20 breathtaking waterfalls to chase near Melbourne

One of the most common questions I get with my new travel lifestyle is why do I travel so much? Well I find that going for road trips is a great way to relax and often takes my mind off stressful situations.

Waterfalls are nature’s best stress relievers and the power of a waterfall over tension and stress in our bodies is far more than just imagination. There is something about being out in nature and visiting a waterfall that infuses our souls with peace.

We all know that the sound of water is extremely soothing and aside from being visually beautiful, waterfalls stimulate three senses at the same time. Breathing in fresh air with the distinct smell of a forest floods your system with clean oxygen and flushes out any toxins.

We are so lucky to have some truly beautiful waterfalls nestled among cascading rivers, tranquil rainforests and luscious bush easily accessible by foot. Here are my top 20 breathtaking waterfalls to chase near Melbourne.

1. Mackenzie Falls

Distance: 1.9km return
Time: 2 hours
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Only upper lookout is suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Mackenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and flows all year around. Located within the Grampians National Park, this gorgeous waterfall sees water cascade over huge cliffs into a deep pool below. To see the falls, take the easy 1km path to the viewing platform at the Bluff (wheelchair accessible), or the steep trail to the base of the falls (30 minutes one way).

2. Trentham Falls

Distance: 100m return
Time: 20 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Trentham Falls can be discovered approximately one hour Northwest of Melbourne, just outside the town of Trentham. The falls are one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, plunging some 32 metres over ancient basalt columns. The viewing area is located just a short 70 metre walk from the car park and when water levels are high, Trentham Falls is a sight to behold.

3. Hopetoun Falls

Distance: 1km return
Time: 50 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Hopetoun Falls are just a few kilometres away from the world-famous Great Ocean Road. This spectacular 30-metre-tall waterfall plummets 30 metres into the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park. Take in the view from the upper platform only 20 metres from the car park or if you’re game, you can descend some 200 stairs leading through glades of tree ferns to the base of the falls.

4. Beauchamp Falls

Distance: 3km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Situated just a short drive from Hopetoun Falls, the hidden Beauchamp Falls is a lush 20 metre high waterfall surrounded by lush ferns and mountain ash trees. This is a great stop on drive along the Great Ocean Road and there’s a nice family friendly campground here too. To get to the falls, take the three kilometre path from the car park (1 hour return). The descent to the falls leads to a viewing platform as well as a steep track to the base.

5. Paradise Falls

Distance: 500m return
Time: 30 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

One of the best waterfalls in the High Country, Paradise Falls cascades an uninterrupted 31 metres from a conglomerate rock formation. Located in Alpine National Park just 20 minutes from the township of Whitfield, the falls are most impressive after rain so try to plan your visit accordingly. Take the short 500m walk from the car park to the falls viewing platform to admire this unique waterfall up close.

6. Ladies Baths Falls

Distance: 1km return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Ladies Bath Falls is one of the most stunning swimming holes in Victoria. This year round 14 metre waterfall is easily accessible, with an easy walk passing through lush greenery and shady trees to reach the viewing platform for the falls. Tucked away off Mount Buffalo Road, this gorgeous family friendly waterfall is certainly worth the short walk to get there. Pack a picnic and towel and enjoy a dip at Ladies Bath Falls.

7. Rollasons Falls

Distance: 4km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Rollasons Falls are a few kilometres drive away from Ladies Bath Falls within the Mount Buffalo National Park. A gorgeous 4km return walk through a Eucalyptus forest will take you to the Lower Falls where you can swim in a beautiful rock pool at the base of the falls. If you’re keen, you can continue following the track to discover the Upper Falls where you can stand at the top of the waterfall and admire the rock pool from above.

8. Beehive Falls

Distance: 2.8km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Beehive Falls can be found in the heart of the Grampians National Park. Starting your walk at the car park, take the 2.8km return track to the base of the falls where seasonal rains fill fern-lined rock pools. The falls are best viewed during Winter after heavy rain or during Spring when wildflowers surround the walking track.

9. Erskine Falls

Distance: 1km return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Renowned as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Otways, Erskine Falls plunges 30 metres into the lush tree-fern gully of the Erskine River. Located just a short 13 minute drive from Lorne, this gorgeous waterfall is really popular with families during summer. Walk only five metres from the car park to view the falls from the upper lookout or continue down the 240 steps to the base of the falls. You can also can take the 7.5km Erskine River Track from Lorne which passes by the lesser known Straw Falls and Splitter Falls.

10. Steavenson Falls

Distance: 700m return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Steavenson Falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in the High Country, with 84 metres of cascades into a large river at the bottom. This spectacular waterfall is reached after an easy 700 metre walk from the car park. Alternatively, you can take the 6.8km return Tree Fern Gully Trail from the heart of Marysville to the base of Steavenson Falls. If you choose to visit the falls in the evening, there is flood lighting until 11pm at night.

