15 Stunning Waterfalls Near Melbourne, Victoria
Victoria is speckled with cascading rivers. There are loads of 'em with epic cascades that lead to sweet swimming holes. Some of the most beautiful ones are found at the end of a breathtaking bushwalk. And if you're gonna chase those waterfalls, why not take things up a notch by packing a picnic? Kick back, nibble on some goodies, and let the stunning views take your breath away!
Although there are waterfalls all over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have some great ones. This area is well known for its lush hikes through endless green rainforests, mountains, rivers, and estuaries. Some stunning waterfalls are also closer than you may imagine in this area, which serves as Melbourne's primary water catchment area.
The following waterfalls are all easily accessible from Melbourne, and many of them are adjacent to each other, so you can visit many on a single road trip. View some of our favourites below, then get in your GoGet and head out to these magnificent cascades.
Sherbrooke Falls, Dandenong Ranges
You can find Sherbrooke Falls, where a small creek cascades into a charming ravine, deep within the Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges. Families travelling from Melbourne for the day will love this option because it is close to two well-equipped picnic spots and the picturesque hilltop communities of the Dandenong Ranges. Sherbrooke Falls, which are only a short distance from the parking lot, are most exciting after it has rained since the Sherbrooke Creek flows over rocky rocks. On Sherbrooke Lodge Road, the walk can start and end at either the O'Donohue Picnic Grounds or the Sherbrooke Picnic Grounds. From the well-equipped picnic areas, a number of walking trails go into a beautiful rainforest with stunning Mountain Ash, stringybark, rich tree ferns, and, of course, waterfalls. The trails are well marked, and the rainforest is the true star of this hike; the falls are modest and hidden by tree ferns.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
A fan-favourite waterfall around Melbourne is Steavenson Falls in Marysville, which is one of Victoria's tallest waterfalls, at an astonishing 84 metres high. These magnificent waterfalls, located in the picturesque Yarra Valley about 90 minutes east of Melbourne, are accessible even with young children and offer a stunning backdrop for any photograph. Steavenson Falls is a magnificent cascade, particularly following rain. One of the highest falls in Victoria, the falls plunge in three stages into the river valley with steep sides. The falls are only 3 kilometres from Marysville Township, and they are floodlit at night until 11 p.m., which is another incentive to remain over the weekend or during the middle of the week. The main lookout is a quick 350-metre walk along a gravel road that is accessible to strollers once you arrive at the Steavenson.
Mackenzie Falls, Grampians National Park
Mackenzie Falls, a popular destination in the Grampians National Park, offers a breathtaking panorama of water tumbling into a sizable pool below. One of the main reasons people visit the Grampians is to see them, which are unquestionably a must-see sight if you're in the area.
The path that leads to the falls' base is breathtaking. It is around two kilometres round trip to the falls and will take an hour and a half to complete. It is quite a steep descent to reach the base of the falls, making it challenging for little children. On a warm day, those who can manage it can paddle their feet in the river after an arduous hike. MacKenzie Falls is a year-round waterfall, meaning you can visit any time of the year to dunk your toes in the arctic water. A wheelchair-friendly loop that offers breathtaking views of Mackenzie Falls and the MacKenzie River is the MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk. While you're there, you might also wish to see the well-known Venus Pools and a few of the park's other more modest but no less stunning waterfalls.
Agnes Falls, Gippsland
The highest single span falls in Victoria are located about 200 kilometres or 3 hours outside of Melbourne. The trek to Agnes Falls takes you through a stunning blue gum forest before the falls drop 59 metres down and over rocks into a deep canyon. It's the ideal location for a picnic, so pack some food and get ready to enjoy the scenery. Agnes Falls, which is tucked away in the Strzelecki Ranges, is a picnicker's and wildlife watcher's dream come true. Keep a look out for the numerous natural animals that call this place home.
This is a picturesque stop you must make if you find yourself in Southern Gippsland. Walk the 200 metres from the parking lot to the viewing platform while taking in the stunning protected wilderness all around you and keeping an eye out for wallabies and local birds.
Although there is no way to reach the bottom, there are several picnic tables and places to spread out a blanket while listening to the cascading falls.
Erskine Falls, Lorne
Erskine Falls is yet another favourite and one of the most stunning waterfalls in Victoria. A 15-minute journey along the Great Ocean Road inland from Lorne and you'll start the trek down, which is only about 15 minutes long and not too difficult. Although there isn't much to do down there, the views of the waterfall are stunning. Being relatively steep, the steps require a bit more work for young children to climb back up, but this waterfall is still among the most kid-friendly ones close to Melbourne. There are many waterfalls in the coastal area around the Great Ocean Road, but Erskine Falls is unquestionably the best. This tremendous waterfall, which is just a 10-kilometre drive from Lorne, cascades down around 30 metres into the Erskine River's ravine. There are two lookouts from which you can see it: the top lookout is accessible from the parking lot in five minutes, while the lower observation requires a harder climb to the falls' base.
Sheoak Falls, Great Otway National Park
Another of the most well-known waterfalls close to Lorne is Sheoak Falls, which is a great place to stop if you're on the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Falls is located in the Great Otway National Park, just outside of Lorne. A 700-metre walk with steps leads from the parking lot to a pool where Sheoak Creek's waters flow down 15 metres into the water. You'll go through damp forests and coastal woodlands on your way to the falls. Beginner hikers will find the walk to be short and manageable, and if you're up for a longer trip, you may keep going up the trail to Swallow Cave. If you're lucky, you might see the cute and thin swallows known as Tree Martins building their nests out of mud from the creek. Hiking the Swallow Cave trek, which may be challenging after rain, is the best way to experience Sheoak Falls' genuine magnificence.
