Exploring Unnamed Waterfalls near Alligator Creek - Trip Report

Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
Leader: Luen Warneke
Participants: 5
Location: Alligator Creek area, Bowling Green Bay National Park

A varied group of five walkers met early at Fairfield Waters before carpooling south to Alligator Creek in Bowling Green Bay National Park, with one walker asking to join late the night before...

The plan was deliberately flexible and exploratory, following unnamed creek systems, investigating several unmarked waterfalls, and adjusting the route as the terrain unfolded.

We began on the established walking track, following the powerline road and crossing Alligator Creek before reaching the turn-off for the off-track section of the walk. From there, we left the formed route behind and began making our way upstream.

The creek was completely dry, which made the initial rock hopping relatively straightforward. Some questioned if there was any water in the creek, but Luen assured them that there would be further up. Instead of slippery, water-worn slabs and flowing pools, we encountered a bed of small rocks, granite boulders, and semi-dry cascades. The lack of water made travel easier, although the constant rock hopping still required fitness and careful foot placement.

Joel quickly established himself as the group's out-front scout. He would surge well ahead, then stop and wait patiently for the rest of us to catch up. During one of these excursions, he surprised and scared off a small group of black feral pigs that had been roaming farther afield. Not long after, we reached a fork and followed the right-hand branch. It was not long before the first of the day's waterfalls appeared.

Although the creek was barely flowing, the waterfalls' size and shape were impressive. There seemed to be another waterfall around every bend, stacked on top of each other, with approximately four or five substantial drops encountered as we continued upstream. In full flow, this creek system would be spectacular!

Each waterfall presented a different scrambling challenge. Some of the group climbed directly up the broad, slabby granite faces, while others found alternative routes around the sides through loose boulders, vegetation, and steep ground. The entire creek involved a continuous mix of rock-hopping, scrambling, and choosing the best route.

At the first waterfall, Joel also received his formal introduction to one of North Queensland's less welcoming plants: the stinging tree. Welcome to the stinging tree club, Joel!

The tops of each waterfall offered a different view of the surrounding landscape. From these vantage points, we could look back towards Joy's Cliff. From others, South Pinnacle and Frederick Peak (The Pinnacles) could be seen rising in the distance. The higher we climbed, the more the landscape opened around us and the better the views.

Beyond the main waterfalls, the creek gradually levelled out a little, and the most interesting features became less frequent. Rather than continuing farther upstream, we decided to leave the creek and contour across towards the main ridge.

This section involved crossing several small gullies, one spur, and one intermittent dry creek before finally reaching the ridgeline. From there, the route was almost directly downhill towards the track. The forest was pleasantly open, with relatively flat ground underfoot and almost no rocks, which made for a fast descent. We also followed some pig tracks for a bit.

We eventually re-joined the formed track and followed it back to the cars, completing an enjoyable half-day exploration of another hidden corner of Bowling Green Bay National Park.

Although the waterfalls were almost dry, the walk revealed a surprisingly impressive series of cascades and granite drops. It would be tempting to return when the creek is flowing via the ridgeline.

- Luen