Cave Creek Trek

Blue Waterholes is located in the heart of the karst country of Cooleman Plains. Limestone has eroded and dissolved over millions of years to form the caves, sinkholes, underground rivers and gorges in this area. The largest karst spring in Australia, the water is tinted blue green as a result of the minerals dissolved from the limestone. The crystal clear water emerges from its subterranean world before flowing down Cave Creek. Although in today's overcast conditions, the water wasn't looking anywhere as near as colourful as we'd seen it before.

Our first adventure was  the Clarke Gorge 5km hike. Descending the hill from the carpark to Cave Creek we quickly came to a halt as the track crossed the creek. As it was only the beginning of the walk and assessing the lack of big rocks for a rock hopping option, we all decided to remove our shoes in an attempt to keep them dry. 

A short distance later, we were treated to an impressive limestone cliff, a glimpse of what was to come. We continued on chatting while we followed the little track. Dandelions were picked and wishes made - another first experience for Luwei!

Around another corner,  Clarke Gorge came into view. The photos definitely don't do this place justice. The steep limestone cliffs were very imposing.  We could see that the track headed across the creek before crossing back again so we decided to avoid this crossing, keeping on the right of the creek and climbed a little higher before carefully traversing a short section of cliff face.

After the gorge, Ella and Josue got bored walking the normal track and decided to rock hop down the river. We left them to it and after a few more shoes off creek crossings we arrived at the top of the falls! It was a scramble down the other side to the base of Cave Creek Falls where we enjoyed a relaxing picnic lunch.

Post lunch exploration saw Josue bravely take a quick dip and several reptiles - water dragons and skinks, were spotted sunning themselves.

The return journey was slightly quicker with numerous people succumbing to wet feet thus saving time not having to take off and put on shoes! Definitely worth remembering for the next time we are here is to bring old shoes. Not only will it be quicker but I think our feet will be much happier.