Henderson Falls, Cumberland Falls, Phantom Falls, and Erskine Falls are a few more waterfalls in the area to explore if you're still up for an adventure, but you'll definitely want to get back in the car for a few of those.
Olinda Falls, Olinda
Your entrance to the stunning Olinda Falls is the Olinda Falls Picnic Area, which is located just beyond Mount Dandenong. Enjoy a picnic in the serene surroundings while keeping an eye and ear out for lyrebirds, which are plentiful throughout the park. Olinda Falls can be reached on foot in just 15 minutes, and it is only 350 metres from the viewing platform to the base of the falls. The bottom portion of the falls has seating areas in the water, and there are picnic areas nearby. The falls are divided between the upper and lower falls, which are 180 metres apart, and each has its own viewing platforms and walking trails to the creek. Before spending more time at the taller, multi-level lower falls, have a peek at the upper falls first. You can observe the lower falls from both sides and watch the water pour beneath your feet by walking across a steel bridge that spans the creek at the lower falls. There are elevated viewing decks in front of the falls on the side of both the upper and lower falls.
Bindaree Falls, Mount Buller
Have you ever wanted to see what it looks like behind a waterfall without having to jump in and swim through the raging water? If you have ever considered doing that, Bindaree Falls is the ideal waterfall to pursue because it has a wooden observation deck that goes straight behind it, allowing you to appreciate the water curtain in front of your eyes. Unfortunately, seasonal track closures in the High Country prevent access by vehicle to the falls from June to November. However, the falls can be reached via Circuit Road, which circles Mt. Stirling, from November to June.
Mason Falls, King Lake
The magnificent Mason Falls are found in the stunning Kinglake National Park, which is located north of Melbourne. This waterfall drops 45 metres over the cliffs, is encircled by a thick forest, and offers stunning views of the gorge. The 700-meter hike is easy to moderate in difficulty. If possible, go after a rainstorm because it can dry up over the summer. There is a picnic area close to the falls where you can enjoy lunch while listening to the sound of the water crashing.
Wombelano Falls, Kinglake National Park
Wombelano Falls offers a 1.5-kilometer walking path that is three kilometres round trip to observe the 30-meter falls from a viewing point. Although there are a few steeper sections that could raise your heart rate, it is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. It makes a good day excursion for nature lovers because it is only 65 kilometres from Melbourne. Please be aware that the final 300 meters of Captains Creek Road leading to the parking lot are unpaved. Although there are potholes and puddles, Extons Road is acceptable for 2WD cars. Access from Eucalyptus Road requires 4WD vehicles.
Trentham Falls,Trentham
The Trentham Falls are Victoria's longest single-drop waterfalls, and they're located close to Daylesford, around 90 minutes from Melbourne. The walking route is easy, and you can even view the falls from both the top and bottom if you follow instructions from the Trentham Falls parking lot. If you visit after a significant rainstorm, you will witness water rushing 32 meters over 40,000-year-old basalt cliffs.
La La Falls, Warburton
Since the 1880s, La La Falls, which translate to "Welcome Welcome" in the native tongue, has enchanted and delighted tourists. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the 1.6 km to the falls. The hike, which passes through lovely fern gullies and across stone bridges, is uphill with some steep sections and steps, but it is well worth it. In the Warburton region, La La Falls has long been a well-liked tourist destination. Each year, hundreds of locals and tourists travel to the falls to take in the breathtaking splendour. Visit after a significant amount of rain when the falls are at their most powerful for a really stunning vista.
Hopetoun Falls, Beech Forest
The stunning Hopetoun falls, which plunge 30 metres into the Aire River, are hidden among the Otway National Park's lush green rainforest. A well-kept flight of stairs can be used by visitors to descend to a viewing platform that is right at the base of the falls. Get ready to be soaked because you will no doubt be wet with the spray from the falls. The one-kilometre stroll should only take around 30 minutes to complete. Either walk the 20 metres to the viewing platform to observe the waterfalls, or descend the 200 stairs through the forest to the waterfalls' base. At the bottom, you can pick a bench and take in the scenery.
Rollasons Falls, Mount Buffalo National Park
The alpine region of Victoria is not only for winter. Halfway up Mount Buffalo, approximately 3.5 hours from Melbourne, Rollasons Falls is the perfect place to cool off after exploring some of the park's over 90 kilometres of hiking trails. There are options to view the upper and lower falls along the short 3-kilometer return path from the Rollasons Falls Picnic Area. The beautiful, peaceful pool at the base of Rollasons Falls, perfect for swimming, is the main attraction of the waterfall. Additionally, there are some small cliffs to jump from and some rocks for sunbathing. What more could you want? Just remember to carefully check the water for rocks and trees before diving in.
Beauchamp Falls, Beech Forest
Beauchamp Falls is another breathtaking waterfall in Victoria's Great Otway National Park. It takes about an hour to get there and back, but there are significantly fewer steps than at nearby Hopetoun Falls. There is a walking trail from the picnic area that takes you into the forest and out to see Beauchamp Falls' 20-meter waterfall. There is plenty of free camping available nearby along the Great Ocean Road if you enjoy camping. As you make your way towards Beauchamp Falls, it may feel like you're going further and further down the rabbit hole. The good news is that Victoria's best-kept secret waterfall serves as the reward. You can reach this breathtaking 20-meter-tall cascade by following the clearly marked trail through mountain ash trees, down a built stairway, and over some rocks. Take your time and be aware that the rocks can be slippery when wet.
Go waterfall exploring this weekend and remember to pack your camera for some amazing photo opportunities, your walking shoes, and your sense of adventure!
