'This is too beautiful Mum, I never want to leave' Emilia about Manning Falls

After finally getting Emilia to swim behind the waterfall at Manning Falls she sat on a rock gobsmacked at the beauty and power of the water cascading in front of us. We were so pleased both kids had this experience as it was amazing. It took us an hour and a half hike (interspersed with some piggybacks) in the hot sun to get to the gorge and falls but it was so worth it. A huge pool to swim and the incredible waterfall. We climbed to the top of the waterfall, swam in the sandy 'beach' sections, warmed ourselves on the hot rocks and Daniel impressed everyone with his jumps from high up on the rocks. We had a marvellous day. Both kids were exhausted by the time we left. Daniel carried a sleeping Jackson the whole way back and his arm muscles are only just recovering. Our other few days camped at the Manning Gorge campground consisted of floating down the river on our lilo, exploring the rocks for indigenous art, swimming back and forth to the rock island and generally relaxing.

Pulling the rickety boat over to get us to the other side.

The boat to take you to the beginning of the hike to the falls.

Hiking to the falls.

The spectacular Manning Falls.

Dangerous, Daredevil Daddy.

Exhausted after so much swimming.

Dusk photography, Emilia is really getting into it and has taken some great shots.

The water was so still it created incredible reflections.

Final swim on our last morning.