Tolmer Falls is one of three major waterfalls along the western face of the Tabletop Range. More large waterfalls are found along the western face of the Tabletop Range because the plateau slopes slightly to the west. Frederick Henry Litchfield named the falls in 1865. Tolmer was the son of a French abbot who arrived in South Australia where he joined the police force and was active in apprehending bushrangers.
Tolmer Falls Walk: 800 metres return to car park. 30 minutes return to the car park
This walkway starts at the information booth at the car park. Seats are spaced along this walk to allow you to enjoy the different landscapes as you walk to the lookout above the plunge pool. The first seat is in a small stand of cypress pines and cycad plants in a small valley.
An interesting duo -both of these plant types evolved before flowering plants appeared on the scene.
The second seat offers views of some of the rock formations found around the secondary plateau.
The third seat gives commanding views out over the woodlands and wetlands stretching from the base of the Tabletop Range to the coast approximately 50 kms to the west. At the end of the walkway is a lookout built on the edge of the gorge rim. No swimming is allowed at the waterfall. The walls of this gorge have many caves and tunnels, which provide homes for the numerous bats that live in this area. Two important species, the rare Orange Horseshoe Bat and the endangered Ghost Bat, use these caves as well as other species common to this area. Warm springs flowing up through the sandstone keep the caves warm and humid – ideal for these small bats. Tolmer Falls is believed to be the major stronghold for the Orange Horseshoe Bat with an estimated population of 29,000 out of a total estimated population of 34,000.
You can return to the car park or join the Tolmer Creek Walk. Toilets are provided in the car park.
Tolmer Creek Walk:1.2 km to the car park. 45 minutes from lookout to car park
This walk starts just before the lookout for Tolmer Falls. The walk meanders through the broken sandstone around the gorge rim and is a good example of how the flora in this area has adapted to the poor soils and the lack of water in these areas for most of the year. Joining the creek near a natural rock archway over Tolmer Creek, this area is known as the upper gorge and entry is prohibited. The walk follows the creek line until cycads begin to appear beside the walk and then crosses back to the car park through the woodland. Where the walkway leaves the creek, a small pathway leads down to the creek. This is a pleasant place to sit on the rocks and enjoy the scenery. This creek is seasonal and the water flow stops shortly after the rains finish for the wet. Return to the walk and continue. As you walk back you pass through stands of cycad. This type of cycad (cycas calcicola) is only found on the Tabletop Range and on some limestone outcrops around Katherine. Toilets are provided in the car park.
