Gibraltar Falls
Waterfall on the Gibraltar Creek in the Australian Capital Territory
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Gibraltar Falls are a cascade waterfall on the Gibraltar Creek, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Canberra's city centre,[1][2][3] The falls have a 50-metre (160-foot) drop.
| Gibraltar Falls | |
|---|---|
Gibraltar Falls | |
  | |
| Location | Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory |
| Coordinates | 35°32′15″S 148°52′42″E |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 50 metres (160 ft) |
| Watercourse | Gibraltar Creek |
Location and features
In Namadgi National Park,[4] the falls are near Corin Road in the Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest. A gravel track from a nearby car park provides access to a lookout to view the falls.[5][6] There are a number of walking trails near the falls.[7] Near the falls is a car park, public toilets, and a picnic shelter with a gas barbecue.[8]
The falls have a 50-metre (160 ft) drop.[3]
There is not much drainage on Gibraltar Falls, though water will still fall from the falls during drought conditions.[2][9] Three glossy black cockatoos were spotted at the falls in November 2000. These birds are not frequently found in the territory.[10]
The falls were depicted in the 1966 oil painting titled Rescue at Gibraltar Falls, by John Perceval, with Australian National University landscape architect serving as a model for the figure found in the painting.[1] Bushwalks used to take place to get to the falls.[9] The Australian Heritage Commission commissioned a report on the falls called "An archaeological investigation of the Gibraltar Falls recreation area, A.C.T."[11] Axe grinding grooves have been found at the falls.[12]
Fauna and Flora
The falls is a habitat of the ACT rare Austral pillwort,[13] a fern with thread-like leaves,[14] and the vulnerable Alpine Redspot Dragonfly.[13][15]
Gibraltar Falls / Woods Reserve Area
The falls is part of the Gilbralter Falls / Woods Reserve Area that is listed on the Register of the National Estate and the ACT National Heritage of Australia list.[12] It is about 170ha in area and is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) West North-west of Tharwa.[16]
