Some of us headed north. Some of us headed south. But judging by the number of people we crossed paths with on our way to Maddens Falls in Darkes Forest, it seemed that many bush walkers had had the same thought: the day after the April 6 storm was perfect for waterfall chasing.

After the utter devastation of the early hours on Saturday and the subsequent community-wide clean-up, waking up to a warm, cloud-free Sunday felt almost surreal. We were fortunate that the damage to our house was fairly minimal and so we were free to head off and witness the power of Mother Nature in a much more appealing way. 

We spend a lot of time around Darkes Forest, walking the various trails there and probably spending too much time dropping in for a cider at Glenbernie Orchard!

We most recently visited the lovely Maddens Falls in November 2023. It’s an easy walk (after a short downhill stint that is quite rocky underfoot) but last time the falls were very dry. 

This time we could hear them before we got to the small lookout. They were absolutely thundering down over the edge and to the valley floor below.

The frogs were in full chorus too, which was a lovely surprise. During one of our walks over summer, we found several piles of dried-up tadpoles, relics of the quickly evaporating puddles the eggs had been laid in. 

While we were exploring Maddens Falls, several of the Wild Women of Wollongong made the trek to Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park. They clearly had more hiking and less cider on their minds. Like us, they found the falls in full force, every lookout providing another awe-inspiring view.

Thirroul’s Tracee Lea took photos from several of the lookouts but it wasn’t until she got home and went through images she took of the falls in March 2023 that she saw just how different the view was. 

It felt strange to focus on the beauty and the life that the downpour has breathed into our waterfalls after a storm that has devastated so many and the effects of which will be felt for some time. But judging by the number of people out with us, perhaps we were all searching for the positives.

Waterfall safety

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has this advice:

• Stay behind railings and barriers – they are preventing you from falling over the edge.
• Rocks and paths around waterfalls can be extremely slippery and are not suitable for walking.
• Don't jump into pools at the base of waterfalls if you cannot see the bottom of the rock pool and have not checked for submerged objects.
• Never jump into waterfalls from heights.
• Never swim alone – ensure that someone is always with you to provide help if you need it.
• Drought periods will reduce the amount of water flowing over waterfalls.You may not be able to swim or collect water for treatment or drinking.
• Take extra care after heavy rain, as waterfalls can carry large amounts of rushing water and are usually not safe to cross or swim under.
• Waterfalls are often remote and the water may not be suitable for drinking. Be sure to take enough bottled water for your trip.
• Be aware of currents and under currents.

For more bushwalking advice, visit the NPWS website