Yamanie Falls

Location
Approx 1/2 mile from junction of the Yamanie Creek with the Herbert River. This junction is about 10 miles from end of access road, on which.

Date.
2nd, 3rd & 4th of May 1964 (May Day Weekend)

Party
Graham Smith (Leader),
Margaret Liddy,
Cheryl McEath,
Bill Pym.

Map Used
Aerial Photographs No C.A.B. 204-5008, C.A.B. 192-5158 and C.A.O: 192-5159. (Club Property)

Transport Used
Graham Smith's Car.

Distance
Car.
Foot 23 miles.

Rating
Easy walking.

Friday Night.
7.30 p.m. Left Townsville by car for Ingham.

9.15 p.m. Ingham. - Drinks and walk to Field Cys.

9.45 p.m. left Ingham and proceeded through a rebonne to the end of the road just near the banks of the Herbert.

11.15 p.m. rolled in for the night only to be disturbed minutes latter by water running through the holes in the Tarpaulin. This was overcome by means of a large plastic sheet provided by Graham.

11.45 p.m. finally settled in for the night.

7.00 a.m. SATURDAY. Climbed out and prepared breakfast.

9:00 am. Left the car and headed up the Herbert River on the north bank.

9:45 am. Encountered an area of slippery rock but other than this the walk was easy.

11:45 am. Lunch stop by the straight section of the river.

12:45 p.m. Walked steadily on following the bank of the Herbert all the way. It is possible to take several short cuts by following paths.

4:30 p.m. Packs were getting very heavy so a very careful study of the Photographs was made for a suitable camp site.

5:00 p.m. Camp set up about ½ mile short of the junction of Yamanie creek with the Herbert. It wasn't a good site but with a little work the camp was made comfortable. Weather throughout the day was perfect for walking.

8:45 pm Sleep.

7:00 am SUNDAY. Up and prepared breakfast.

9:00 am. Off again following the bank once more.

9:30 am. Junction Yamanie Creek and Herbert.

10:30 a.m. Left packs near the mouth of Yamanie Creek and proceeded up towards the falls with just lunch and cameras.

11:30 am Arrived at Falls and immediately decided that the effort was worth it. Photograph, lunch and swim was the order of the day. The pool at the bottom of the falls is a very large one.

1:15 p.m. Left falls and headed back down creek.

2:15 p.m. Arrived at Packs and once again had a dip and also this time rode a small rapid on the li-los.

3.15 p.m. On with the packs again and started on the return trip. This time the bends of the river were not followed all the way, as many short cuts as possible were taken.

5.00 p.m. Made camp about two miles down stream of the junction at a very suitable spot. Weather perfect for walking once again.

10.00 p.m. Turned in after general chatter and observing a Satellite going across the sky.

6.05 a.m. MONDAY up and breakfast.

7.45. Headed down stream once again.

During the morning walk Graham sighted two dingos and a halt was made while they were studied through a pair of binoculars.

12. p.m. lunch.

Soon on the trail again.

3.00 p.m. The car came into sight.

3.30 p.m. All aboard and off to Ingham for a drink.

6.00 p.m. Back at Townsville.

A visit to the falls is a perfect three day walk. Walking conditions were very enjoyable particularly as the weather was perfect. The aerial photographs was a great boon as at all times we knew nearly our position.

W. Pym