As the name implies, the south central highlands is a region along the south central coast of New South Wales, south of Sydney. The area is quite beautiful with lush rolling hills, pasture land, towering sandstone cliffs, rainforest, and waterfalls. Located about 1.5 hours south of Sydney is Fitzroy Falls and is one of the highlights of the highlands.
Although long known to the aborigines, who passed by it on their migrations from the coast to the Highlands, the falls were 'discovered' in the 1820s by Charles Throsby, pioneer settler of Bong Bong, whose property extended as far as the falls itself. Its spectacular beauty made it a favourite place for the Throsbys to bring their many guests on picnics. One of these, NSW Governor Fitzroy, visited in 1850 and in typically modest manner named the falls after himself.
The falls lie in the path of the Yarrunga Creek, which drops over 80 metres down the escarpment, and flows on into the Kangaroo River. The water flow is not as massive, nor as irregular, as in the past due to a water catchment dam further upstream today. Long recognised for its natural beauty, 4000 acres was set aside as a reserve in 1882, and later attempts to 'develop' the area were thwarted by Highlands residents.
Fitzroy Falls today owes its beauty to these far-sighted earlier settlers. The small, sleepy village of the same name lies astride the main road between the Highlands to Kangaroo Valley and the South Coast at Nowra, and is a favourite stopping off place on that journey, and for the thousands of tourists each year who come to the Highlands.
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Banksia Pod
Twin Falls
Termite Mound
Australia has the best signs
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