Lower Gledhill Falls – a secret waterfall along McCarrs Creek

Although not as popular as the Upper Gledhill Falls, the Lower Gledhill Falls are far more spectacular. McCarrs Creek plunges vertically through a narrow chute, into a pool far below.

Reaching the top of the falls is not too difficult, although there isn’t a signposted or formal trail you can follow an informal trail along McCarrs Creek down from The Duckhole. Some scrambling is required to reach the top of the waterfall, where the creek is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks. Sheer cliffs surround the pool at the bottom of the falls. You could continue to the base of the falls from here, but it involves a fairly serious scramble.

The full drop of the waterfall is best seen from the pool at the base, which is deep enough to swim in – and there’s an alternate and easier trail to get here.

An informal track down to the pool starts on McCarrs Creek Road, opposite the end of the Chiltern Trail. It drops steeply down to the creek just below the falls.

The waterfall can also be seen from McCarrs Creek Road just above the start of the walking track down.

Below Lower Gledhill Falls there are some more smaller cascades along the creek.

More information on Lower Gledhill Falls

Both routes to the top and bottom of the falls are not formal or signposted trails. You don’t need any navigation skills as you’re following the creek, but it’s not suitable for young children and a bit of scrambling is required. Getting to the bottom of the falls requires some serious scrambling (and ideally some rope) if you are approaching from the top of the waterfall; the alternate trail is much easier and safer.