The Lefroy Brook at the Cascades changes from a gentle flow in the summer to a raging torrent in the winter.

The Cascades is a fantastic place to visit all year round. In summer, it’s a cool, shady place for a picnic and in winter, the Lefroy Brook is an impressive sight as it tumbles over the Cascades.

The Cascades are a series of picturesque waterfalls and rapids formed by the Lefroy Brook, a beautiful river that meanders through the National Park. The cascading water flows over moss-covered rocks, creating a visually stunning and serene environment. There are walking trails that lead to and around the Cascades, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty. These trails often meander through the lush forest, providing glimpses of the surrounding flora and fauna.

The Lefroy Brook is home to a population of pouched lampreys (Geotria australis). These eel like creatures sound like something from a horror movie – they attack their prey with suction mouth and a tongue like a round chainsaw. Luckily lampreys are harmless to humans and leave their vicious dietary habits behind in the ocean when they migrate from the sea into the rivers to breed. During winter, hundreds of lampreys enter the Lefroy Brook and swim upstream to breed. They can be seen congregated at obstacles such as weirs or rapids as they use their sucking mouthparts to scale the slippery rocks. About a year later, the young lampreys migrate downstream and out to the ocean. Many other creatures inhabit this waterway and surrounding vegetation.

The scenic beauty of the Cascades offers wonderful opportunities for nature photography enthusiasts. Capture the cascading water, moss-covered rocks, and surrounding forest in all their natural glory.

Step out along the Lefroy Brook Loop Walk to learn more about them.