Who knew hidden in a small gorge, not too far from Canberra lies a small but pretty waterfall? It’s located down an unsignposted track and just a 15 minute walk through dry bushland. The waterfall cascades over jagged black rock and the steep walls give it a secluded feel. There are some large rocks beside the falls where you can perch and enjoy the view.
After visiting the waterfall you can make the short drive to the former mining village of Captains Flat. The village is only tiny, but there are a few historic buildings which make a quick stroll here very atmospheric.
Here’s how to find Ragged Falls.
The walk to Ragged Falls
The stats
Distance: 780m each way
Elevation gain: 70m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Layby on Jerangle Road
Summary: The walk to Ragged Falls is not on a maintained track, but the paths are in pretty good condition.
In fact, you could drive a little closer than the stats above if you have a 4WD and don’t mind some deep ruts, as the beginning is all fire trail.
There’s a minor creek crossing before you reach the falls, but it doesn’t involve wet boots. The track can be uneven, but it’s not difficult or steep.
The trail
Assuming you park where we did, the walk begins by heading downhill on the fire trail. After 100m the fire trail will fork and you continue straight.
It will then bend left and continue downhill for another 220m before it briefly flattens. At the 460m mark it will curve left and lead gently uphill.
There is another 190m on fire trail before you need to look for a path on the left which heads downhill. You can see the top of the falls before you reach this path.
You are now walking on a bush track which will descend for 80m before reaching the creek.
There are many stones here if the creek is running, but for us it was almost dry, so crossing is going to be very easy in anything but flood conditions.
The rest of the 50m track to the falls is rocky, but not slippery and the scenery is much more dramatic, with lots of craggy rocks and the sound of the waterfall in the distance.
The path will head briefly up and then downhill to the foot of the falls, 780m from the parking area.
Ragged Falls
My first glimpse of Ragged Falls was a real surprise, I wasn’t expecting a powerful waterfall, especially after walking through such dry bushland. It’s only small, but it’s impressive.
The water cascades into a small pool, but sadly it’s brown, which does make it a little less attractive. Miners used to swim here before the mine site closed in 1962.
The mine opened in the 1880’s and produced lead, zinc, copper, silver and gold.
There is a small memorial plaque for Kenneth ‘Ragged’ Winchester on the rock wall beside the falls, which must be how the waterfall got its name.
After enjoying the falls, you simply retrace your steps back the way you came.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Parking for the Ragged Falls Track
The parking area for the Ragged Falls walk is at the side of Jerangle Road, just before the fire trail, which you can see here on Google Maps. It’s 2.2km outside the village of Captains Flat. There is plenty of room to pull fully off the road.
It’s around a 47km/35 minute drive from Queanbeyan and 60km/50 minute drive from Canberra.
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