In my notes app, I always have a list called ‘bucket list hikes QLD + NSW'.

Thunder and Lightning Falls lived at the top of this list for over eighteen months. It was only in April that I finally took action to remove it, and me and an a mate set off with full, heavy packs to conquer what was a lot more than an epic name on top of a list. In reality, behind the name is truly an extreme adventure.

You hike for several hours along a formed track.

You locate the turn off, by a vague sketch into the side of a tree.

You descend two kilometres down into a gorge, almost vertically. Vines rip your hands to shreds as you try and stop the weight you’re carrying speeding up your journey to the bottom.

You follow a swollen, slippery creek the entire way up to the waterfall, clambering up boulders and wading through freezing water.

My mate and I had only completed the first step when it started pouring. Mist swirled, droplets ran down our pack-covers and glanced down our jackets. Our teeth chattered and we couldn’t find the off-track turn off.

We eventually cut our losses and went to Bluesfest.

It became a huge day of driving, a small damp wander, and a trip to Target to buy suitable clothes for a music event - which were promptly ruined in the mud at the festival.

Based on this rather disappointing first attempt, I was absolutely STOKED to collaborate with the marketing team at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to cover their first guided hike to this stunning location.

The ‘guests’ on the mission has such interesting lives, and it was an awesome day of exploring to finally reach this amazing spot!!

Enjoy the following photo story.