On Sunday 22 June, the โfeels likeโ temperature in Canberra hit -10.5ยฐC at 7am. Naturally, I figured it was the perfect time to check out a waterfall Iโd heard about, just under an hour outside the city.
I saw a post on the useful Walk My World website showing off Raggeds Falls and thought it looked worth a visit. Just past Captains Flat, itโs a secluded and scenic spot where a small but striking waterfall cascades over jagged rocks. Who wouldโve thought?
If youโre driving from Canberra, the falls are located a couple of kilometres past the historic mining town of Captains Flat, along Jerangle Road. Click on this link for the Google Maps location. Head past the iconic Captains Flat Hotel, and not too far along, youโll spot a โReport Illegal Dumpingโ sign by the roadside. Thereโs a small space to park next to the sign, where you can begin the roughly 800m walk down to the waterfall. Or, if youโre in a 4WD and up for a little adventure, you can drive a bit closer down the track.
Itโs pretty straightforward once you’re on the trail. At a fork in the path, take the right turn along the wider route. From there, youโll soon hear the waterfall as you approach.
The trail gets a little narrow and rocky as you descend, so tread with care.
The area feels peaceful and secluded, with rocks that offer a great vantage point to sit and take in the surroundings.
The freezing conditions added a beautiful dynamic to the experience. Some of the leaves on the trees were coated in ice, and the rocky wall beside the waterfall was icy as well.
The area may not officially be known as Raggeds Falls, but there is a plaque on one of the rocks headlined โRAGGEDS FALLSโ and is dedicated to Kenneth โRaggedโ Winchester (1937-2013).
Iโd love to come back in summer, when you can cool your feet in the water and really take your time enjoying the place.
