Having read some horror reviews of the condition of the road from Waratah to Corinna, we had no idea how long the drive would take, especially as some roads were still closed following heavy spring rains. We deliberated a diversion to explore Philosopher Falls, named after explorer James ‘Philosopher’ Smith who discovered the waterfall in 1871. Setting ourselves a time limit, we ventured along the trail

and were soon embraced by towering myrtles and sassafras trees.

Verdant ferns and mosses carpeted the ground beneath the canopy.

Suddenly, the thick forest transformed and an area of tall, spindly trees flanked the path.

As the canopy closed in again,

we were entranced by vibrant fungi, coloured courtesy of nature’s palette.

We came to a footbridge spanning a flowing creek, a tributary to the Arthur River, and made the decision to turn back.

Had we continued, we would have walked the track that follows an old water race built to supply Magnet Mine in the early 1900s. Eventually, a 210-step staircase leads to a view from the bottom of the multi-tiered waterfall. We will have to return one day when we have no time constraints.