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Writer's pictureAvalon Karatau

Day 16: The “Tripping Over to Trentham”

Welcome to Day 16 of the Whoop Whoop Walk About, where we explore the “Tripping Over to Trentham” tour! Get ready for a waterfall adventure that’s as ancient as it is slippery, with a side of history that’ll leave you gobsmacked—or at least mildly impressed.



The Lava Lamp of the Outback

Now, let’s talk about Trentham Falls—no, not the kind you take when you’ve had one too many at the pub, but the kind caused by a volcano that couldn’t keep its lava to itself. Millions of years ago, the nearby volcano decided it was time to redecorate, sending rivers of lava flowing through the area. As the lava cooled (much like your tea when you forget about it), it cracked into these tall, impressive basalt columns. Over the next five million years, the Coliban River thought it’d have a bit of fun, eroding the rock, making the falls move upstream, inch by inch, like a lazy bushwalker.



Gold Diggers and Timber Terrors

Fast forward to the 1850s—gold prospectors rocked up, hoping to strike it rich. Trentham was a hot spot for a bit of digging, followed by a whole lot of logging when the gold didn’t pan out. The town’s post office opened in 1862, just in time to send home news of the latest splinter injury, and the railway arrived in 1880, making it easier to ship out both timber and tall tales.



First Nations Wisdom

But before all that commotion, the Dja Dja Wurrung people were here, looking after Djandak (Country) as they had for thousands of years. For the Djaara, the land isn’t just dirt and rocks—it’s a living entity filled with stories of creation, dreaming, and ancestral spirits. They cared for this cold-climate region, ensuring it provided for future generations, long before it became the site of Trentham’s famous falls.

What’s Next?

As you stand at the edge of Trentham Falls, gazing at the natural wonder carved out over eons, take a moment to appreciate the stories etched into the landscape. Or, you know, take a selfie and tag us at #TrippingOverTrentham. Just don’t trip over your own feet while you’re at it.

So, whether you’re here for the geology, the history, or just to hear the sound of water crashing over a cliff while you munch on a sandwich, the “Tripping Over Trentham” tour is a day you won’t forget—unless you hit your head on one of those basalt columns.

Let’s keep it upright, folks!


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