The Wannon Falls holds a special place in my heart. It sits, well, it falls, between Hamilton and Coleraine. The old township of Wannon is home to Mallangeenba, the Wannon District Scout Camp, a spot that I’ve spent many hours in over the years.
The falls themselves are pretty amazing, not world shattering amazing. Super impressive when in full flood, otherwise just a trickle dropping into the pool below.
In 1995 when I left Hamilton, I was presented with a wonderful photo of the falls in full flood.
It hangs in our dining room, the badge in the lower right of the frame is the District Scout badge for the Wannon District, a badge that I wore on all my Scout uniforms.
The badge shows the Falls in full flow, much like the photograph in the image. The Wannon District is no longer, in fact, I was the last District Commissioner, shortly after I left, the District amalgamated with the Surrey River District, based around Portland. The two became the Glenelg River District.
The little plaque under the photo, on the frame is inscribed with the words:
Presented to
Greg Storer
in appreciation for many
years of service to
Wannon District
Scout Association
~1995~
It was given to me at a farewell event held in the old church at Mallangeeba. Over the years, the timber frame got a bit warped, as a surprise, Michael had it repaired for me, and it now proudly hangs on our wall.
I stood at the viewing platform and viewed the falls for a couple of minutes, before heading upstream to the old swimming hole. It’s only a short walk. Along the way I have to pass over many bull ant nests, swarming with bull ants. The nests are as iconic as the falls. There are always plenty of bull ants scurrying around.
Many a child, and adult for that matter, have stirred up the ants using a stick, or even running through the nest. Standing still on the nest was never recommended, and if you did, it wouldn’t be long before you knew, with a few nips on your skin.
At the swimming hole is a sign declaring the dangers of the falls. In my younger days, I had visions of being swept away to a certain death if I disobeyed this sign. I imagined the classic movie scene of the hapless individual being sucked over the edge of the fall. The reality is, of course, that unless the river is flooded, you’d be pretty unlucky to be swept over the falls. Not that I’m suggesting that you should ignore the warning signs!
A few steps away is a concrete weir that stretches across the river. It’s a little lower in the middle and the water flows over it, and continues on its way to the dreaded drop. This was the favourite spot to paddle in the many little water holes that erosion has caused over the millennia.
Over the years, I have spent many hours here, sometimes I’d arrive on my bike, sometimes with a pack of Cub Scouts, family members or friends. Long summer evenings paddling in the water. Today’s departure is in my electric car, a short fifteen-minute drive back to Hamilton.
Hi Greg, yes the falls and the scout camp are fond memories, especially with you brother Shane and the Venturers and Rovers of 3rd Hamilton Group.
I love visiting the Wannon and Nigretta Falls when we return – after leaving Hamilton in 1980 to start a teaching career across Australia. Great memories
Peter Hurley
Hey Pete – it was great fun camping at the Wannon – participating in the Cohen Shield, planting trees, wonderful times.