Forget everything TLC ever told you; it’s time to go chasing waterfalls. More specifically, waterfalls in Victoria. Here’s Explorer Pat Corden’s run-down of his top eight waterfalls near Melbourne and around Victoria.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
Sure Victoria’s got the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley, but it’s also got plenty of magnificent waterfalls for you to check out this weekend.
Whether you want to go for a swim under the falling water, or just have a picnic and take in some natural beauty, we’ve got you covered with the ten best waterfalls in Victoria.
Looking for some more fun getaways in Victoria? Check out Victoria Adventure Hub.
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Waterfalls Victoria – Our Top Picks
1. Wombelano Falls
Location: Kinglake National Park
Time from Melbourne: 1.5 hours
Just a hop, skip, and a jump out of Melbourne, you’ll find Wombelano Falls in Kinglake National Park. This 30m waterfall is located on a 1.5km circuit walking track and surrounded by old-growth trees. It’s a pretty slippery affair, but if you’re up for it you can make your way down to the base of the falls.
Only 65km from Melbourne, it makes a pretty good day trip for you closet tree-huggers who just can’t wait to release your inner waterfall wanderer.
Please note: Captains Creek Road has an unsurfaced section for the last 300m leading to the car park. Access via Extons Road is suitable for 2WD vehicles, but contains potholes and puddles. Access from Eucalyptus Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
2. Rollasons Falls
Location: Mount Buffalo National Park
Time from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
Victoria’s alpine region’s not just for winter. Rollasons Falls is halfway up Mount Buffalo and is the perfect spot to cool down after checking out some of the 90km+ of walking trails Mount Buffalo National Park has to offer.
The way down to the falls is a short 3km return track from the Rollasons Falls Picnic Area, with options to view the upper and lower falls. The main attraction of Rollasons Falls, is the beautiful serene pool at the bottom which is perfect to swim in. There are also some small cliffs to jump off and a couple of rocks to sunbathe on. What more could you ask for?
Just remember to always check the water’s depth and for any rocks or trees before jumping in!
Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes
3. Trentham Falls
Location: Trentham
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 15 mins
If you catch Trentham Falls at the right time of year, it’s flipping amazing. As one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, the falls cascade some 32 metres. The water cascades out over an overhanging cliff face, so you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
For the most jaw-dropping view of Trentham Falls, head out after there’s been a nice, healthy downpour of heavy rain. If you want to see Trentham Falls in all its glory, we reckon the end of spring, when the days are getting warmer and the smiles are getting wider, is the best time to go.
Photo by Rexness | Creative Commons
4. MacKenzie Falls
Location: Grampians National Park
Time from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
The Grampians already have some groovy mountains, rock climbing, and an epic multiday walk. But of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a waterfall too.
MacKenzie Falls is one of the few waterfalls in Victoria that flows all year round. There’s a path that takes you all the way down to the bottom of the falls where you can dip your toes in the freezing water. The MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk also is an easy wheelchair-friendly circuit that showcases stunning views of Mackenzie Falls and the MacKenzie River.
While you’re there, you might also want to check out the famous Venus Pools and some of the other smaller but equally beautiful waterfalls in the park.
5. Erskine Falls
Location: Lorne
Time from Melbourne: 2hr 15mins
The Great Ocean Road is well and truly the Mecca when it comes to waterfalls in Victoria. The following four waterfalls on this list are all along the same road. And there are even more to be had in between if you want to check out some of the smaller waterfalls. You might even get a spectacular waterfall all to yourself.
Erskine Falls is the most popular waterfall in Victoria by a country mile, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s only a short drive from the beautiful seaside town of Lorne, and the short waterfall walk is accessible to almost everyone. You can climb all the way down to the falls, and even have a dip in the pool at the bottom. However, with Erskine Falls’ beauty also come the crowds.
To escape the hordes, try your luck further along the Great Ocean Road to get to Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls or Triplet Falls.
6. Beauchamp Falls
Location: Beech Forest
Time from Melbourne: 2hrs 40mins
No list of waterfalls in Victoria would be complete without mentioning Great Otway National Park. Well known for its stunning array of waterfalls, Great Otway National Park is a must-do destination for any waterfall chaser. However, we’d argue that Beauchamp Falls is worth the trip all on its own.
Seriously, this picturesque waterfall is a doozy. Surrounded by ferns, mossy trees and big ol’ rocks, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time. If you’re willing to have a little scramble, you can make your way right down to the bottom of the falls, and for the really brave amongst you, even a dip in the swimming hole.
