Travelling to the Grampians? When you’re not admiring the Grand Canyon, or sweating on the Grampians Peaks Trail, take a moment to marvel at the majestic MacKenzie Falls. This spectacular natural wonder is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, and is also the only waterfall in the Grampians that flows all year round. The waterfall is about three and a half hours away from Melbourne, or 25 minutes away from Halls Gap.
MacKenzie Falls
Park your car at the MacKenzie Falls Day Visitor Area, and choose your adventure. There’s a number of ways for you to gaze at this stunning waterfall.
To enjoy sweeping views of the waterfall and the MacKenzie River, opt for the Mackenzie Falls Lookout Walk. This 1.9km return journey will take you through stringybark forest to Bluff Lookout. From the lookout point, peer down and watch multiple cascades of the flowing river tumble down the gorge. This walk is also wheelchair and stroller friendly.
For another wheelchair friendly experience, opt for the Broken Falls Walk. This 500m journey will take you to see the upper sections of the waterfall. It’s also a great way to see the geological formations of the MacKenzie River Gorge.
If you’re up for something more strenuous, or you’re just itching to get closer to the waterfall, then the MacKenzie Falls Walk is the way to go. This is a 2km return journey that will take you to the base of the falls. Take 260 steps down to the bottom, and watch the water tumble over the cliff into the deep pool below. While you might want to cool off the in the water, please note that swimming is not permitted due to strong currents, unseen objects and other risks. After taking in the sights, make the steep trek back up the steps.
For more time in nature, stretch your legs along the MacKenzie River Walk. This 7km return walk will take you along the banks of the river, through the forest and past Fish Falls, another pretty waterfall that’s located downstream of MacKenzie Falls. Watch the water tumble 60 metres over terraced rocks. End the trip with a picnic or barbecue at the Zumsteins Historic Area. If you don’t feel like lugging your food with you, you could of course do the walk in reverse. Enjoy lunch in the area, walk through the historic settlement, then make the walk up to the stunning MacKenzie Falls.
If you’d prefer to eat closer to the waterfall, there is also a picnic area near the main carpark. Keep an eye on the Parks Victoria website for any changes or updates in the area.