There’s only a handful of waterfalls in Victoria you can actually hike to with your dog, and this is one of the best, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
This is La La Falls, an easy 3.2km return walk in the Yarra Valley that takes you through lush fern gullies and mountain ash forest to a genuinely gorgeous waterfall, and it’s only about 90 minutes from the city.
Quick facts
- Distance: 3.2km return
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Out and back
- Region: Yarra Valley
- Drive distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes
Why should I hike this trail?
There aren’t many waterfalls in Victoria you can actually bring your dog to and that alone makes La La Falls worth the drive. But even if you don’t own a dog, this hike is well worth the trip! This epic waterfall is named after an old guesthouse that used to operate in the area called La La, which translates to “welcome welcome” in the local Indigenous language. The track itself follows an old timber railway built back in 1909 believed to have carried logs to a local sawmill. If you’re looking for a walk with a bit of history and gorgeous natural beauty then this is the one for you!
What is the trail actually like?
Park your car at the La La Falls trailhead and follow the orange sign along the dirt trail and before long you’ll be surrounded by lush ferns and mountain ash trees. The further you walk into the forest, the more views you’ll get of Four Mile Creek running alongside the track.
After about half an hour you’ll reach a sign letting you know there’s only 500 metres left until the falls. This stretch runs close to the rushing creek through the ferns and if you’re visiting after rain, the track can sometimes be covered in water here!
About 40 minutes in you’ll finally reach La La Falls and here you can cross the stone bridge to get a close look at the waterfall then sit down on the wooden seat to listen to the water cascading down the rocks. There’s also a sign here worth reading which covers the history of the old timber railway and the guesthouse the falls were named after.
Keep your eyes peeled the whole way for birdlife like lyrebirds, crimson rosellas and kookaburras. You might even spot echidnas, wallabies or possums if you’re lucky! It’s a very gradual incline the whole way up to the falls and back down to the car park with only about 150 metres of elevation so it’s definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.
What was your experience on the trail?
I’ve visited this waterfall a few times over the years and I genuinely believe it’s one of the best dog-friendly walks in the state. The walk takes you past massive trees, gorgeous fern gullies and rushing cascades, and the sounds of the forest the whole way are honestly so calming. It’s a must-visit for anyone travelling to Warburton since it sits right at the entry point of town and it’s an easy walk for pretty much all abilities. Last time I hiked out there I remember sitting down at the seat next to the falls and having the whole place completely to myself.
Good to know
- Getting there: Park at the La La Falls trailhead.
- Best time to go: It’s gorgeous all year round, but it’s even more impressive after rain when the falls are really running.
- Bring: The track closer to the falls can get muddy and wet, so bring good hiking shoes with a bit of grip.
- Dog/kid friendly: Dog friendly and very easy for kids.
- Facilities: The closest toilets, cafés and picnic spots are about 5 minutes away in Warburton itself.
Things to do nearby
La La Falls sits right outside Warburton, one of the best road trip destinations from Melbourne. The town has everything from scenic river views to epic mountain scenery, and it’s well worth booking a hotel for the weekend to properly experience the region and support local businesses while you’re at it.
Warburton Adventure Co run a bunch of tours in the area, including a fun beginner caving tour or floating down the Yarra River in a donut, which is perfect in the warmer months. You can also drive up to Mount Donna Buang in winter to reach the closest snow to Melbourne.
For more walks, try the easy rainforest boardwalk at the Rainforest Gallery, check out the scenic Californian redwoods, or loop the Warburton River Walk in town for something relaxing. You can also rent a bike from Cog Bikes and ride the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail.
For food, grab a coffee at Silva Coffee Roasters, a pub feed at the Alpine Hotel, or pastries at Warburton Bakery.
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