The Cotton family were the first settlers to
Pyengana Valley taking up land not far from the falls, naming their property Saint Columba in the late 1870s.
They discovered the falls and Mrs Cotton later applying their property name to the falls. The reserve and surrounding forest provides suitable habitat for many species of animals. During daylight hours. Visitors may observe some of the native inhabitants, including wallabies, spotted cats, and varieties of birds at night. The brushtail possum and Tasmanian devils may be seen.
Located just off the approach road on route to the falls the Intake
bridge marks are starting point of the disused 45 km water race. It was constructed in the early 1930s for the purpose of water for the tin
mine. Remnants of the race can still be seen in the form of the intake pipes located on the eastern side of the
bridge.