We spent a memorable day on Sunday September 28, 2014 at majestic Steven Falls which is not however listed in Melbourne and Victoria tourist attraction. Only an hour’s drive from our Melbourne residence we were not aware of it. Shuvro planned to visit Mount Baw Baw. But Rozy got up late and Shuvro had to search for a nearby place. He though Lake Mountain may be a good idea. But while reaching very near he thought why not visit Stevenson fall first. That is how we went there and I am sure Shuvro and Rozy have not seen many better places than before.
Stevenson Falls, a waterfall on the Steavenson River, is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) southeast of Marysville, Victoria, Australia. The falls are one of the tallest in Victoria, with five cascades, a total descent of 122 meters (400 ft), the last having a clear drop of more than 21 metres (69 ft). Residents cut a track to the falls in 1866. The falls and the river were named after John Stevenson, Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, who first visited the site of what, is now Marysville in 1862. He was carrying out a survey of the area to try to find a new alignment for the road to the gold fields at Woods Point.
The 190 hectares (470 acres) Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve was proclaimed in 1959 to protect the falls and their surroundings. The Reserve is jointly administered by the Department of Primary Industry and a Voluntary Committee of Management.
The reserve
There are a number of walks in the reserve varying from easy to the more difficult.
A turbine driven by water drawn from the weir at the base of the falls generates power for the floodlights and the lights along the paths. Funding for these works was obtained by the local Tourist Association from the old Tourism Victoria. The floodlighting was formally turned on by the then Minister for Tourism - The Honorable Murray Byrne MLC, on 3 November 1972. Marysville's water supply also comes from this weir.
Dense forest covers the entire Steavenson Falls Reserve in the steep-sided valley. Pure stands of Mountain Ash which regenerated after the 1939 bushfires grow in sheltered places.
Elsewhere the forest contains a mixture of eucalyptus species, notably Mountain Grey Gum, Messmate and Narrow-leafed Peppermint. Other trees growing in association with the eucalyptus include Myrtle Beach which has small, shiny, dark green leaves and is restricted to areas of high rainfall, Blackwood, one of the wattles, a tall tree with masses of pale yellow flowers, and Silver Wattle.
The sheltered river margins support Soft and Rough Tree-ferns, their height bearing testimony to their considerable age.
Lyrebirds are often seen in the morning and after rain searching for insects and worms. It's easy to see where they have been by the prominent scratch marks in the leaves and twigs on the ground. Steavenson Falls is a major tourist attraction with some 180,000 visitors a year.
Bushfire damage
A major bushfire passed through the area on 7 February 2009, destroying almost the entire manmade infrastructure and causing extensive damage to the forest in the area. The only recoverable piece of infrastructure was the hydro-electric generator which had been used to light the falls at night. After the fire major works were undertaken to restore the road and visitor facilities and to remove dead trees because of the danger they presented. Extensive natural regeneration of the native forest has also occurred.
Visit to the Falls:
Steavenson Falls is a waterfall on the Steavenson River nestled amongst mountains such as Mount Edgar (992m), Mount Stinton (1099m), Mount Strickland (1096m), Mount Margaret (1221m) and Mount Observation (1232m) in south Victoria. Steavenson Falls is at an elevation of approximately 638m above sea level.
Waterfall usually attracts all of us. We remember visiting Madhabkunda many times while working in Bangladesh Gas sector. May be not in size and facilities that Australian Government through its local council has provided but in nature Stevenson falls resemble Madhabkunda. The very first look can give one a feeling that could is melting on mountain top and cascades are carrying water down the very steep mountain. At least Rozy and Shuvro strongly believe so and I did not argue. It is a majestic site. It is possible to go within 10 meter of the fall, sit comfortably on platforms, and take photographs from different angles. It is also possible to climb along steep slopes to the top of the fall .We did all though it was a bit challenging for me and especially with Rozy with her two artificial valves in her heart. But she liked it so much that she made it .That was a bit of an adventure but was well appreciated by other tourists .The water was falling almost straight from 122 Meter high and sun rays was creating rainbows making it a majestic view . We could capture some wonderful photographs. We felt about the creator and His wonderful creation. The water is clean and fresh and many tourists were drinking it.
Rozy was so excited that she made me take some photographs with her which could be more appropriate 30 years back when we were young. She was calling her near ones in Australia and Bangladesh explaining about her experience.
Rozy was insisting that it is a supernatural act that is causing cloud continuously meting over and causing the cascades creating the falls. We could climb about 80% of the steep hill reaching near the top but another 4.5 climb was well beyond our stamina at that stage. May be next time we will make a fresh attempt and will be better prepared for it. But till that let Rozy and Shuvro believe whatever they think.
Maroondah Reserve:
On our way back we entered Maroondah Reserve Park though we had only half an hour from schedule closure of the park at 5PM. We could still view another water fall, spillway and could see many families and groups just winding up their day long family picnic. Rozy mentioned that she had a group visit from her Swinburne University. We planned to return to Lake Mountain for all these in December with a larger group.
Maroondah features gardens with stands of native and exotic trees, native animals and birds and walking tracks. Its playground, lawns and cool summer shade make it a popular picnic destination in warmer months.
Photograph the historic Rose Stairway which is at its best in autumn. Tourists can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom in spring. During the wetter months one can experience the awesome force of the water tumbling over the spillway.
Dinner at Thai Restaurant Lily dale
All of us were so hungry that we could hardly had energy to drive back home for dinner. We stopped at a Thai Restaurant and had a lovely dinner- a bit hot and spicy. Shuvro is taking care of our blood cholesterol control efforts though climbing hills can be a bit of an adventure. But we will definitely not want surprises. If told earlier we can be better prepared. But that is our lovely son who hardly talks and works silently all the time.
BDST: 1003 HRS, SEP 29, 2014
