Cowley Falls - Trip Report
Nine walkers tackled a steep circuit to Cowley Falls, descending past Friendship Falls to the South Johnstone River, then rock hopping upstream to the base of the falls. After a swim and photos, the group climbed steeply to the top and returned muddy and smiling.
Date: Saturday 27 August 2022
Leader: Luen
Participants: 9
Nine of us set off just after 7:00 am for a very hard circuit to Cowley Falls in Wooroonooran National Park. From the start, we followed the very steep track down past Little Cowley, also known as Friendship Falls, and continued to the South Johnstone River, keeping a careful eye out in croc country.
From there, we stayed on river right while heading upstream, rock hopping our way along the South Johnstone until we reached the tributary, Cowley Creek. We then made our way up the creek to the base of Cowley Falls, arriving around 10:00 am. The setting at the falls was stunning - misty, cloudy, and framed by impressive basalt overhangs and striking rock formations. A couple of people enjoyed a swim, while others explored carefully around the rocks, took photos, and soaked in the atmosphere.
We were all very mindful of the fragile vegetation at the base of the falls and took care to leave the area untouched. At one point, we heard and saw rocks flying down into the pool from above, which was a bit of a strange moment and a reminder that steep waterfall country is always a place to stay alert.
After a relaxed morning tea and early lunch at the falls, we rock hopped back down a little and then unanimously decided to turn the walk into a full circuit by taking the steep route out. This climb headed up the ridgeline on the right-hand side of the falls and, while it was definitely very steep, it was manageable without ropes. The spur took us directly to the top of Cowley Falls, where we stopped again to enjoy a completely different perspective over this remarkable waterfall.
From the top, we followed the old overgrown QPWS track back out. Although long abandoned as an official walking track, parts of it could still be made out, including some old concrete stairs from its tourist-track days. By the time we reached the cars around 1:00 pm, everyone was soggy, muddy, and smiling.
It was a fantastic day out, with a great group, a memorable circuit, and an incredible waterfall and basalt formation that made all the steep climbing worthwhile.
- Luen
