In Barron Gorge National Park, resides the Barron Falls, the entire reason for this park, soley to show off the falls and the river. These falls reach 853 feet tall. The falls are located in Kuranda Austrailia.
The water from the Barron Gorge falls, unfortunately, has been diverted to the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Plant. This results in the falls being reduced from their full capacity most of the year. The average volume is about 1,064 cubic feet per second, but during the wet season, the falls rise to a higher volume, creating a stunning display. The maximum recorded volume was 255,006 cubic feet per second. The wet season is from December to March.
The Barron River and falls aboriginal name was Bibhoora. The Atherton Tableland is where the Barron river flows. The tableland is a mountainous plateau. The river has spent years carving out the Barren Gorge, which is a popular tourist site. This is the gorge that is the traditional home of the Djabaguy, who have a spiritual connection to the area.
Rainforest surrounds much of the land in and around the park and falls. It is full of lush vegetation and interesting animals. The second largest bird in Austraila, the Cassowarie resides here. Featuring blue necks and heads with crests at the top, these birds do not fly. Tourists should not attempt to get close to these birds, as they are not very friendly. The park is also home to “the stinging tree”, otherwise known as the gympie-gympie tree, whose leaves can sting. Gympie translates to devil.
From the Barron Falls Railway station you will find the best view of the 900 feet wide cascade. You can get there by car, or by hiking up a trail. There is also a skyrail which can take visitors over the greenery of the park.
During the rainy season, the falls become a torrent of rushing water, appearing muddy from the sediments that the rains stir up. There is a cloud of mist that rises up the cascade from the churning water. Either side of the falls is full of lush green vegetation!