11. Toorongo Falls

Distance: 2.2km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Located near Mt Baw Baw National Park, Toorongo Falls is a 30 metre tall waterfall surrounded by towering gums and lush ferns. This impressive waterfall is one of Gippsland’s must-see natural attractions and the walk there is one of my favourites in the state. Take the 2.2km circuit walk to watch the tumble over the rocky cliff face and find the neighbouring Amphitheatre Falls which is just as beautiful.

12. Sheoak Falls

Distance: 2.5km return
Time: 1 hour
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Sheoak Falls is located within the Great Otway National Park, just a short drive from the coastal town of Lorne. A 20 minute walk from the carpark, on an excellent track, brings you to the best known of the Great Ocean Road waterfalls, located in a small reserve coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak Creek. Here, the waters of Sheoak Creek cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees.

13. Agnes Falls

Distance: 200m return
Time: 20 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Only 22 minutes’ drive from Foster, the spectacular 59 metre Agnes Falls is the highest single span waterfall in Victoria. Hidden within the green, rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, the meandering Agnes River cascades from over rocks into a deep picturesque gorge below. Take the short 200 metre walking track leads from the carpark to view the falls in all it’s glory.

14. Phantom Falls

Distance: 8.5km return
Time: 2 hours
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

One of the must see Lorne waterfalls, Phantom Falls is one of the most powerful permanent waterfalls in Victoria. You can view this spectacular waterfall by taking the Lorne Waterfalls Circuit (otherwise known as The Canyon Hike). Leave your car at the Sheoak Picnic Area and follow the 8.5km return track to discover these gorgeous 15 metre tall waterfall. Although the majority of this walk is along dirt road, there are plenty of interesting sights, including Henderson Falls, Wonwondah Falls and The Canyon.

15. Masons Falls

Distance: 2km return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

At a height of 45 metres, Masons Falls claims to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Victoria. Located just over an hour from Melbourne, Masons Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Kinglake National Park. From the car park, follow the 700-metre track through the towering gum trees to the viewing platform where you can watch streams of water cascade down into the gully below. If you have time, I recommend combining some of these short walks to create a longer day walk and you will find plenty of amenities at the picnic area.

16. Nigretta Falls

Distance: 200m return
Time: 20 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Upper lookout is suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Plunging from a height of 20 metres, the spectacular volcano-based Nigretta Falls sets between impressive rock formations. Located just South of the Grampians National Park, Nigretta Falls has been a popular tourist attraction in Victoria since the 1980’s when sawmills operated nearby.  Just a short 100 metre walk from the car park will take you to a great vantage point to see the falls and there’s a wooden staircase that descends to the pool at the base of Nigretta Falls. Be sure to check out the nearby Wannon Falls also.

17. Woolshed Falls

Distance: 200m return
Time: 20 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Upper lookout is suitable for wheelchairs and prams

One of the most beautiful multi-tiered waterfalls in Victoria, Woolshed Falls is a popular spot for nature lovers and history buffs. Located just within the town of Beechworth, the area surrounding this waterfall was once home to one of Victoria’s richest gold fields where up to 8,000 prospectors camped along the banks of Spring Creek. At the car park you will find an observation deck where you can view the falls or you can choose to take the short 500 metre stroll to the top of the falls.  

18. Snobs Creek Falls

Distance: 300m return
Time: 20 minutes
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Nestled deep within the Rubicon State Forest, Snobs Creek Falls is a cascade that falls from a height of 100 metres. Claiming to be one of the best viewing platforms in the state, the observation deck is fixed to a rock face on the side of the falls and juts out in front of the rushing water. From the car park, take the easy 150 metre walk to the platform before checking out the cascades which is only 100 metres upstream.

19. La La Falls

Distance: 3.2km return
Time: 1 hour
Rating: Grade 1
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Splashing into a serene cool temperate rainforest, La La Falls lands into a beautiful pool from a height of 10 metres. Located just 2 kilometres from the township of Warburton, this tranquil waterfall is the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the Yarra Ranges. The walk is a gentle 3.2km return walk through a picturesque forest to a small viewing platform and bench at the base of the falls.  

20. Crystal Brook Falls

Distance: 2.7km return
Time: 1 hour
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

Crystal Brook Falls holds the reputation as being one of the tallest waterfalls in Victoria and is a must-see destination when visiting the High Country. Located close to the summit of Mount Buffalo, this 200 metre high cascade thunders through the crevices of the rocky cliffs into the gorge below. To find these falls, park at Bents Lookout and follow the 2.7km Gorge Heritage Loop where you’ll discover sweeping views over Mount Buffalo National Park.