Dinner Plain Track Notes
Carmichael Falls Walk
2km return (1.5hrs) Grade 3 Walking Track
Heading off from the Dinner Plain 4WD Track on the
southern border of Dinner Plain village, this clearly
marked trail, within the Alpine National Park, descends
through Snow Gum forest to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Carmichael Falls.
Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael. Image courtesy State Library of Victoria.
Dropping 25 metres over basalt cliffs, the falls are in
the headwaters of Precipice Creek and the Dargo River,
among the many waterways feeding the major catchments arising at the Dinner Plain plateau. The actual falls
are in fact two falls side by side at the confluence of the
Precipice and Dinner Plain Creeks which rise in the
alpine bogs of the Dinner Plain Village.
Lyrebird - Image courtesy Parks Victoria . Photo, Christian Pearson
Visitors may also be lucky enough to hear or even encounter Lyrebirds near the falls area. The Superb Lyrebird
- Menura novaehollandiae - is native to Australia. A large
ground-dwelling species in the moist forests of south
eastern Australia, the Lyrebird is renowned for its outstanding abilities as a mimic, able to imitate other birds,
animals and even man-made sounds like chainsaws and
tractors. Adult male lyrebirds display an ornate tail, with
special curved feathers that take the shape of a lyre.
History
The falls were named for the Governor of Victoria Sir
Thomas Gibson Carmichael who visited the then unnamed falls in 1911 and was reportedly so struck with
their beauty, his guide, Charles Rundell, sought official
permission to name them in his honour.
Flora & Fauna
Snowbound in winter, the track down to the falls is
often wet underfoot making it a perfect warm season
walk when wildflowers such as the Pale Vanilla Lily –
Arthropodium milleflorum - and Grass-Trigger – Stylidium
graminifolium - plants are in bloom.
Look out for evidence of the local Common Brown Wombat – Vombatus ursinus - their unmistakable squareshaped scats are left as calling cards on mounds and
rises and can be seen along the trail.
Dinner Plain Village
Image courtesy Sue Couttie
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Be Prepared
The best months for walking in the alpine environment are
from November through to April, however, weather condi1300
tions can
change rapidly, and snowfalls and blizzards can
occur at any time of the year. (The Bushwalking Season is from
Carmichael falls Walk
Grade of Walk:
Grade 3, as per The Australian Walking Track Grading System
Distance:2km return
Time:1.5 hours
Gradient: Some gradual steep sections
Quality of Path: Mostly formed track, with some obstacles
Steps:Occasional steps
Experience required:
Some bushwalking experience recommended
November Melbourne Cup Weekend to mid May.)
u n g r the
a R i
v e r
Be prepared with:
•
Wind and waterproof jackets
•
Warm clothing – hat, gloves, sunglasses, and strong footwear
•
Food and water
•
First aid kit and sunscreen
•
Map and compass
•
Check the weather forecast before departing
•
Let someone know where you are going
•
Mobile phone (reception in some areas)
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For more information on Dinner Plains Tracks & Trails, visit
www.visitdinnerplain.com.au.
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Caution
Bushfires have damaged snowgums, which are now regenerating but dead branches are shedding with the new
growth. High wind days may result in falling limbs and
Room
with a View
branches. It is not recommended to use the track
on windy
Walking
Track
days. Please be aware that snakes are active during warmer
months.
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