Gerringong Falls
If you do a web-search for this location, you are likely to get the pre-fabricated blurb "Gerringong Falls is a waterfall in southeast New South Wales, Australia situated about 100 kilometres south-southwest of Sydney. Gerringong Falls is about 550 metres above sea level and is between 150 and 180 metres high. This estimate is based on analysis of the topographic profile around the waterfall and may not be an accurate figure for the total fall of water seen if viewing the falls. The nearest populated place is the town of Robertson which is 9.8 kilometres away. The nearest sealed road to Gerringong Falls is the Jamberoo Mountain Road, 4.5 kilometres away.", with not much more detail … which is a good thing!
Unlike the better-known waterfalls in the Southern Highlands (Carrington, Minnamurra, Belmore, Fitzroy, just to name a few), Gerringong Falls has managed to stay off the tourist beat and retains a near-pristine state – probably because it is less accessible. A locked gate ensures a minimum out-and-back distance of 16 km from the car parking area, although the easier, faster route approaches 18 km for the round-trip.
Getting to GZ
The longer but quicker route is to follow Budderoo Firetrail to the start of the Hersey Firetrail (TH1), then continue to a ford (JN1) at the South tributary to Gerringong Creek. This route is eminently suitable for bicycling (40 mm tyre section or wider recommended). At the ford, follow the West side of the creek bed downstream. You will find a path to the South side of the fall.
If you want the full bush-walking experience, take the Gerringong Falls Walking Track (TH2), a single-track that winds through the bush to approach GZ from the North. This route which is somewhat overgrown in parts raises the D/T rating by 0.5.
Things to Do
GZ makes an excellent spot for picnic on the rocks – with a view!
There are more swimming holes than you can shake a stick at. A few even have their own mini-cascade. So do allow some time to explore the area.
Near the Southern edge of the waterfall, a track leads to a lookout (LO1) that is worth visiting.
CAUTION
This area has some very steep drop-offs so this virtual cache is not recommended for geokids or geopets.
After rain, the creeks can run deep with a strong current. Use caution and consider using the alternative, upstream fords (JN2 and JN3) to get to GZ.
Logging Your Find
| To record a find, do the following: |
| 1. |
Post one of the following images. |
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(a) |
From GZ with camera heading 220 degrees from geographic (true) North. |
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(b) |
From LO1 with camera heading 40 degrees from true North. |
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Of course, you are welcomed and encouraged to post additional images of the area. |
| 2. |
Message me with the initial and family name an early explorer engraved at GZ. |
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Note: Logs or images that reveal this information will be deleted. |
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.
Help take care of Budderoo National Park.
Leave it cleaner than when you arrived.
