Led by Ross Coad, the North-Eastern Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club activity for May 2026 was a walk around the Ralphs Falls and Cashs Gorge circuit in the Mount Victoria Regional Reserve. The track is easy to navigate, has only a few short inclines and declines, and is relatively short at 4 km in length. Recent maintenance work on the track ensured protection of the ground underfoot while ensuring easy passage through sections that might have otherwise been boggy. Along the way, the 24 members who participated in the walk were treated to spectacular views from lookouts opposite the falls, above the falls and further on at Cashs Gorge.

 

The walk starts in rain forest, with iconic species such as myrtle, celery top pine, sassafras and waratah growing beside the track. After viewing Ralphs Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in Tasmania, the group stopped at the top of the escarpment to take in the views down the valley while having morning tea, or lunch for some. Continuing on, the rain forest gives way to teatree, mosses and fungi.

The group enjoyed displays of fungi that had emerged following rain during the preceding two weeks. A couple of the more eye-catching fungi were Ascocoryne sarcoides, with its pinkish-purple gelatinous discs, and a bright red fungus, possibly Hygrocybe miniata. The perennial bracket fungi were seen during the early stages of the walk through the rainforest, and shortly after Hygrocybes with split caps and thick waxy gills, and thriving clusters of fungi on rotting logs, such as the chocolate brown Hypholoma brunneum. At least two species of coral fungus were also spotted.

At the Cashs Gorge lookout, club member Ian Thomas explained the geomorphology of the area to a receptive audience. Returning from the Cashs Gorge side track, the main track soon starts to pass through buttongrass moorland before reaching the car park. Members gathered here and chatted while eating lunch at the several picnic tables provided for visitors.

Club members had enjoyed a very pleasant walk through an interesting and varied area under perfect weather conditions. No doubt Ralphs Falls and Cashs Gorge will remain on the list of places to visit from time to time.