Get ready to discover beautiful waterfalls across Melbourne and Victoria for a fun family day out in nature. With many stunning waterfalls just a stone’s throw away, it’s a breeze to plan a day trip or incorporate them into a nature-packed weekend getaway. Psst! Did you know there’s even a waterfall right here in Melbourne? Talk about a hidden gem!
Whether you’re after a quick jaunt or a leisurely stroll, these Victorian waterfalls are perfect for families with kiddos aged 0-12. The best part? Most of these waterfalls in Victoria are easily accessible, offering child-friendly walks that won’t leave your little ones dragging their feet. Although, fair warning, not all tracks are stroller-friendly, so if you have little ones, be prepared for a bit of off-roading!
Melbourne waterfalls
1. Dights Falls, Abbotsford
If you walk or cycle around the Capital City Trail at Abbotsford you’ll reach Dights Falls. It is the only inner Melbourne waterfall and provides a stunning escape into nature.
The small Yarra River waterfall is an artificial weir built on a natural rock bar and is justs 2 metres high.
For the ultimate outdoor family experience, combine a visit to the Dights Falls with a walk around the Yarra Bend Park (Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park) or stop in at Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Dights Falls, Trenerry Cres, Abbostford
Related: Best bike trails in Melbourne for kids
Waterfalls Near Melbourne – Dandenong Ranges
2. Olinda Falls, Olinda
The Olinda Falls are some of the most lovely waterfalls Melbourne residents can travel to in a short drive.
Located in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges it’s an easy 350m walk from the car park to the upper platform and another 140m down to the Lower Falls (1km return trip). The path is shaded the whole way and fringed by ferns and towering Mountain Ash trees – so it really does feel like an enchanted forest walk.
Olinda Falls Reserve features picnic tables, running water and toilets with more extensive walks around the waterfall area, too.
Please note, dogs and swimming are not allowed, but you can sit in the water at the lower falls.
Olinda Falls, Dandenong Ranges National Park North, Olinda
3. Sherbrooke Falls, Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke Falls in the Dandenongs always look the best after heavy rain, as the Sherbrooke Creek flows fast over the rocks. The waterfall is accessed by a 2.4 km, approximately 1-hour return walk through tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns.
Starting from Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground, this is a good first-time waterfall trekking experience for outdoor-loving families.
Sherbrooke Falls, Dandenong Ranges National Park (South), Sherbrooke
Waterfalls Near Melbourne – Yarra Ranges waterfalls
4. La La Falls, Warburton
The trail to La La Falls within Yarra State Forest is a beautiful short walk through a Cool Temperate Rainforest.
This is a beautiful waterfall to visit with kids as it offers an easy 3.2km return route. At a leisurely pace, the 1.6km walk up to the falls should take around 20 minutes.
There is a picnic area at the start of the track but note the nearest toilets and BBQ area is in Warburton.
La La Falls, 25 Iruka Road, Warburton
5. Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Steavenson Falls is a huge 122-metre sheet of water and one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. It has been a popular attraction since the 1860s and there are a few walking tracks if you want to make a day of it. The area is famous for lyrebirds too! With the breathtaking height and reasonably easy access, this may just be the best waterfall in Victoria!
Park at the Steavenson Falls car park and walk 700m to the top viewing platform or another 350 metres to the bottom viewing platform. You can also walk the whole 3.4km (one way) from the centre of Marysville to the base of the falls.
During the winter, Lake Mountain Ski Resort, just outside Marysville, is also a popular destination for families wanting to visit the snow to play and toboggan.
Steavenson Falls, Falls Road Marysville
6. Phantom Falls & Keppel Falls, Marysville
Approximately 1km apart are Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls, and they are well worth the extra (short) drive from Steavenson Falls.
Phantom Falls takes approximately 20 minutes, with a picturesque walk slightly uphill on the signposted track. The walk back to the car park is quicker.
There is a 2km return walking track to Keppel Falls from the Keppel Falls car park. It is a more challenging walk, with some hills. The falls cascade over boulders, and are most impressive during spring.
Phantom Falls & Keppel Falls, Lady Talbot Drive Marysville
7. Masons Falls, Kinglake
Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
Masons Falls is a stunning waterfall and can be accessed via a short waterfall walk from Masons Falls Picnic Area. The falls are viewed from a viewing platform and it is not possible to walk to the base or top of the falls.
The picnic area has picnic tables and free gas BBQ facilities, all set amongst the towering gum trees.
Masons Falls, Kinglake National Park, 2980 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, KinglakeÂ
8. Wombelano Falls, Kinglake
Also in Kinglake National Park is a 1.5km circuit walking track through forest leading to a viewing platform for Wombelano Falls. Most of the walking track is flat with a compacted surface. There is a downhill section for the last 200m.
When you arrive enjoy beautiful views from the lookout and spy the falls cascading 90 metres into the gully below, for one of the most scenic waterfalls.
Wombelano Falls, Kinglake National Park, 2980 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake
Waterfall Near Melbourne – Mornington Peninsula waterfalls
9. Kings Falls, Arthurs Seat
The 1km circuit walk to Kings Falls leads past She-Oaks, Grasstrees, a boardwalk through lovely fern gully, native Wild Cherry, scented Paperbarks and other interesting plants and creatures.
