Day 3 - Xmas 5 Day

It was an early start as we needed to pack up our campsite at Moss Vale including the slackline in order to arrive at the orienteering to start before 9.30am. Luckily it was a short easy drive to Penrose State Forest, a pine forest full of interesting rock features. Both girls made large mistakes and were disappointed with their runs.

The day quickly warmed up, so we were all very grateful for post run refreshments at a cafe in Bundanoon. We had booked into Gambell's Rest campground at Morton National Park for the night and headed to set up our tents before exploring. Ever since the 2103 Highland Fling mountain bike race, where I first camped at this spot, I've wanted to come back but it hadn't worked out until now. With our bellies extremely full from a large and early lunch and our tents up, we headed off to Fairy Bower Falls.

Despite it not being remotely close to sunrise, we briefly stopped at Sunrise Point for a spectacular view over Bundanoon Creek before continuing on to the Fairy Bower Falls carpark.






It was a short but steep hike down the escarpment, 1.2km (plus 600m climb) to the bottom of the falls. Unfortunately Eoin's knee didn't enjoy bending on the steps so we left him at the halfway point, where we crossed the Fairy Bower creek above the falls.

Dropping over and contouring along the escarpment was wonderful. The steel path hugged the cliff edge at the same time as providing excellent views. 

Lots of steps led us down where we came across a 'No Access' sign placed in the middle of the path to the waterfall. Knowing that others had been down there today and the path was clear, we held a group conference and once convincing Katy that it would be ok, decided to continue walking quickly as a group watching for any signs of a landslide.Twas a little nerve wracking as we passed underneath massive rock overhangs!












As the path flattened out, the eucalypt forest transformed into rainforest with lush ferns, moss covered rocks everywhere and the sound of the water falling. A gorgeous tapestry of vines hung from the walls of the sheer cliff with the old stairs cut into the rock seen behind. Clambering carefully down the the slippery last section we arrived at the base of this beautiful waterfall.

All hot and sweaty, we enjoyed a refreshing *gasp* shower beneath the falls while the girls explored the surrounding area.

After the cool shower, we were ready for the return uphill hike and before we knew it, we had arrived  at the halfway point of the creek crossing. The girls had discovered an inventive way to dam the water by placing their bums into the water race, a groove that the water had made into the rock. They had so much fun damming the water, before jumping up and racing to the edge of the waterfall to watch the gush of water tumble over the edge. We must have spent another 30 mins or so here.

Completely drenched, the girls continued the 600m uphill back to the carpark and were almost dry on arrival. At the cars everyone was hot again and voted to find the local pool. We spent the remainder of the afternoon cooling off in the chilly water!