MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Victoria specific bushwalking discussion.
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Victoria specific bushwalking discussion. Please avoid publishing details of access to sensitive areas with no tracks.

MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby MulgaBill » Tue 16 Jan, 2018 10:32 pm

The Tali Karng-Moroka map (1:50,000), indicates 5 waterfalls on this section of the Moroka River. (not counting the side falls at Kent & Lummican). With the Upper falls (Moroka Falls) representing # 1. Waterfalls #2, #3, #4 and #5 are located further downstream from Lummican Gully.
Falls # 4 are the most spectacular and highest along this section of the river. It is worth noting these falls are also the ones depicted in Eugene Von Guerard’s 1867 landscape painting titled: ‘Moroka River Falls (foot of Mt Kent Gipps Land)’.
Refer: https://www.australianmountains.com/morokagorge/
The map indicates another waterfall (#5) below this point and MickyB (refer Josh Atherton's earlier post - MOROKA FALLS - ALL 5) makes the point that he made it to the top of #4 falls but ran out of time and couldn’t find a route down with thick scrub at the top of the falls. I concur and would add it appears physically impossible to get down from the top of the 4th Falls. The escarpment/cliffs on the West side appear to go on forever!
Therefore, the question is: Has anybody managed to get down to Falls No 5, and if so, How?
Would be interested to hear from anyone who has managed to push beyond the escarpment at No 4 falls and succeeded in getting down to Falls No 5 located approx. 200 metres further downstream.
Thanks in advance.
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby icefest » Thu 18 Jan, 2018 5:06 pm

Been done by kayakers over 15 years ago: https://www.adventurepro.com.au/paddlea ... &id=moroka
Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful.
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby MulgaBill » Fri 19 Jan, 2018 5:35 pm

Hi Icefest, Checked out the link above and although no expert when it comes to kayaking (except for a stint down the Goulburn 40 years ago when canvas was in fashion). There's no way a kayaker would attempt to shoot the rapids at the 4th falls unless they had a death wish. So suspect they must have used ropes to get down. Because porting (is that the correct term?) a kayak thru the bush at this location is also nigh on impossible. Sorry to sound skeptical, but it's got to be a 30 Metre drop into a pool that looks deep but you'll never know unless you get down and have a close look.
The photos in the article show kayakers shooting small falls by comparison and there is even mention of "down climb" (sic) in the article, but not clear where!
Appreciate the feedback.
MB
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby icefest » Fri 19 Jan, 2018 6:53 pm

IIRC having talked to one the the kayakers, they just abseiled down some of the drops.
Failing that, dropping the kayak and jumping sometimes works too. :D
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby MulgaBill » Thu 12 Apr, 2018 12:07 pm

Having failed to explore beyond the 4th falls during my previous visit (Jan 2018) the thought of wasting a long weekend celebrating Easter just didn't cut it. So, headed for them thar hills once again, but this time armed with a decent length of rope! Basically, a prerequisite IF you wish to visit the 5th falls! For what it's worth, if wanting to explore beyond the 4th falls and visit the 5th falls which are located another 300+ metres downstream you need to scrub bash along the Southern edge to a crevice approx 50 - 100 metres along the escarpment. (there is a faint track but be prepared for a scrub bash). Once located, simply tie off the rope to a decent tree and use it to assist your climb down. Allow for minimum of 15 - 20 metres of rope, otherwise you will find yourself tying the rope to small bushes (not recommended). Clearly a harness, carabiner and/or belay kit would make life easier, but in our case, wasn’t necessary. (your call). Don't underestimate the climb down because getting back up proved more difficult and without rope practically impossible.
Once down, you simply rock hop your way down the river valley until you reach the top of the 5th falls, which are quite impressive, but they do act as a barrier for further progress down the gorge. If intending to proceed further downstream, another rope would be required. Good Luck and take care!
Attachments
Moroka Falls No 4.jpg
Moroka Gorge: Panorama view of the 4th Falls
Moroka Falls No 5.jpg
Moroka Gorge: View of the rarely visited 5th Falls
Last edited by MulgaBill on Thu 12 Apr, 2018 2:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby MulgaBill » Thu 12 Apr, 2018 2:38 pm

Forgot to mention: Allow 2 full days to explore the Gorge (Incl Kent Ck Falls)
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Re: MOROKA GORGE Mambo No 5

Postby icefest » Fri 13 Apr, 2018 9:20 am

That second waterfall looks like a beautiful place for kayaking!
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