Philosopher Falls — Attraction in Waratah

It's a bit of a walk & does have some steep & muddy sections & takes 1.5 hours+ return depending on fitness level. but worth it for the views. But i am going to give people fair warning as I am a former local who lived here many years. Please please stay on the track & don't wander off. There are old water races here which run parallel to the track. They are roughly 2 meters deep by a meter wide which have fast flowing water going through them. Covered with timber over top back in the mining boom days. Over the years the timber was covered with leaves & green moss & other forest sticks etc. So it will look like normal ground, but it hides below it rotten timber & you may fall through or into one of these & if alone not be able to climb out & get carried away by the water current. You may sprain or break a leg or worse if you fall through one of these. If your a tourist you will Not know the history of this area & what is hidden just below the surface. So please do not wander off the track especially if your by yourself & alone. Such a beautiful area & the native ferns/ moss/ fungi & nature is stunning, but also can be deadly if you take unnecessary risks. I love this area. But please go in groups & have...

This short trek is gorgeous. The gravel track from the main road is only 1 km. Its a bit bumpy but easily managed in a 2wd motorhome. Parking is available for a few long RVs. The trek is only 1.5hrs easy walk with many stops to admire or take photos. The first 20 minutes is easy and mostly flat on a well maintained track. Then there is maybe 5 minutes of relatively steep track; ok but requires a little care. Then there are some steps, a bridge before following more flat trail. There are a couple of spots where you need to step over or around obstacles. Finally there are 209 steps (metal with railings) to the falls lookout. The rainforest is gorgeous and in Autumn, colourful fungi are visible...

Definitely the highlight of our stay in Waratah. Only a short drive along a gravel road to the entrance of the walk, and then about 40 minutes to walk to the viewing platform. But that walk is GOBSMACKING. Honestly some of the most ethereal and lush rainforest on the west coast - we just walked along in open-mouthed wonderment.

210 steps down to view the falls in amongst the ferns and was hard to tear ourselves away. Walk back up the stairs was steep but safe (lots of rails and landings to catch your breath!). Was great to learn more about the history of the falls and the area from some informative signs. A...