstream. For a waterfall so little known, Timbs Falls has the potential to be very accessible, with a surprisingly well made track cut to the lower falls, and a slightly more scrambly trail to the upper sections. Unfortunately, access has been frustrated by road closures, with a bridge on the access road recently being entirely removed.

To reach the falls, take Lonnavale Road from Judbury, before making a right turn onto Denison Road. Follow this road, then McDougalls Road until it terminates at a blockade just before the so-called Twin Bridges over Russell River and an unnamed creek. The bridge over Russell River is fortunately still intact, but unfortunately someone (most likely STT) have completely removed the second bridge. As a result, a difficult scramble to the banks of the creek and across is required to reach the falls. After significant rain, this has the potential to be dangerous, and the strong currents mean the crossing should not be attempted by children. Once you make it across this creek, it is a 2.5 walk along Russell Road to the start of the track, which begins just before a culvert over the waterfall's creek. As of June 2021, a rock cairn marks the trailhead, and from here it is a relatively easy 10 minute walk to the lower falls. The track winds up a ridge, then cuts along contour to hit the base of the falls, where a pile of debris provides a fairly straightforward route across the creek for the best views. To continue to the upper falls, look for a small sign on a tree on the opposite side of the creek to the track in, and follow this somewhat rocky and exposed track to the top of the lower falls. A rough track continues further, climbing alongside the second tier and upstream 100 metres to an impressive upper falls. 

Alternative access to the falls via Russell Road from the eastern side of Russell River is made impossible via car by a locked gate. This side provides the only access to the falls in high flow given the bridge out, but a walk of 7km each way along the road would be required. A better option may be to bring mountain bikes and cut the distance this way, but we are yet to attempt this. 

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