Ruffy - Boat Hole to Falls Walk
This 5.8km return walk follows the eastern side of Hughes Creek down to tumbling cascades and waterfalls.
The Boat Hole is worth checking out before you start your walk. It is prettily situated between the arms of two waterways at the confluence of Boggy and Hughes Creeks. The site is a Public Reserve consisting of a sizeable flat area that includes a picnic table. There is a large water hole on site that has served locals as a place of social events, picnicking, swimming, boating and fishing for generations. The surrounding riparian woodland provides shade and habitat enough to make native bird and fauna encounters likely. This is a nice spot to picnic.
Follow up with stretching your legs further, intermediate level walkers can cross the road for the Boat Hole to Hughes Creek Falls Walk.
This 6km return walk follows the eastern side of Hughes Creek down to tumbling cascades and waterfalls.. Stock exclusion fencing marks the boundary of the public land all the way, so you can't get lost.
Travelling along this creek of many moods is a joy. Beginning as a lazy, meandering stream weaving its way through forest and reedy waterholes, it progresses to traverse meadows, forms mirror like reflecting pools, rushes through narrow outlets, spreads wide and shallow across rocky beds, cascades and then tumbles over ever increasing gradients to waterfalls.
The tracks are foot pads only, but they make your way clear enough . The ground is uneven and there are many wombat holes, so watch your step. There is a lot to enjoy, so give yourself the time, this is a long 6km.
Good quality closed walking shoes and gaiters are recommended for walking in this country. Particularly in warmer months, snakes will be active.
Boat Hole to Falls Walk Map
Interactive Map
Points of Interest
1. Car park area at the bridge
On the Ruffy side of the bridge across Hughes Creek there is ample room for car parking. The Reserve is quite flat and well maintained.
2. Reserve amenities
There is one picnic table, a commemorative oak planted by Ruffy schoolchildren in the bi-centennial year of 1988 and an information sign about the site and its history.
3. The Boat Hole (then)
Boating, fishing, picnics, sporting events all took place here as part of The Boat Hole Sports Carnival and other local recreation events.
4. The Boat Hole (today)
Crowds don't gather here any more. The usual visitors are picnickers, fishers or walkers. The attraction endures though.
5. Well balanced Tableland granite
For a well balanced lifestyle and to improve your well being, take the time to appreciate all the well balanced granite you can see on the Tableland. You can't help wondering, how did that get there?
6. The walk entry
The walk follows the Hughes Creek Water Frontage downstream to the falls. Newish stock exclusion fencing is intact all the way.
7. Perched bog
Skirted by the new fence-line, on the first rise above the Creek is a broad, boggy wet area quite different to its surroundings. Arc up to inspect or follow the old fence to avoid.
8. The track is a foot padded pathway
The track doesn't have a lot of substance. Watch out for remnant fencing and wombat holes. This section of old fence is not in use.
9. The birds
Woodland and water combine to create habitat for a diversity of birdlife. This narrow corridor amidst vast grazing lands is critical to that diversity - as any young Welcome Swallow will tell you!
10. Freshwater Mussels
Like so many other native species, Freshwater Mussels are steadily disappearing from our waterways due to habitat degradation. It is somewhat reassuring to find shells along Hughes Creek.
11. Seasonal wildflowers
In October / November there is a profusion of wildflowers amongst the granite. Milkmaids, Chocolate & Bulbine Lilies form their own meadows. This Prickly Starwort clings to gaps in the rocky mosaic.
12. Pools for reflection
If you are looking for a tranquil spot to settle for a while and soak up your surroundings, there are many reflecting pools.
13. After the bushfire
Blackened trunks and charred wood on the ground are the legacy of a recent bushfire. Much self healing has already been done. New growth demonstrates nature's resilience.
14. Above the falls
Hughes Creek spreads itself shallow, wide, flat and long, threading its way between granite risers. A perfect stretch for a bit of pleasurable rock hopping.
15. Tiger country
In warmer months snakes are active, Spring sees thick, long grass. Don't be alarmed, but certainly be mindful. They won't hang around if they hear you coming. Move away if you see one. Wear gaiters.
16. Upper falls
The upper falls mark the starting point of a long descent across a wide expanse of granite.
17. Middle falls
The middle falls have the longest drop of around 20 m. They flow with a rush, but are at their most impressive after rain or when there has been a good wet season.
18. Lower falls
Just lovely.
19. Tree fern survivors
Blackened tree fern trunks bear witness to the damage wrought by fire. Fortunately, there are a few survivors in this rocky outcrop and gully below the falls.
Access for Dogs:
Dogsa are permitted on-leash.
Location
Boathole Road, Ruffy 3666 Map
Web Links
→ Boat Hole to Falls Walk, Ruffy (Walking Maps)
