Hell Hole Falls

GPS Tracks

38 Hell Hole Falls (GPX)

This is a well kept secret, that not even many of the locals know about! A strange name for such a beautiful place; it is a series of deep rock pools linked by small waterfalls before the creek plunges over the cliff into the Tweed Valley.
This rock formation is not part of Mt Warning's eruptions, but dates back before that time to the Chillingham volcanics.
A place for a cooling swim, picnic and to enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. It is rumoured that the waters of the rock pools contain a natural hair conditioner that lasts for weeks.

Waterfalls

Lookouts

Swimming

Bird Watching

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Rainforest

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Getting there:

Leave Mullumbimby on Main Arm Road. It becomes Skyline Road just before you enter Mt Jerusalem NP and then Manns Road beyond the junction of Middle Ridge Road, which will ultimately take you all the way to Uki. There are great views of the imposing cliffs of Mt Boogarem to your left. After 16.8km (the last 2.5km are gravel road), turn left into Middle Ridge Road and travel a further 1km to where you will see a gated track to the right called Middle Ridge Trail. There is room to leave cars here.

Maps:

None found.

Route/Trail notes:

From the Middle Ridge Track gate, follow the trail down for 1km till you reach a fork in the road; take the track to your left, (pink ribboned) for 0.7km till you reach an old bridge over the creek. Watch your step, as the bridge has big holes in it. Immediately after the bridge, take the faint path to your right that runs along the edge of the creek (pink ribboned). The rock-pools are 200m along the creek.

You can rock hop down to the first ledge of the falls (about 20m), but to continue to the bottom would require a bush bash down the left hand side of the gorge.

The route is not difficult, representing a 200m drop from the gate to the falls, but in places large trees have fallen across the pathway.

Permits/Costs:

None, but you get the reward!

Other References/Comments:

Book: Bushwalking in the Mt Warning Region.

GPS Tracks

38 Hell Hole Falls (GPX)

Comments

Very easy walk, have a good look at maps and save locations before you head out reception is on and off. I got confused at the first fork as there is also a walking trail leading off the to the left with coloured tape, lucky I had reception and found a short youtube clip of this walk. The whole walk down is fire trail until you get to the old bridge where you follow the creek line down. The pools are amazing little swimming holes and I had the place to myself, if you look around the pebbles you might find pretty chunks of black obsidian (volcanic glass). Really loved this walk :)
sarahsdrunk on 11 Nov, 2016

Easy to find once you get out there. Will defiantly be doing this walk again soon! I would recommend access via Mullumbimby in a 2WD car. The dirt road was pretty sketchy coming from the other way.
Jordo on 9 Apr, 2016

Hi there, I haven't done this walk but I would like to.
I tried to compare your description of how to get there versus the maps on Google and I can't seem to see how you get to Middle Ridge Road. It seems to be a road unto itself in the middle of nowhere with no real road connection. I can't zoom in on google maps enough to make a proper road outline, do you have to drive on private road/property to get up there? Do you need a FWD? Appreciate your further advice. Cheers
BeckNWood on 27 Oct, 2015

I was lucky enough to meet a local out for a walk with his child and ask for exact directions. Road names are un-signposted now that the roads have become gates tracks. It was worth persevering, as the end result was spectacular in this hidden gorge.

I must have spent over an hour just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying my lunch. The water was tempting, but at about 10 degrees, it was an up to your knees job. Fully intent to take the rest of the F.A.B family in later in the year.
F.A.B. on 15 Sep, 2015