Gap Creek Falls

Getting there

Park in the Crest carpack, Cunningham's Gap

Maps

QTopo 9341-114

Route/Trail notes

Was temporarily closed due to bushfires but now reopened. This walk is best to do after rain. Because of the small catchment of Gap Creek, it dries out quickly.

After leaving the carpark, head towards the Mt Cordeaux track. Keep taking the right hand branch at track junctions, and head East. The walk branches off from the track to Mt Cordeaux at the Fassifern Valley lookout (the highest point of the walk). From here the track zigzags downhill through rainforest initially and then more open bush. About an hour into the walk, there is a small creek to cross. This can be a bit tricky because of slippery rocks. Fifteen minutes after this crossing you will hear, then see a waterfall to your left. On the right day this can be very pretty (and easier to see than the actual Gap Creek Falls). A few more minutes and you reach cliffs, with Gap Creek Falls to your right. There are lovely views over the farmlands and valley (unfortunately, it's very difficult getting a good view of the falls without going very close to the edge of the cliffs). There is then a short steepish climb down to Gap Creek and the top of the falls. From here you can wander along the creek a little and have a paddle. Be careful because the rock slabs can be very slippery. Return by the same track.

Permits/Costs

No permits necessary

Other References

There is a brief description in "Take a Walk in South-East Queensland"

GPS Tracks

No GPS available for this walk yet.

Comments

Looks like National Parks have put the maintenance of this track in the too hard basket. They keep changing the closed until date. The latest update states, 'Closed until 31 Dec 2024'.
Jeff on 19 Nov, 2022

I did this walk today, and while it was good to see the track was reopened after the bushfires, it was virtually completely overgrown for about 90% of the walk - the weeds love the lack of canopy. They were over my head in places and it was very difficult to see where I was going. Nonetheless, at least after the recent rains the waterfalls were running nicely. Just before getting to Gap Creek, over to the left there is a very pretty, unnamed waterfall. You get a much better view of this than the actual Gap Creek Falls.

Now I'm going to email National Parks and tell them to get the whipper-snipper out! In the meantime, wear gaiters or tough long pants.
Michael D on 13 Mar, 2021

Pretty good walk. Not much water at the falls this time of year. I was probably walking too fast, managed to do it in 3 hours.
SBeyleveld on 3 Jun, 2018

This walk is not as difficult as other people and even the park's signs make it out to be. Sure, it is entirely downhill to the end, but it is not steep at all. Mount Mitchell is harder.
We saw varied wildlife; bellbirds, red-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras and a large python resting next to the trail, as well as several ticks and a leech.
The trail predominantly passes through rainforest before entering an area of thin burn regrowth and an area with many grass trees near the head of the falls, with lovely views of the surrounding area.
meadharry on 14 Oct, 2017

Didn't think much of the view at the end of the trail Mt Mitchell view much better, best thing about the walk was the wildlife goanna's wallabies and birds.
Roberts Newell on 7 Jan, 2017

Difficult walk. Maybe because the track is 5km down hill to begin with and then u have to walk back up. Lots of rocks, narrow paths and spider webs 😳. Stunning views at the end tho, just a shame the waterfall was only a trickle. How do you get to the bottom? There must be a different route.
Dianne on 29 Dec, 2016

Good walk. Downhill most of the entire way to the falls, not too steep though. Take the return trip slow and steady and you'll be fine. Nine areas where the trail has debris over it, nothing major.
Steve F on 20 Nov, 2016

This is a bit harder as it seems....almost 5k down hill...but you gotta get back up again. Not too steep though just pace yourself !
J on 30 Oct, 2016

This hike exceeded my expectations. The cliff area around the waterfall is amazing. Some good creeks to go exploring up. Saw goannas, snakes, crimson rosellas and found a satin bowerbirds nest with blue items in it.

If only I could find a way to the pool at the bottom of the falls...
dalehikes on 9 Oct, 2016

Did this on a rainy afternoon. The rainforest was beautiful, but there were many, many leeches. Bring fire and salt and avoid stopping too much along the way (which is no small feat, mind you - you're walking straight back uphill). Still would return, the surrounds are stunning.
mjorn_ on 27 Mar, 2016

This is a pretty nice walk though with a steady incline on the way back! Unfortunately there wasn't much water though I climbed down and sat at the creek trickle for afternoon tea which was really lovely. Done in conjunction with Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock/ Morgan's Walk
Genevieve on 9 Jul, 2015