Souita Falls - leeches galore (usually)
updated 29th August 2023
Top tier. October 2021.
These falls are one of those not so visited gems on the Tablelands. It is a short walk from the dirt road that takes you there to the lookouts of the two tiers of the waterfall.
January 2023.
The path in is usually clear but a little bit muddy if there has been rain. The first lookout is just a 150 metre walk and the second 220 metres.
January 2023.
Along the path are some quite large rainforest trees. As you get further in the canopy gets heavier and that is the sort of environment that leeches like.
January 2023.
The vegetation is so thick that in spots there is no or very minimal light making its way through the canopy.
The top tier of the falls and the caves to the right, December 2020.
Below the top tier there is a lovely pool. It was very close to midday when I took this photo with the sun shining straight down through the tree canopy. You can se some very small caves to the right.
There is no path down to here, you will have to brave the bush to get there.
Pool below the top tier. December 2020.
The very first time I made my way to the pool of the first tier I got covered in leeches. Beware of those horrible creatures…… but it must not worry some as I see people swimming in here. Not for me!
The base of the Falls, January 2023.
At certain times of the year you will find the odd bit of colour other than green in the way of wild flowers. These flowers I have only ever seen near the pools at the base of the falls, not on the path in..
Top tier waterfall, October 2021.
When I visited in October 2021 I got some really nice light late in the afternoon. This level of water flow I really like as well, not too much and not too little.
The path to the second Tier.
The path from the first tier lookout to the second tier below is pathed. It can still be quite slippery when wet but better than sloped mud.
The second lookout, January 2023.
The view from the second lower lookout is very similar to that of the first. When I took the above photo the water flow was too heavy for my liking. The parts below this spot to which there is no path are prettier.
Looking down the second tier, October 2021.
On a visit in October 2021 the water flow was very pretty and that deadfall and rocks below the second tier looked stunning to my eye. As you climb over the rocks to get down to the very bottom of the waterfall take care, things can get very slippery.
Getting there
View on the Old Palmerston, December 2020.
To get to Souita you make your way along the Old Palmerston until you come to a side road marked to Souita Falls. On the Old Palmerston you will be treated to some stunning views.
The old Palmerston is pretty much a one lane road in parts. Slow down and take your time especially as it is easy to get distracted with the views on that windy road. This person came unstuck in December 2020 and the passenger looks like they went into the windscreen.
On the Old Palmerston, October 2020.
You will also find on that road, especially as you head towards Milla Milla late afternoon that you are driving into the blinding sun.
On the Old Palmerston, June 2019.
At other times you will driving in heavy fog on that road. It is after all in the Misty Mountains. If you are on the Old Palmerston make sure that you also visit the very pretty little Pepina Falls which is not far away from Souita Falls