If you’re game, swim across to the falls and jump off the rocks. Fair warning though, the water is freezing, the rocks are slippery and the depth can vary, so make sure you check the water before jumping in; but if all’s well you should totally do it.
Beauchamp Falls even has a campsite at the start of the walk, which is the perfect place to stay the weekend. That’ll give you time to check out some of the other awesome waterfalls around the Great Otway National Park.
Beauchamp Falls even has a campsite at the start of the walk, which is the perfect place to stay the weekend. That’ll give you time to check out some of the other awesome waterfalls around the Otways, such as Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls.
7. Hopetoun Falls
Location: Beech Forest
Time from Melbourne: 2hrs 40mins
As far as waterfalls in Victoria go, holy moly, Hopetoun Falls is a bloody beaut. She ain’t far from Beauchamp Falls, so why not hit them up on the same trip to the Otways?
The pool at Hopetoun Falls isn’t as big as the one at Beauchamp Falls when it comes to swimming, but it’s pretty ace to check out and great for a scramble around the rocks. Some people have been known to climb up around the side of the waterfall to the top and explore behind, but it can be very slippery and steep, so be very careful if you choose to do so.
8. Triplet Falls
Location: Wyelangta
Time from Melbourne: 2.5hrs
Next is Triplet Falls. She may not look as impressive as some of her siblings, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – she’s hands down my favourite.
The 2km path from the car park to the falls is easy to follow, but it’s at the lower lookout that the fun begins. You can carefully climb down the side to the rocks at the bottom. From there, scramble your way up the lower falls all the way to the big waterfall up top. On the way up there are a bunch of little pools to hop in, logs to slither along and even a few little natural waterslides.
After an hour or so of scrambling around, you might be ready for some grub, so pack a lunch and tuck in back at the bottom of the falls. Make sure to leave no trace of your visit behind.
9. Agnes Falls
Location: Hazel Park
Time from Melbourne: 2 hours 40 mins
Hidden in the Strzelecki Ranges, Agnes Falls is a paradise for picnickers and wildlife watchers alike. At 59 metres high, this waterfall is the highest single span falls in Victoria.
If you find yourself in Southern Gippsland, this is a must-do scenic stop. Take the 200-metre stroll from the car park to the viewing platform, but don’t forget to take in the beautiful protected bushland around you and keep an eye out for wallabies and native birds.
While there’s no way down to the bottom, there are plenty of picnic tables and spots to lay out a blanket under the tall eucalypt canopy and enjoy your lunch as you listen to the cascading falls.
Photo thanks to Keith Jones
10. Paradise Falls
Location: Alpine National Park
Time from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
If you’re looking for a waterfall adventure in Victoria’s backcountry, Paradise Falls is a stellar experience located in the Alpine National Park.
Found in the King Valley, this waterfall is accessed by a 500 metre walk from the car park and has plenty of beautiful picnic spots right beside and behind the cascade. So pack a lunch or buy a snack from nearby Whitfield to enjoy a serene afternoon. Just make sure to visit this lovely waterfall after heavy rain to enjoy it at its peak.
The road to the car park is accessible with a 2WD, however, keep in mind the last 11km of the road is gravel.
Waterfall Safety & FAQs
How do I stay safe around waterfalls?
When chasing waterfalls in Victoria, it’s always important to practise safety and plan ahead. First off, always check the weather before you go, as being around waterfalls can put you at higher risk of flash flooding events.
Also keep in mind that the bushland around waterfalls can be very good at hiding sudden cliff faces, so watch your step.
It’s important to note that swimming may not be allowed at some waterfalls either due to dangerous terrain, urban runoff, or because that water system is ecologically fragile. So if you don’t want to be disappointed, it’s best to check out which waterfalls in Victoria allow swimming and that there’s a safe way to get there.
Read more: Remember to leave no trace!
What is the biggest waterfall in Victoria?
Victoria’s highest waterfall is Dandongadale Falls at 255 metres high. It’s situated on the edge of the Mt Cobbler Plateau near Wangaratta.
How many waterfalls are in Victoria?
There are around 36 waterfalls in Victora.
Victoria’s waterfalls are gorgeous, rain, hail or shine. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, chase some waterfalls, hug some trees and fill yourself up with a healthy dose of nature’s medicine.
Feature photo by @thetantrap