The waterfall hike has a series of interpretive signs and there is a viewing platform at the waterfall.
Kings Fall, 21 Purves Road Arthurs SeatÂ
Waterfalls in Victoria – Daylesford & Macedon Ranges waterfalls
10. Trentham Falls, Trentham
Trentham Falls is Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall in Wombat State Forest. It is best viewed during winter when the water is roaring (there’s not enough water in summer) and it is accessible with an easy, short 70m walk from the car park to the viewing platform. There is no access to the top or base of the falls for safety reasons.
There is a picnic area nearby with tables and toilets, barbecues, plenty of shade, as well as more walking tracks in the forest and in Lerderderg State Park.
Trentham Falls, Trentham Scenic Reserve Road Trentham
11. Stanley Park, Mt Macedon
Tucked away in Stanley Park, a reserve in a bush setting, is a waterfall that runs through the park and cascades over a gully. There is a wooden viewing platform and some stone stairs that lead closer to the gully.
Stanley Park is an excellent trip for those wanting to see a waterfall with younger children as there is also barbecue / picnic facilities, toilets, and playground equipment. There are walking tracks around the reserve. If you want to make a weekend of it, I’ve combined a list of the top places to go in Gisborne and Macedon with kids.
Stanley Park, Waterfalls Road and Salisbury Road Mount Macedon
12. Turpins Falls, Langley
Turpin Falls is one of several waterfalls and billabongs/deep pools located along the Campaspe River. You can enjoy scenic views of the falls from a lookout located a short walk from the carpark. Note that sometimes the track is closed (particularly in Autumn) due to risk issues, so check Parks Vic online before visiting.
There are no amenities or facilities.
Turpins Falls, Shillidays Road, Langley
13. Sailors Falls, Daylesford
If you’re looking for waterfalls near Daylesford, head no further than Sailors Falls.
Sailors Falls can actually be viewed from the picnic area near the road but there is a non-slip walking strip which leads down to the bottom of the falls which you can even walk under and allows wheelchair access to the first viewing platform. Note that this is a seasonal waterfall so it’s best viewed in winter.
Sailors Falls, Hepburn Regional Park, Corner Ballan-Daylesford Road and Telegraph Road, Daylesford
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Waterfalls Victoria – Great Ocean Road and Otways waterfalls
14. Erskine Falls, Lorne
Erskine Falls in Great Otway National Park cascades over one of the highest drops in the Otways. It is accessed via a short 5min walk which takes you to a viewing point above the falls.
A further walking track made up of 240 stairs, and steep in places, leads to the base of the falls.
Related: Things to do in Lorne with kids
Erskine Falls, Great Otway National Park, Erskine Falls Road, Lorne
15. Triplet Falls, Apollo Bay
Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park is nestled in ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech.
On a short 1-4km walk discover three impressive cascades and one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns.
A small picnic area is also available.
Triplet Falls, Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay
16. Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park
Hopetoun Falls, approximately 30 meters high, lands in the Aire River below amid lush ferns. There is a viewing platform at the top of the falls near the car park, a lower platform approximately 500m walk, and then 200 stairs down a steep path to the base of the falls. This is not a suitable walk with a pram.
Hopetoun Falls is within close driving proximity to Redwood Forest, Great Otway National Park.
Hopetoun Falls, Aire Valley Road Beech Forrest
17. Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park
Near to Hopetoun Falls is Beauchamp Falls. The latter is approximately 20 metres high, and it is most spectacular after rainfall. There is a 3km round trip walk from the picnic area.
The walk to Beauchamp Falls. is a challenging walk so I don’t recommend it with young kids and you’ll need appropriate footwear.
Beachamp Falls, Aire Valley Road Beech Forrest
Waterfalls of Victoria – Grampians waterfalls
18. Ferntree Falls, Raglan
Ferntree Falls is nestled in Mt Buangor State Park and is one of three waterfalls on the Waterfalls Nature Walk! You can even clamber behind the waterfall and over Middle Creek.
The Waterfalls Nature Walk is a 1km round trip that takes approximately 2 hours and it will take you from the Ferntree camping area, past three waterfalls including Ferntree Falls. There are also longer and more challenging walks in the Mt Buangor State Park.
Ferntree Falls, Ferntree Gully Road, Raglan
19. MacKenzie Falls, Grampians National Park
MacKenzie Falls is located in the Grampians National Park and flows all year round, and it’s the biggest waterfall in Victoria!
There are several walks available to the Bluff Lookout provides sweeping views of MacKenzie Falls and the MacKenzie River from high above the gorge. The MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk, which is 1.9km undulating, sealed walking track return journey, is pram and wheelchair friendly.Â
The MacKenzie Falls Walk is a more challenging 2km return trek to access the base of the falls and you will need moderate fitness to get back up.
This stunning Victorian waterfall has toilets nearby and the popular Zumsteins Picnic Area.
