One of Australia's best exports of country and blues, 8 Ball Aitken has been criss-crossing our big, burnt continent for more than a decade.
In that time, he has encountered plenty of natural wonders. Here, he selects his favourite waterfalls to visit while on the road. “When you are touring our great country on the road hardcore, having a swim between gigs can make all the difference to putting on a energetic show.
8 Ball Aitken
“Australia is blessed with an abundance of amazing natural spots. I have been touring Gondwanaland-wide for over a decade and I know some incredible and iconic waterfalls. I believe that visiting these natural wonders is much better for a musician’s health than a green room full of alcohol and groupies.”
1. Emerald Creek Falls (Mareeba, QLD)
I grew up not far away from this spectacular spot. After school and on weekends, I used to go here with my brothers and sisters. It really flows in the wet season and can be a little difficult to get to down the old dirt road at the end of the track, but well worth the effort.
2. Crystal Cascades (Cairns, QLD)
I used to swim here regularly when I was just starting out as a full-time musician and playing a residency in the legendary, (but now defunct) Johno’s Blues Bar. This place has several waterfalls and cascading pools and flows into the Freshwater Creek behind White Rock. If you are ever in Cairns put this on the top of your list. Cairns FM Radio is not far away from here too, so hit them up for an interview then duck out here in between soundcheck and rocking a FNQ crowd.{youtube}_7h-LY6WADs{/youtube}
3. Ebor Falls (Ebor, NSW)
If you are ever on the road to Tamworth and heading inland from Coffs Harbour, make sure you stop at this one. Stomping in the Tamworth dust will make you hot and you will need to cool off in Ebor. It is a couple of hours from the country capital but well worth a visit. It is spectacular scenery as you coast the great dividing range.
4. Edith Falls (Katherine, NT)
Edith Falls is nowhere near the size of the famous Katherine Falls, but this place has a large and supposedly crocodile-free swimming hole. There are also some great pools and smaller falls not far up a hiking track. It is another three hours to Darwin from here. You have plenty of time to hang your budgie smugglers out of the window and get them dry before you hit the big smoke.
5. Millaa Millaa Falls (QLD)
The Atherton Tablelands have a large number of falls; none a more picture-perfect setting than the rolling green hills of Millaa Millaa. There are not many gigs in Millaa Millaa. It is a tiny town, not a hot spot of nightlife but it's still worth a visit.{youtube}qnzvaoQcP5Y{/youtube}
8 Ball Aitken is part of the musical line-up for the Blues On Broadbeach, which takes place 19-22 May. Free entry.
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