Don’t go chasing waterfalls…
– TLC
We found ourselves waking up at sunrise as the light crept through the floor to ceiling window in our bunk room. It starts with a single rustling of one person stirring as they wake and one by one it turns into a symphony of creaky sleeping pads and mattress deflation. We started packing up our bags – refilling our water bladders and getting ready for the day ahead. The view from Waterfall Valley Hut toward Barn Bluff provided a perfect photo opportunity as the fog slowly lifted from the valley slowly revealing the top of the mountain.
Saying goodbye to Waterfall Valley Hut we followed the boardwalk into the fog, accompanied by the wallabies and pademelons. Not too far from the hut we came across some walkers that had told us of waterfalls hidden in the forest just up a little further. Half our group chose to hop off the track and try to find the track down to the base of the waterfall, while the other half continued onto Windermere. The track – wasn’t so much a track as a very steep and narrow clearing through very dense and wet forest. Catching a glimpse of the waterfall – from about halfway down I decided to stop and take in the views from where I was, not trusting my ankles to get me safely to the bottom and back up. My friends continued to the base of the waterfall before we all retreated back up the hill to where our packs had been carefully stowed to the side of the track.
In contrast to the day prior – the walk from Waterfall Valley was easy walking, with views overlooking the valley and not much change in elevation. Now in a group of four, we decided to enjoy the sunshine and venture on the side trip to Lake Will. We decided not to risk our packs with the sneaky currawongs – who have learned how to unzip packs and steal food, and take them along on the side trip with us.
With the small beach all to ourselves, we took off our packs and our shoes to dip our feet in the water, when I noticed I had picked up a hitchhiker earlier that morning when chasing waterfalls.
After a thorough leech check resulting in no more leeches being location, and plenty of tea tree oil to stop the itch, we say goodbye to Lake Will and continue back to the junction. The track from the junction through the grassy flats was mostly boardwalk providing a nice break to take in the scenery instead of watching our feet.
After a while the boardwalk once again turned into rocky terrain as we began the descent towards Windermere Hut. We had the pleasure of coming across a woman in her mid-80’s hiking the track with her grandson, who reminded us that slow and steady wins the race, reminding us that age is nothing but a number. Soon enough with were treated with views of Lake Windermere as the trail swerved along the side of the lake. While it looked enticing to hop in and have a dip after a beautiful day, after testing the waters with my hand I was reminded that it was alpine water and not as warm as it might have looked.
Arriving at Windermere Hut just after lunchtime, we had the afternoon to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Walking alongside the lake, one of our friends was brave enough to take a dip and enjoying a few rounds of UNO flip over a beverage or two. I picked up the logbook to register our arrival at the hut, and was entertained with the creative talents of those that had walked the track before us. Each hut had it’s own little diary where hikers were able to write or illustrate their experiences. These books became a must-read on arrival at each hut. Tasmania Parks had been upgrading huts over the past two years with Waterfall Valley Hut being very newly renovated – and spacious. Windermere Hut had not been renovated and had maintained it’s unique character. With COVID restrictions, there had been a limited number of people allowed on the track each day – however Windermere had a smaller capacity, we were lucky enough to secure bunks in the hut for the evening, however with perfect weather – most people chose to take advantage and camp out for the night.
After a very relaxing afternoon, we started filtering our water and cooking dinner preparing for an early start the next day. After dinner – we decided to go on a night walk to look for possums, wombats and were optomistic about catching a glimpse of the famous Tassie Devil. After spotting a few possums that seemed unbothered by our presence, we cast our eyes upward. Finding the heli-pad the perfect spot to star-gaze, we took advantage of the clear night sky and spent time staring up at the stars and catching a few shooting stars.
With most hikers going to sleep just after sundown, we carefully and quietly returned to the hut – soon realising we didn’t need to tiptoe with many loud snorers drowning out the sounds of our footsteps and rustling of sleeping bags. Luckily – I’d come prepared and after handing my friend a spare pair of earplugs, and plugging my own in – I drifted off to sleep.
Daily Overview
Waterfall Valley Hut – Windermere Hut (via Lake Will)
Distance: 7.8km + 3km Lake Will
Lowest Point: 994m
Highest Point: 1099m
Hut: Waterfall Valley Hut
Perennial Wanderer 