Starting from the side road off Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti, this return walk takes you to the Hartleys Creek Falls via a wide dirt track, involving a little bit of rock hopping to the waterfall after the said track ends. This lovely waterfall is the perfect place to cool off after a decent afternoon hike. Sitting beautifully amidst the world-heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest, it cascades down a steep rock face into a basin. Jump in and let your feet rest as you enjoy the tranquil scenery around you. Also, pack some food so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a peaceful picnic by the waterfall. There may be prawns around but don’t worry, they don’t bite. In fact, they may even clean you up by trying to feed off your dead skin. You can stop by at Flat Rock to have a picnic or swim as well, if the pool at the base of the waterfall seemed deep and scary to you. Remember to look up every once in a while to catch glimpses of the Coral Sea along the way. Consider the heat and the humidity whilst scheduling the journey. There may be small rocks and tree roots on the track so wearing a good pair of hiking shoes/boots may come in handy. Just to let you know, although it’s close to the famous Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, there haven't been any sightings of crocodiles here. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Captain Cook Highway, 44 then drive for 2.1 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Captain Cook Highway, 44 and drive for another 1.1 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Highway, 44 and drive for another 1.5 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Highway, 44 and drive for another 1.1 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Captain Cook Highway, 44 and drive for another 22 km
Turn left and drive for another 45 m
Turn left and drive for another 2 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of the side road off Captain Cook Highway(65 metres northwest of Cpt. Cook Hwy - Hartley Street intersection), head towards the white gate near the green signpost. Head around/over the gate and follow the dirt track gently downhill, keeping the white fenceline to your right. Follow the said track deeper into the woodland as you pass by the Hartleys Creek Retreat(to your right) to continue along Hartleys Creek Falls Track. After the designated track ends, head upstream(rock hopping) for about 120 metres to find the waterfall.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 2.4 km veer right.
Continue another 1.1 km to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.5 km to get back to the start.
Head upstream(rock hopping) for about 120 metres to find the waterfall.
About 130 m past the end is "Hartleys Creek Falls".
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Hartleys Creek Falls Track
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
7 km
Time
2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Bushwalk
2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min
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About 130 m past the end is "Hartleys Creek Falls".