Cyathea Falls, Victoria

Tarra Valley, Tarra-Bulga National Park

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The Tarra-Bulga National Park is located in the eastern Strzelecki Ranges of South Gippsland. It's about 240km south-east of Melbourne and 33km from Traralgon. The road becomes quite windy once you pass through Traralgon South and drive over Mount Tassie, lovely scenery though.

After you enter the national park, drive past the Tarra-Bulga Visitor Centre and continue for another eight kilometres or so until you reach the Tarra Valley Picnic Area on your left. There are plenty of parking spots, toilet facilities, and picnic tables. The Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk is a very pleasant, short loop trail that passes by Cyathea Falls. The full loop is an easy 1.4km on a well made path that winds around giant Myrtle Beech, tree ferns, and lichens, and crosses the stream in several places.

Cyathea Falls is not a large or spectacular waterfall but it is attractive and you are able to get close. The viewing area is small, if you go at a busy time you will have to deal with plenty of people coming and going. I went in the late afternoon. The light was perfect but the sun was directly behind me making it impossible to compose a shot on the ground glass without using a dark cloth.

I made three exposures at the falls and three more along the walking track, all on Ilford HP5 Plus (photos coming soon). In total I was there for about 2 1/2 hours, time well spent.

There are many other photography subjects throughout Tarra-Bulga and any number of walks to explore. I would definitely recommend this place for a day trip or even an over-nighter.