The latest TikTok sensation to claim a space on the ‘For You Page’ is the secret Woy Woy Waterfall in NSW. Like all things that go viral on social media, there are often two sides to the coin. Things may not be as shiny and beautiful as they appear online. In fact, things might stink…
Where is this secret Waterfall?
Naturally, once it’s hit the internet it’s only a matter of time before a ‘secret’ becomes common knowledge. Nicknamed the bathtub, due to it resembling a plunge pool, Woy Woy Waterfall cascades down a cliff. To get there you’ll need to park in front of the gate that leads to the Tunnel Fire Trail and walk just under 3km. There are a few rock scrambles and a gate to climb around on the way.
The plunge pool is man-made, but there are mixed stories about how it ended up there. All we know is pictures and video of the waterfall have been plastered across social media. This has resulted in many new visitors to the Waterfall.
What’s lurking in the water?
We’re not insinuating there are crocs about. However, there may be something else lurking in the water that you don’t want to cross paths with. Some social media users, presumably locals, have warned the waterfall is near a waste management facility. They’ve warned not to swim in it after rain due to runoff and faecal coliforms.
Sewerage claims are disputed
Other social media users have denied this claim saying the water runs from the creek above in a national park. Of course, this claim of sewerage water could just be a hoax created by locals to discourage new visitors from coming to see the waterfall. Nothing deters Instagram Influencers like the threat of faecal matter when putting your head under water. Woy Woy Falls does share natural waterways with the waste management facility, however, if the facility does its job, pollution shouldn’t be found at the falls.
What’s the lesson here?
Whether it’s a plunge pool full of poo or not, the lesson is not to go chasing waterfalls. Just kidding, chase all you like but make sure you do your research first. A few quick Google searches should allow you to construct an idea of the place so you can map out if it’s safe to access and visit. There is a narrow ledge at the pool that becomes quite slippery. This means if travelling to the fall with kids you’ll need to keep a close eye on them. It’s also important to plan your trip and evaluate how long the hike in and out will take. This dictates how much food and water you should bring on your trip as well as the kind of sun protection you may need and what clothing would be appropriate.
We are all for social media highlighting some new places to discover and explore, but safety comes first. You want to ensure you make it home safe and sound to tell the tale of your discovery, or your experience of someone else’s on TikTok. Look into claims online that may or may not be internet rumours and plan accordingly for any new sites you choose to visit. Remember, social media doesn’t always show the full picture. You may find a hidden gem or you may end up swimming in poo.