MacKenzie Falls, Grampians National Park, Old Mill Road
20. Kalymna Falls, Grampians
Kalymna Campground is a small campground set in a peaceful forested area adjacent to Mount William Creek, on the Eastern side of the Grampians.
This campground is the starting point for the walk to Kalymna Falls and also provides access for experienced walkers to the Major Mitchell Plateau.
Kalymna Falls, Grampians National Park
21. Nigretta Falls, Hamilton
Fed by the Wannon River, Nigretta Falls is a small waterfall you can swim at.
View the falls from above and enjoy the picnic tables and barbecue facilities or take the stairway leading to the base. At the base tranquil water pools provide excellent secluded swimming and fishing spots.
Nigretta Falls, Nigretta Falls Road, Hamilton
22. Wannon Falls, Wannon
Wannon Falls located in the Southern Grampians is a spectacular flow of water that falls into a deep plunge pool below. Wannon Falls and the nearby Nigretta Falls are linked by a scenic road.
Both waterfalls are at their biggest and best after rainfall.
Wannon Falls, Glenelg Hwy, Wannon
23. Beehive Falls, Roses Gap
Beehive Falls is a picturesque waterfall which drops 25 metres into sheltered rock pools surrounded by ferns.
Start your walk at the Beehive Falls car park and take the path leading to the base of the falls where seasonal rains fill fern-lined rock pools. The route is 2.8km return or 1 hour and 30 minutes with a medium level of fitness.
Visit the Beehive Falls after rain for the best views, and in spring for the surrounding wildflowers.
Beehive Falls, Roses Gap Rd, Roses Gap
Waterfalls in Victoria – Gippsland waterfalls
24. Toorongo Falls & Amphitheatre Falls, Nojee
Head along the 2.2km walking loop from the Toorongo Falls day visitor area and pass Toorongo and Amphitheatre falls. The walking track is not rated as difficult, however it may be slippery at times and is not suitable for prams. There are viewing platforms at both waterfalls.
Toorongo Falls & Amphitheatre Falls, Toorongo Falls Road Nojee
25. Agnes Falls, Toora
Agnes Falls are the highest single span waterfalls in Victoria, at 59 metres high. It’s a fantastic sight, especially after heavy rain when the falls and surrounding rockpools are at their best.
The viewing platform is a 200-metre walk from the carpark, so pack a picnic and enjoy!
The picnic area is a perfect spot for an outdoor lunch and the picnic shelter and tables are accessible to those in wheelchairs.
Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve, Agnes Falls Road, Toora
Waterfalls Victoria – High Country waterfalls
26. The Cascades, Beechworth
Inside Beechworth Historic Park there are a series of waterfalls from which Spring Creek drops down into the valley. You can enjoy views of waterfalls and the rugged countryside on the Gorge Walk.
Related: Things to do in Beechworth with kids
27. Woolshed Falls, Beechworth
Woolshed Falls is a popular destination inside Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. A 6km walking track links Woolshed Falls to Beechworth via the Cascades.
For an easy waterfall hike, the short 30-minute walking track leads to a view of Raymond Creek Falls plunging metres into a deep, clear pool. You can also enjoy a picnic or take a self-guided walk around the alluvial gold workings.
An observation deck provides views to falls and the valley below, which is particularly spectacular after heavy rainfalls.
Woolshed Falls, BeechworthÂ
28. Gooram Falls, Gooram
At Gooram Falls you can swim and picnic during summer or enjoy the views of the rock pools and the water cascading over the rocks in winter.
Gooram Falls, 1981 Euroa-Mansfield Road, Gooram
29. Eurobin Falls, Mount Buffalo
The tracks to Eurobin Falls and Ladies Bath are perfect short walks to see pretty waterfalls, but note there are a lot of steps up and down.
You can take the short walk to the lower Eurobin Falls from the carpark just across the bridge from the Eurobin Falls Picnic Area. For a longer walk, take Rollason’s Falls Track from Rollason’s Falls Picnic Area to see another Rollasons Falls.
Eurobin Falls and Ladies Bath, Mt Buffalo National Park, Mt Buffalo
30. Paradise Falls, Whitfield
Paradise Falls cascades an uninterrupted 31 metres and are most spectacular in winter, spring, or after heavy rain.
The 500m walk to the viewing platform is suitable for all fitness levels.
There are picnic facilities at the car park so pack a lunch or grab some fare from nearby Whitfield and enjoy the peaceful park.
Paradise Falls, Alpine National Park, Whitfield
tips for hiking at waterfalls in victoria
- For the best experience, visit one of Victoria’s waterfalls when the rainfall is high, or following winter when the snow melts and water trickles to lower ground.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energised.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and hats, even when it doesn’t seem sunny!
- Bring insect repellent to ward off any pesky bugs.
- Consider carrying a small first aid kit for minor mishaps.
- As there can be several uneven surfaces on a waterfall hike, keep an eye on children at all times and set clear boundaries for exploration.
- Respect the environment by sticking to designated trails and disposing of waste properly.
- Check weather forecasts before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Take breaks as needed and listen to your body’s cues.
- Capture memories with a camera or smartphone, but remember to stay present in the moment too.
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