The waterfalls you should visit in Victoria
With strict coronavirus restrictions lifting, Victorians are finally free to hike and explore the great outdoors once again. These are the best waterfalls to explore as sunny skies make a return this weekend.
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There’s something magical about visiting a waterfall — the mesmerising cascades, glimmering rush of water and tranquil surrounds of nature are just some of the reasons why these stunning natural features have fascinated humans for centuries.
No two falls are the same and our state is home to its fair share, ripe for visiting as Victoria’s strict coronavirus restrictions finally begin to lift.
These are some of the best waterfalls worth daytripping to in Victoria’s state, regional and national parks.
KALIMNA FALLS, LORNE
Kalimna Falls may not be the tallest water feature in Lorne’s hinterland, but the curtain of water spilling over a cavernous grotto makes it one of the most scenic.
At its lower falls, adventurers can wander into the cave and experience the surging deluge up close.
A walking track leading to the upper falls walking track is currently closed due to damage but also worth exploring when reopened.
The seaside resort town is home to a number of other cascades including Sheoak Falls and the ever-popular Erskine Falls.
It’s not a waterfall, but the postcard-perfect views at Teddy’s Lookout are also worth checking out when passing through Lorne, especially on a sunny day.
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SAILORS FALLS, DAYLESFORD
Take advantage of upgraded steps down to spa country’s Sailors Falls, which provide a seasonal spectacle during the wetter months.
But even when dry, the craggy basalt cliff face makes for an impressive sight with its rugged good looks.
Fossicking for gold is permitted along Sailors Creek but adults must hold a Victorian Miner’s Right, which can be purchased ahead of time for a small fee.
The more popular Trentham Falls is a short 25-minute drive away and boasts to be one of the tallest single-drop falls in Victoria at 32m high.
KEPPEL FALLS, MARYSVILLE
This is a waterfall you’ll have to work a little harder for, with an upstream climb along the Taggerty River before reaching Keppel Falls.
Located on Lady Talbot Drive in Yarra Ranges National Park, the best views of the falls can be seen — at great distance — from the signed lookout, but a 2km hike is in store for hikers who want to get up close and personal with these tiered cascades.
Multiple waterfalls can be found along this stretch of forest, including Phantom Falls and Taggerty Cascades.
Those wanting to visit the area should check conditions on Lady Talbot Drive, which becomes inaccessible in wet weather and is often closed over winter.
BEAUCHAMP FALLS, BEECH FOREST
Littered in a lush pocket of the Otways is a series of waterfalls including this little gem, which has a free first-in, best-dressed campground at the trailhead.
It’s also one of the few places where dogs are allowed in the national park.
A 6km hike among the towering mountain ash trees brings you to the pretty water feature, which is set in a mossy amphitheatre of giant ferns.
If this gem has whetted your appetite for more, Hopetoun Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls are all in the vicinity and worth venturing to.
Cap it off with a walk among the giants in Beech Forest’s 83-year-old forest of towering Californian redwoods.
PARADISE FALLS, CHESHUNT
These magical falls tucked deep inside a pocket of Victoria’s alps look like a scene out of the Northern Territory.
Just a short walk from the carpark, Paradise Falls’ two massive cascades pour 31m over a sheer rock wall and into a tributary of Stony Creek.
Due to its unique geography, viewers can walk behind the falls for a truly magnificent perspective.
This ephemeral King Valley waterfall doesn’t flow year-round and is best visited after rain, or in spring and early summer.
NIGRETTA FALLS, HAMILTON
The remnants of Victoria’s volcanoes remain in the state’s west, with the Wannon River foaming over an ancient cliff formed from volcanic rock at Nigretta Falls.
You can view the waterfall from a platform or walk down to the scenic plunge pool, before enjoying the picnic and barbecue facilities on offer.
Those in the mood for more waterfall-chasing can drive 8.5km to the nearby Wannon Falls — another unique waterfall which cascades 30m over a shelf of basalt lava.
The single-drop falls are close to a free campsite, where travellers can fall asleep to the calming rush of the pumping river.
LADIES BATH FALLS, MT BUFFALO
Clear running water is a rare sight in Australian waterways, which makes this tiny lagoon at Mt Buffalo extra special.
Just a lazy 400m stroll from the carpark will bring you to the trickling falls, but be warned: the water is ice-cold and not for the faint of heart.
You can continue following the track to view the upper and lower Eurobin Falls, which tumble down a bald rock face.
For a wilder swimming experience, Rollasons Falls is 6km further on Mount Buffalo Rd and makes a stunning spot for bathers and photographers alike.
WOMBELANO FALLS, KINGLAKE
Get your zoom lens ready — these pretty cascades set in Kinglake National Park are a landscape photographer’s delight.
Keep an ear out for cheeky lyrebirds as you wind your way along the short 1.5km track and through the thick forest regrowth which has been rejuvenated post-Black Saturday.
The viewing platform may be a distance from the water itself but gives walkers the opportunity to see the falls in their entirety.
There’s more to see in the national park, with the popular Masons Falls tucked into an impressive gorge just 18-minutes’ drive away.
FISH FALLS, THE GRAMPIANS
Leave the crowds behind at bustling Mackenzie Falls and hike out to this multi-tiered waterfall in the Grampians National Park.
Beginning from Zumsteins Picnic Area, the 4.6km return walk will take you upstream on the powerful Mackenzie River before arriving at the picturesque swimming hole, which has plenty of rocky outcrops to relax or lay out a picnic on.
The Grampians are a waterfall chaser’s paradise, with Beehive Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Burrong Falls, Clematis Falls, Kalymna Falls, Silverband Falls and Splitters Falls all located close to each other.
TOORONGO/AMPHITHEATRE FALLS, NOOJEE
These popular Gippsland waterfalls are hardly a hidden gem but well worth a visit given multiple falls can be enjoyed on the same walk.
Set in one of the wettest places in Victoria, Toorongo Falls Reserve protects two waterfalls, which can be seen on a short and well-graded 2.2km loop trail.
Those who continue on to Amphitheatre Falls after visiting the reserve’s namesake waterfall are rewarded with a dramatic view of the Toorongo River pounding over the face of a mossy rock face.
Sightseers may also enjoy a visit to the historic Noojee Trestle Bridge — the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria.
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— Eliza Sum is a Herald Sun digital producer and also co-founder of Melbourne Girls Outside. Follow on Instagram @elizasum