343. Raglan Falls-Beeripmo Hike 10.6km

February 20, 2025

U3A Hike No 343

Hike Report By Peter Treby

Seventeen U3A walkers set off in perfect weather from Richards Campground in the Mt Cole State Forest for a 10.6 km walk incorporating parts of the Beeripmo Track linked by quiet gravel roads.

We firstly climbed a fine single walking track through granite boulders to Raglan and Rob Falls, and a railed lookout on top of a large granite tor. The forest here is mainly blue gums to about 30 metres, with tree ferns in the gullies. Later in the walk, the taller trees also included messmates.

Throughout the walk, the forest is still recovering from the Bayindeen – Rocky Road fire of late February 2024, which burned 22,000 hectares. The Beeripmo walk only re-opened in January 2025. Everywhere eucalypts are putting out epicormic foliage from their trunks, looking like leafy totem poles. The understory is still a little thin and bare, save for the wetter gullies.

After the falls we reached less steep terrain and stopped for morning tea on Camp Rd. The route then heads NNW to eventually rejoin the Beeripmo Track and the downhill wander back to Richards.

Along here the recovering understory possibly includes the endemic Mount Cole Grevillea, regrowing in small plants with its distinctive holly leaf, as well as grass trees.

A few logs over the track have had steps cut in them, perhaps with the idea that this makes them easier to clamber over. These provided some entertaining moments challenging some walkers’ agility.

We got back to Richards Camp Ground around 12.30 pm and enjoyed lunch in the sun.

Thanks to Mark for leading the walk, and as always, Andrew and Gordon for their organising skills.