Creekton Falls Via Duckhole Lake
Creekton Falls Via Duckhole Lake
PUFF-O-METRE
DUCKHOLE LAKE
THEN
FOR CREEKTON FALLS TRACK
THEN
FOR THE LINK TRACK TO ADAMSONS FALLS
OVERVIEW
On the surface, it looks like there are a number of ways to access the start of this track however, on closer inspection, there really isn't. Chestermans Road looks like the most direct path to the carpark via Hastings Caves however this isn't a viable path unless you're in a very prepared four wheel drive. For those that have less capable vehicles, I advise to take the following roads. Turn right off the Huon Highway about 3km after crossing the Esperance River. From here, there are road markings to direct you to the carpark but I'll give you the roads you'll be taking anyway: take Darcy Link, left onto Creekton Road and follow until you see a carpark before a 3T limited bridge.
The walk to Duckhole Lake is a very easy track. It's a mixture of natural and manmade track. There are sections that have you elevated above the knee deep mud and even bridges that allow you a fantastic view while keeping your feet dry. Once you reach the lake, there is plenty of room for a picnic and even an elevated platform for capture that perfect lake photo.
From here, you better fit those mountain boots as you're in for a fun time. The track closes in rapidly and has you walking through mud or climbing over fallen trees or crab crawling under limbs too high to climb over, all while the elevation continues to climb.... There is even a section that is so steep, you need to use the supplied knotted rope to pull yourself up the track! Nearing the end of the track, you'll note an old sign to signal that you have arrived at the falls. Now the main falls are a further 200m away but from the sign, make your way to the creek as this is where some of the smaller yet impressive falls are located.
It's at this point you have a choice and think carefully.... You can go back down the track you've just completed to take you back to the car or you can take the joining track that will take you to the top of Adamsons Falls where you can then take that track back to your car via a 3km road hike. If you choose to go and see Adamsons Falls as well then I'd offer two pieces of advice: firstly, go with another car so that you can leave one at Duckhole Lake carpark and the other at the start of Adamsons Falls Track, this removes 3km of your hike to make it 14.5km. The second piece of advice is to only do this loop if you've allowed at least 7 hours to complete the hike.
While on paper, the hike doesn't look too bad.... The joining track is some of the most hazardous hiking you'll do in the area. You'll be constantly changing elevation, clambering over trees, hoisting yourself up boulders and all while following a track that is only marked by pink ribbons. It's certainly a manageable section for those with plenty of off-grid hiking experience and good navigation skills. This is not for people new to hiking or those that like to hike light. If something were to go wrong there, be prepared for an overnight camp while waiting for help.
When all is said and done, there is a section of track for everyone here so pick one you're comfortable with and you'll have a fantastic time!!
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