Thursday, February 19, 2015

Ebor Falls




Even better than I remembered, the Ebor Falls were a beautiful sight in the afternoon sunlight. Recent rains meant a good water flow but not of flood proportions. The upper falls have two distinct drops over columned basalt rock.




 The Ebor Falls are pleasantly easy to view with wheelchair friendly access from a picnic area just off the Waterfall Way. It takes less than an hour to drive here directly from Armidale, however we had taken a stunningly scenic route with detours to Hillgrove, Wollomombi Falls and Point Lookout/Eagles Nest.




This is just the top half of the upper falls as the Guy Fawkes River begins to descend. I love the touch of rainbow colours in the spray.




There is a gently sloping pathway to follow which soon reveals some eye-catching natural rocks....








and another waterfall! These are the lower Ebor Falls, with the double upper falls in the background. If only I could make the trees on the righthand slope invisible we would be able to see all three sections of the falls at once.




Wandering back up the path I kept stopping to admire the amazing rainbow spray of the lower falls.




I was so enthralled with the rainbow effects that I nearly missed this bright little fellow on the walking track which Miss E pointed out to me. My 'Insect of Australia' book identifies it as a Monistria Concinna, a slow-moving NSW alpine grasshopper. 




Miss E also directed my attention to this beauty standing tall in the grasses just off the track. I'd never seen a flower like it. Thanks to the internet I've been able to discover that it's a Dipodium Punctatum, commonly known a purple-spotted Australian ground orchid, or hyacinth orchid. 




This native orchid doesn't have any significant leaves and is classified as being terrestrial or saprophytic, obtaining its food from organic matter in the soil.




The land beyond the walking track is currently a beautiful display of golden Australian everlasting daisies in the late summer. So many wonderful scenes with very little walking required. We headed off with one more stop to make.....

19 comments:

Susan said...

You certainly live in a beautiful part of Australia Karen! The Falls look most refreshing on a hot Melbourne afternoon!

ipatchandquilt said...

Fabulous pictures! They feel like a mini holiday!
Thank you for sharing.
The picture with the rainbow coloirs is awesome!!!
Greetings from the Netherlands!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

Giga said...

I love these views, the falling water and colorful rainbow on them, wonderful. Orchid is very nice. Regards.

Erin said...

Absolutely incredible! and can you believe we have never been up to ebor Falls! You make me want to.

s.c said...

Real great nature. I like it.

Dirk Rosin said...

Fabulous pictures Karen :-)

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen, gorgeous captures of the waterfalls.. And the wildflowers are beautiful. Lovely series of photos.

geanina said...

very beautiful images!:)

Sylvia K said...

Such fantastic captures, Karen, and the waterfalls are awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty and what a great way to begin my day!! Have a great weekend!!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I feel as though I've been for a beautiful walk through your photos. That grasshopper is really amazing, you'd think he be fast moving with that colouring.

Joy said...

That is what I like during sunmer. To find amazing places like this. Food for the soul!

Juliana said...

Ah! wonderful place! Especially I like that observation deck above the falls

xoxo, Juliana | PJ’ Happies :)

Ela said...

Oh, just a gorgeous place and so amazing views ! Fantastic pictures !

EricaSta said...

Wonderful landscape, lovely orchid .... a great Post again.
Greetings by Heidrun

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Absolutely beautiful - I HAVE to visit this place in my lifetime!!!

Unknown said...

Oh My.. These photos are wonderful. That looks like a fabulous place for a hike. That waterfall is gorgeous.

Hope you are enjoying your day.

Hugs~

CountryMum said...

Beautiful photos of a stunning place. It is years since I have been to Ebor falls, but they so stick in my mind.

diane b said...

It sure is a beautiful area with easy access. Loved your insect and the orchid is stunning.

amanda said...

Such beauty, Karen! I'm enjoying catching up with your explorations!

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