Cyathea Falls: A Rainforest Jewel

Cyathea Falls, located in the heart of Tarra Valley within the Tarra-Bulga National Park, offers a tranquil escape into a world of lush greenery and cascading water. The falls are accessible via a gentle, well-maintained 500-meter loop track that meanders through a cool temperate rainforest. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by giant Mountain Ash trees, ancient Myrtle Beech, and a diverse understory of ferns, lichens, and moss. The Tarra Valley Picnic Area serves as the starting point for the walk to the falls. The picnic area provides tables, toilets, and shelters, making it a convenient spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The track crosses the Tarra River several times via bridges, adding to the scenic charm of the walk. Cyathea Falls itself is a delicate cascade of water trickling down rounded boulders, creating a lace-like effect as it flows through the ferns. While the falls may not be the largest, the surrounding rainforest environment creates a magical atmosphere. The area is known for its diverse array of ferns, with thirty-nine species recorded. Keep an eye out for the elusive lyrebird, which is more often heard than seen. The Tarra Valley and Bulga picnic areas and walking tracks were developed in the 1940s and 50s. The park itself has a rich history, with the area initially reserved as a public park in 1904 and named after Charlie Tarra, an Aboriginal guide. Today, Tarra-Bulga National Park protects over 2,000 hectares of Mountain Ash Forest and Cool Temperate Rainforest.