Wallaman Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in Australia, tumbling 305 metres through a rainbow-fringed cloud of mist to a large pool. The drive out to the falls is worthwhile just to stand at the lookout by the carpark and gaze at the majestic white water dropping between sheer cliffs. The falls are part of the 124,000 hectare Girringun National Park which protects a diversity of vegetation types ranging from open eucalypt forest to dense rainforest. Camping and picnic facilities are available. The walks vary from short and simple to steep and adventurous.

The Jagany (Goanna) Walk is part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk. It leaves from Wallaman Falls and finishes at Henrietta gate. The first day of the walk is 23km and follows an old forestry track through a range of landscapes including she-oak dominated country, open forest and rainforest. Small gullies teeming with ferns and palms are scattered throughout the forest. If you look carefully, you might catch a glimpse of the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly or forest kingfisher as they seek sanctuary from the heat. You will pass by Garrawalt Creek and Flagstone Creek before camping at the Pack Trail campsite.

The second day of the walk (13.9km) begins on part of the Dalrymple Track, forged in the 1860s by George Dalrymple and his team. The track provided an essential route for bullock teams hauling supplies from the Port of Cardwell to the frontier homesteads. Be prepared for a steep descent on unstable surfaces. Part way down the steep hill, there is a break in the canopy. Enjoy the sensational views across the Herbert River Valley. At the base of the hill you will pass through a big scrubby gully before the turn-off to the campsite. You will also see groves of cycads and cross several creeks, including Garrawalt Creek. Camping is at Stony Creek campsite.

On the thrid day (19.6km) enjoy a pleasant walk through open forest along the high banks of the Herbert River. Keep your eyes and ears open for resident wildlife. Listen for the noisy chatter of scaly-breasted lorikeets or the deep, gruff call of a wompoo fruit-dove. Scattered throughout the open forest are small gullies filled with riparian rainforest including large fig trees. In a big, long, deep waterhole in the Herbert River, you will find another of the locals - a large estuarine crocodile took up residence years ago.

Remember to be croc wise in croc country.

Jagany (Goanna) Walk begins at Wallaman Falls and ends at Henrietta gate. Wallaman Falls is 51 kilometres drive from Ingham, including 30 kilometres of unsealed road. Normal travel time is about an hour each way. Travel 8 kilometres west of Ingham to Trebonne and turn left. Follow the signs to Wallaman Falls, over the Stone River and up the coastal range. The road climbs steeply up the range and is slippery when wet. Caravans and trailers are not recommended. Cassowaries are sometimes seen in the rainforest sections, so please drive carefully.

The lookout and the campground are about 2 kilometres apart on different forks of the road near the falls. To reach Henrietta gate Henrietta gate, travel west about 24km from Ingham along Abergowrie Road. Take the second turn left, past the Ashton Hotel, into Sheahans Road. From there, the road is well sign-posted. Please leave all gates along the access road as you found them.

If you would like more information about Jagany (Goanna) Walk:

Visit the NPRSR webpages for the Wet Tropics Great Walk where you can book campsites and check closures.