Some of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights and sounds are that of water falling. Perhaps it’s thanks to the soothing sounds of the water, or the thought that the water flowing over the rocks has been doing so for thousands and millions of years, slowly but surely forging its path. Whatever the calling, here are eight waterfalls in Victoria to discover so that you can make a quick escape from the city and enjoy some of the natural beauty our state has to offer.
If you’re thinking of a swim, make sure to check the signs as some waterfalls are off-limits to a dip.
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1. Sheoak Falls, Lorne
The Great Otway National Park is home to Sheoak Falls, just outside of Lorne along the Great Ocean Road. Waters from Sheoak Creek cascade down 15 metres into the pool below, which is easily accessible (700-metre walk with steps) from the car park along natural paths.
To appreciate Sheoak Falls true beauty, you want to hike the Swallow Cave trail, which might be difficult to reach if there has been rain.
If you’re still keen on more adventure, there are a few more waterfalls in the area to chase including Henderson Falls, Cumberland Falls, Phantom Falls and Erskine Falls—although, you’d probably want to jump back in the car for a couple of those.
2. Gooram Falls, Gooram
In Victoria’s northeast, Gooram Falls provides day trippers and freshwater swimmers the chance to cool off. Located within the Seven Creeks Wildlife Reserve, the series of cascades provide picturesque views, rockpools and there’s ample room for a picnic and even a bbq on one of the banks.
The short walk from the carpark is about 800 metres so it’s easy to reach but to get some of the best photos, you’re going to need to hop along some rocks.
3. Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Steavenson Falls is one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls at 84 metres. It is also one of the first to be opened up to tourists, way back in 1866, meaning that this is one of the easier cascades to chase with just a 700-metre path leading you from the carpark to the lookout.
It can be made longer if you leave the car back in Marysville, which we highly recommend doing, and take the Tree Fern Gully Trail (7km return). This will lead you through bushland that has changed dramatically since 2009’s Black Saturday bushfires and up along the Steavenson River until you reach the falls.
If you feel more like a night-time jaunt through the woods, Steavenson Falls is one of your best options as the path and the falls themselves are lit up by floodlights between dusk and midnight.
4. Bindaree Falls, Mount Buller
Have you ever wanted to see the view from behind a waterfall without needing to dive in and swim beneath the thundering water? If that sounds like something you’ve thought about before, then Bindaree Falls is your perfect waterfall to chase since there is a wooden-viewing platform that passes directly behind so you can appreciate the curtain of water before your eyes.
Unfortunately, vehicle access to the falls is not possible from June to November due to seasonal track closures in the High Country. However, from November to June the falls can be reached via Circuit Road around Mt Stirling. Turn left at Bindaree Road and continue for five kilometres, stopping just before the bridge. A short walk then awaits.
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5. Masons Falls, Kinglake West
Located in the beautiful Kinglake National Park, which is on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Masons Falls make for a wonderful day out with friends or fam. From the picnic area, there are numerous short walks among the towering gumtrees, lichens and ferns that populate the area. One of these walks, which is just 700-metres long, leads you to the falls themselves so you can smell when the meats cooking on the free-to-use gas BBQs are ready to eat.
Other, longer walks include the Mason Falls Loop and the 7.8km Running Creek Walk. There are also forest pools to sit in and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
6. Agnes Falls, Hazel Park
Located in southeast Victoria, Agnes Falls can be found in Prom country, just 25kms past Foster along the South Gippsland Highway with a turnoff at Toora.
The reserve where the falls are located protects the small remnant of the forest that remains of the Strzelecki Ranges. You’ll find Tall Southern Blue Gums, Blackwood and Silver Wattles as well as a diverse understorey of ferns, Dogwood, Prickly Moses, and Hazel Pomaderris among others.
The walk to the falls, which are Victoria’s tallest single-span waterfall at 59m falling deep into the gorge below, is only 200 metres from the carpark.
7. MacKenzie Falls, Zumsteins
A visit to Grampians National Park is not complete without a trip to the spectacular MacKenzie Falls. One of Victoria’s largest falls, it flows all year round with water flowing over the huge cliffs into the gorge below and sending up a rainbow mist on sunny days.
The falls can be seen from the viewing platform at the top, which is a short one-kilometre walk to the Bluff, or from the foot of the falls which can be reached via a steep trail of about 260 narrow steps—about a 30-minute walk. For more adventure, tackle the MacKenzie River Walk (7km return) and see Fish Falls as well.
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8. Wannon Falls, Hamilton
Wannon Falls come from a time when lava flowed in Victoria and a closer look at the 30-metre precipice reveals the intricate structure made from basalt lava.
Water plunges over the ledge into the punchbowl pool below and continues down the Wannon River with slight rapids viewable from the lookout. At the rotunda, visitors can learn about the history of the area, including information about the Koori people as well as the diverse flora and fauna that can be found.
For those into camping, there is a campsite in the area. However, sites are unpowered.