Women's Culture Jill

40 J I L L A U S T R A L I A EXPERIENCE THE WONDER The state has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world and in one day you can travel from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests or from true desert to underwater coral reefs. There are over 3,000 national parks and reserves to explore, Aboriginal and post-European settlement cultural and heritage sites, lakes, ports and waterways and marine protected areas. Victoria’s parks are home to more than 4,300 native plants and around 1,000 native animal species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Whether you’re after a family holiday spotting native wildlife, a relaxing romantic weekend away or a road trip with friends, the Victorian landscape has something for everyone: Rainbow-making, misty and sometimes mysterious, Victoria’s waterfalls are well worth visiting. Most are surrounded by idyllic walks so take in the sights, sounds and distinctive smells of the woodlands and forests while sending the circulation pumping. While natural pools and waterfalls may look like inviting places to cool off, swimming at these spots can be dangerous and may have strong currents, debris and other hazards. Beware of unstable edges and check safety signs. V IC T O R I A IS H O M E T O A R E A S O F IS O L A T E D N A T U R A L B E A U T Y, SI T E S O F O U T S T A N DI N G C U L T U R A L H E R I T A G E, G R E E N A N D B L U E U R B A N O A S E S A N D R E M N A N T S O F E V E N T S A N D I N D U S T R I E S T H A T S H A P E D O U R H IS T O R Y. of Victoria’s waterfalls, walks and hidden beaches U P T H E H I L L J I L L N s e w Top four waterfalls 1. F I S H FA L L S, G R A M P I A N S N A T IO N A L PA R K Cascades 60 metres over terraced rocks into a pool. The 4.6 kilometre (return) medium-grade walk starts at Zumsteims car park and follows the MacKenzie River upstream, offering river views along deep gullies. 2. T R E N T H A M FA L L S, C O L I B A N R I V E R S C E N IC R E S E R V E One of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, plunging some 32 metres over basalt columns. Visitors can best enjoy the waterfall from the viewing platforms shrouded by Large manna gum, stringy bark, messmate, narrow- leaved peppermint as well as seasonal wildflowers. 3. L O W E R A N D U P P E R K A L I M N A FA L L S, G R E A T O T W A Y N A T IO N A L PA R K This gentle walk traces the route of an old timber tramway. From the picnic area the path winds through a picturesque creek valley lined with lush ferns and blue gums. Lower Kalimna Falls is an idyllic spot for a picnic as the falls that plunge over an undercut rock ledge into a tranquil fern-fringed pool. Upper Kalimna Falls are 15-metre falls that cascade down a rock face onto mossy boulders. 4. A G N E S FA L L S S C E N IC R E S E R V E The highest single span waterfall in Victoria, it cascades down a series of rocks over a 59-metre drop. The falls are a short 200 metres walk from the carpark to the lookout which has seating. Picnic shelter and tables are accessible to those in wheelchairs. The area is abundant in bird wildlife and shade is available under the plentiful silver wattles, tall blue gum and blackwood trees.