6 replies to this topic

[Mystic]

A great way to spend a day, and enjoy an easy walk that anyone can do. The track is level, following an old railway line, so no major climbing involved.

On the Murchison Highway, about 5 miles west of Rosebery you will find the turn off to the start of the falls walking track. 4WD enthusiasts can use a track that starts from the same highway, about 10 miles further west, which is well signposted. But that way, you miss the pleasure of the walk.

When you start this walk, you will find the only "hilly" section, a bit of a dip down to a crossing over Ring River, before joining the track proper. Take the extra few minutes to go down the short side track and get a view of the river flowing under the bridge, and over the rocks. It is worth it, especially if you like photography.

Ring River @ the side track

From here you join the old railway, used in the 1800's to carry ore from the mining operations that existed throughout the region. The track is very even and easy to walk, though it can be very wet underfoot, and this area can get cold as you will be walking through rainforest that is shaded by nearby Mt Read, and rarely will you be in direct sunlight. This area also gets around 3 metres of rain per year, which you can expect at any time. Good, solid, waterproof shoes are a must. As a warning, the first time I did this walk was mid spring, and turned back halfway due to the onset of frostbite in my toes. This place can get very cold even when the sun is shining before you start.

The sign at the start of the walk claims this to be a 3 hour return trip, that will depend on just how many times you stop to enjoy the scenery and magnificent little things that you will see along the way. The area was virtually clear felled during the time when the railway was constructed in order to supply the wood required for the track and the mining operations. It has grown back quite nicely, though I lament the lack of any real old growth trees here. Even so, the rainforest you will be walking through is quite beautiful, and there are numerous small streams and waterfalls along the way.

Moss covered trees along the path


Small waterfall.. almost halfway


Section of old railway bridge


Beautiful little stream cascading toward the track


Mosses - you will see many varieties


An old mine adit - very close to the falls


Suspension bridge


Montezuma Falls

It is a great walk, and one you will remember. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy somewhere near the falls, and make a full day of it. You should also take a tripod for your camera, as many of the things you will likely want to capture are going to be in very poor light, requiring long exposures. A light day pack with some warm clothes and a change of socks is also advised, just in case you feel the chill.

It's a spectacular but subtle set of falls. This is not your Niagara or Victoria Falls experience ? both of those famous tourist destinations are giants compared to the modest Montezuma. But what makes this spot so special is a superb sense of tranquility and subtlety. Montezuma is proof that a great waterfall doesn't necessarily need great size. Its shape, width, character, obvious beauty and location all assist in making it memorable.

Tim Fischer, Australian Traveller Magazine

Once you have been there, come back and tell us all about it.

[knumbnutz]

Great read and lovely photos. I would have loved to do the walk but alas i didnt not have time.
Maybe next time....
Cheers Neil

[Mystic]

Thanks Neil, definitely a walk worth doing.

[chrisbulldog]

Walk was good , company was queer.

[Shane V]

I really liked this walk. Wandering along at our own pace, stopping numerous times to examine fungus and ferns and other things that grabbed our attention. It may be a 3 hour return walk, but not for us. I'm not quite sure how long it took, I didn't check the time when we came out.

The life in the undergrowth is amazing along the whole track. Little flowers and fungus, birds chirping and even snakes, yes we saw one on the way back...it darted under some tree ferns and wasn't coming back out. The trees were thick and lush. The track was reasonably dry, except for a couple of short sections.

On this trip down we were able to get shots of the fall itself without getting too much spray, which I was happy with. The suspension bridge still freaks me out. All in all it was a great walk, one I would recommend to anyone.

Enjoy my stroll down the track

[chrisbulldog]

Thats fair enough Shane. Not sure how long you've been in Tas , but the concept of a walking party is that the party stays together and communicates their intentions. This is primarily for safety reasons as well as courtesy. Would not be a good policy on a more difficult walk . Perhaps you should bare that in mind for the future.

[Mystic]

Yes Chris, you are correct with your general rules for walking. However, I would like to point out that your response is not related to the above post by Shane, in that he made no mention of the fact that the party pf tourists you brought with you, and yourself included, raced off ahead of us, leaving us alone, after we had told you that we stop often to take photographs. This fact was not only communicated to you on the day, but also in earlier posts when discussing the walk here on the forum, where you were informed quite clearly :

Montezuma sounds great to me, though I have to warn you it can take me 2 hours to walk the first few hundred metres unless I get prodded (so many fungus to photograph).

Whilst both Shane and I thought it quite rude of you to have requested walking buddies and suggested Montezuma in the first place, so that we thought we were doing YOU a favour by agreeing to do the walk, it was in fact your little party that raced ahead within the first 15 minutes of the walk, leaving Shane and I as the loners. As you had three other people with you at the time, we felt no concern for you. So, perhaps it would be good if you took your own advice above in future, and be mindful of the fact that people who live in glass houses should not really be throwing stones.

I also thought your comment made above after the walk, to be a little rude, but at the time had no intention of responding. If you wish to discuss this matter, then please do so privately with either myself or Shane. I am not going to have this turn into a flame war.