Blue crab. Photo: [Wondrous World Images](https://www.wondrousworldimages.com.au)

Blue crab. Photo: [Wondrous World Images](https://www.wondrousworldimages.com.au)

Strictly for the adventurous, this rainforest walk leads to a small gorge and freshwater stream.

The Anderson Dale trail starts about halfway along the boardwalk to Hughs Dale Waterfall. After passing through pristine rainforest, you’ll arrive at a freshwater stream that has carved a small gorge through the limestone cliffs on its way to the ocean.

Further down the gorge are caves, a small cove and enormous tangles of tree roots.

The gorge is rough, slippery, and sometimes subject to large unpredictable waves. Be very careful if you choose to venture into this area and don’t swim, turn your back to the ocean or climb onto the shoreline rock platforms.

Vehicle track closures during red crab migration

Vehicle tracks to the Dales and Blowholes may be closed during the red crab migration and return of juvenile red crabs.

During these periods, the tracks will be closed until 10.30 am every day (the time of peak crab activity).

Rangers will check each track between 10.30 am and 11.00 am to determine if it can be opened to vehicles.

If the track can be opened, it will remain open until 3.30 pm, by which time all vehicles must be out of the area. If the track cannot be opened, it will remain closed until the following morning’s check.

Site accessibility

  • tick icon4WD

Walk type

One way

Walk grade

Moderate to difficult

Walk distance

1.5 km

Time required

1 hour