A Challenging Walk That Rewards With Wildlife Galore, Pools To Cool Off In + Waterfalls To Ooh At
By Anna Dempsey
Handy information and outdoor fun, kindly brought to you by The Fixed Wheel, Bowral.
You won’t forget the first time you drive up or down the tight twists and turns of the 8km Macquarie Pass. The road spans the height of the escarpment between Robertson and Albion Park cutting through lush rainforest.
And if you’ve ever wondered what’s hidden behind the trees, hop out of the car and onto the Clover Hill Trail!
In this beautiful wilderness within Macquarie Pass National Park, you can chase waterfalls in a heart-racing hike over sandstone boulders or opt for a slower pace and a waterside wander at one of many creeks and waterways along the trail.
Here’s what you need to know about the Clover Hill Trail……
Family-Friendly :: This walk is best divided into sections depending on age and agility. Nature-loving littlies under twelve can do the walk to Rainbow Falls which offers plenty to see and explore.
Experienced hikers including those over twelve can attempt the hike above Rainbow Falls which is worth the extra effort. With steep, unguarded sections throughout the trail, it’s best to keep kids of all ages close at all times.
Accessibility :: The trail is located on the Illawarra Highway about halfway down the Macquarie Pass and is only accessible by car [it’s a 20 minute drive from Robertson]. There is a small and sign posted car park with very limited parking. We recommend getting there before 10am.
Have your maps/GPS at the ready because there is nowhere close to do a u-turn if you miss the car park. If you’re walking with a group consider carpooling to avoid missing out.
Length :: The walk is between 6-7km return depending on how far you go.
Time :: It takes roughly 3.5hrs including the walk up the falls. Give yourself more time for picnics, swimming and photography.
Okay, let’s goooooooo!
Have a game plan
This walk is graded by NSW National Parks & Wildlife as a Grade 5 walk, best suited to folks with more than a few bush walks under their belt.
So it’s best to have a game plan before setting out.
Phone reception is patchy so download your maps and trail guides. We packed drinking water, hats, decent boots/shoes, sunscreen, insect spray, a first aid kit, snacks and swimmers.
There are two parts to this walk, the ‘on track’ trail and an ‘off track’ option.
The first stretch is better for a leisurely pace, less challenging terrain and shorter distance. This takes you from the car park to Rainbow Falls.
From Rainbow Falls you can navigate up the waterway alongside the rocks on an unmarked track past various cascades and waterfalls.
This involves much steeper inclines with challenging terrain and if you are short in stature like this writer, you will need a helping hand – so don’t go alone.
Leave your fancy pants at home and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet or muddy!
Long and winding road
From the car park to Rainbow Falls, follow the old Clover Hill logging road that winds its way through varied forest ecosystems.
Along this stretch, we encountered some breathtakingly tall trees including eucalypts and turpentines.
At the end of the old road, we reached a clearing of old farmland, Clover Hill and an unmarked fork in the path.
Take the path to the left.
Wildlife wonderland
Bushcarers and plant enthusiasts will notice this farmland stretch of the walk has allowed for some invasive weeds to take hold but don’t despair, this does give way to lush native habitat further along.
Critters abound in this park – it is a veritable wildlife wonderland! It’s especially great for birdwatchers.
We heard some very lively Lyrebirds, Black Cockatoos and saw Eastern Water Skinks and various species of butterflies.
We were amazed to learn that the other animals that call this place home include two threatened species – Broad-Headed Snakes and the Powerful Owl.
It’s also a conservation habitat for Tiger Quolls and Long-Nosed Potoroos!
And, if that’s not enough, you can spot Platypus in the larger waterways. Sit quietly and wait for the telltale ‘bullseye’ ripples they leave in the water.
Over the rainbow
After some time we hit another grassy clearing, and took the path through the bush to the right.
The temperature gets cooler as we begin delving deeper into ancient moss-lined gullies surrounded by bird’s nest ferns and enormous lichen-covered boulders.
Follow the sounds of the water as you descend to Rainbow Falls.
This is where we see the top of the cascade here, called the ‘chute’. It’s a popular spot for abseiling and canyoning.
You can’t get to the bottom without assistance but if you follow the path further along there are shallows that are a perfect place for little ones to explore and paddle.
Up up and away
If paddling isn’t enough to satiate your thirst for adventure then explore the waterfalls above Rainbow Falls.
This is the hard bit, as there are no marked or official paths to find the falls beyond this point so unless you’re reasonably confident with steep inclines, rock-hopping and navigating, stay put.
At Rainbow Falls, we cross the water via an old cement pipe in the shallow section of the water.
Now on the left side of the waterway, we navigate upstream with the water to our right.
The initial stretch up to what we called “the teetering Boulder” is manageable and relatively straightforward. At this point, you can find your way down from the waterside and explore.
The rocks, ferns and lichen here are spectacular.
The final stretch
From here, you can move further up, through the bush, gradually getting a bit steeper.
Again, there are no signposts, so this is a matter of finding your way intuitively up and down through the rocks, vines, and paths. As you gain height and look down you’ll see cascades and falls as you ascend.
You can navigate down towards all these spots and explore.
There are even some lovely ‘secret’ pools here to dip your toes in or even have a full plunge!
The last section brings you up to Clover Falls which is considered the final destination. This is the same approach, up and around, it does get steeper.
Then back down towards the waterway, where you can walk alongside the waterbed, you’ll reach more large boulders after a few minutes, and they give way to Clover Falls.
Stunning! Phew!
When we visited the weather was warm but with a slight chance of rain, and needless to say, it rained just as we reached the top!
Our favourite part was rock-hopping around the boulders further below, where apart from a few Eastern Water Skinks, we had a lovely spot to ourselves for a breather.
Good To Know :: You could spend an entire day exploring this trail so bring a picnic, take your time and plan ahead. Check the weather and consult the National Parks and Wildlife website, heavy rain may impact access and safety. There are no amenities so come prepared!
Why We Love It :: The Clover Hill Trail covers diverse and unique ecosystems that nature lovers and thrill seekers will adore.
What’s Nearby :: If you’ve worked up an appetite, swing into the Robertson Public House & Kitchen at the top of the Pass for a well earned steak, chips and refreshing bevvie after all your hard work.
This Adventure Guide was brought to you by The Fixed Wheel……
The Fixed Wheel is a full-service bicycle shop in Bowral and is under new ownership. The guys and girls in-store are all cyclists themselves with quite a collection of championships, race wins and real experience under their belts. They definitely know their stuff! If you’re keen to start cycling, you want to try a different type of cycling or perhaps you’re ready to go next level, start at The Fixed Wheel.
We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!