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Discover The Top 10 Waterfalls In Victoria
Imagine a gentle stream flowing along the edge of a clifftop. As the water courses its way over a mixture of hard rock underneath and soft rock on top, it slowly erodes away the top layer, creating a steepening effect that accelerates both the erosion process and the speed at which the water is travelling. Then, once the soft rock layer has been eroded gradually over the period of around 10,000 years, the water stream starts pouring over the top of the cliff face - and a waterfall has been created.
But if you don't have 10,000 years or so to spare, then Victoria has over 40 waterfalls that you can visit right now. However, we know you probably don't have time to go see them all, so we've created a list of our 10 favourite waterfalls in Victoria, each of which truly showcases the majestic power of water cascading over a cliff.
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- Agnes Falls
- Woolshed Falls
- MacKenzie Falls
- Hopetoun Falls
- Wannon Falls
- Beauchamp Falls
- Sheoak Falls
- Erskine Falls
- Trentham Falls
- Gooram Falls
Agnes Falls
We begin our list of the top 10 waterfalls in Victoria by driving a few hours outside of Melbourne to the Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve. From the car park at the entrance, take a short 200 m walk up the trail and you'll be led to a viewing area that offers a stunning view of the reason why you've made the journey here: Agnes Falls. Reaching a height of 59 m, it is the highest single-span waterfall in Victoria - and the term "single span waterfall" isn't used to describe any other falls found on Earth, so this is one special type of waterfall. There are also plenty of walking tracks to explore with a variety of bird species flying overhead while towering Eucalypts, Blackwoods, Silver Wattles and Southern Blue Gum trees arrayed as far as the eye can see.
Why you'll love Agnes Falls:
- The highest single-span waterfall in Victoria
- Lots of birdlife to see
- Plenty of walking tracks nearby
Woolshed Falls
Located inside Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park, Woolshed Falls is about a three hour drive from Melbourne, so it's a perfect sightseeing destination for any road trip (or only a 10 minute drive if you live in Beechworth). A defining feature of Woolshed Falls is how this waterfall cascades over a granite surface, giving it a unique multi-tiered characteristic. Make sure you also bring your metal detector with you because the discovery of gold in the area, particularly in the waterfall's plunge pool, is what began the modern settlement of the Victorian bushlands in the 1850s. Although it may not be rich in gold anymore, there's still a wealth of hiking trails and breathtaking scenery such as enormous granite cliff tops that blend into the surrounding Red Stringybark, Red Box and River Red Gums.
Why you'll love Woolshed Falls:
- A waterfall with a unique multi-tiered characteristic
- Rich in Australian history
- Maybe (maayyybbeeee) find some gold
MacKenzie Falls
Drive three hours from Melbourne in the other direction and you will end up in Grampians National Park for the third destination on our list of the top 10 waterfalls in Victoria: MacKenzie Falls. Now this bad boy is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, so make sure you don't leave without bringing your camera. As the only waterfall in the Grampians that flows all year round, there's no better time to see it than right now (or any other time during the year, no rush). Apart from the awe-inspiring display of water erupting into a crescendo pounding down onto the rocks below, there are also plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails close by, such as Broken Falls Walk, MacKenzie River Walk and MacKenzie Falls Walk, all offering unique views of the stunning MacKenzie Falls.
Why you'll love MacKenzie Falls:
- One of the largest waterfalls in Victoria
- The only Grampians waterfall that flows all year round
- Lots of hiking trails to stretch your legs
Hopetoun Falls
Nestled amongst tall rainforests that pierce the sky and lush green ferns that cover the forest floor is Hopetoun Falls. Located in the Otway National Park, about two and a half hours drive from Melbourne, there's a short 10-minute hiking trail that will lead you down to the Hopetoun Falls viewing platform. The view is incredible, putting you right up close (and we mean it) to the phenomenal sight of the Hopetoun Waterfall plummeting 30 metres down into the Aire River. And since Hopetoun Falls is just 25 minutes away from Apollo Bay, you'll have the whole Great Ocean Road to explore and can turn the trip into a weekend filled with incredible adventures.
Why you'll love Hopetoun Falls:
- A viewing platform up close to the waterfall
- Just 25 minutes from the Great Ocean Road
- One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Victoria
Wannon Falls
Situated three hours drive from Melbourne or just 20 km from Hamilton (not to be confused with Hamilton in Queensland, otherwise you're in for a really long drive and disappointment when you arrive and there's no waterfall) is Wannon Falls. Created by basalt lava that surged up the Wannon River around two million years ago, Wannon Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Victoria because of its unique 'punchbowl' pool shape beneath the waterfall. Not only is there a cantilevered viewing platform above the waterfall that gives you a complete panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, but the Nigretta Falls is also close by, so you get two waterfalls for the price of one! And if you love your camping, there is also a free unpowered campground that offers toilets, barbecues and picnic areas as well, perfect for families looking to make the most out of their day.
Why you'll love Wannon Falls:
- Nigretta Falls close by for double the waterfalls
- Unique punchbowl shape at the base of the falls
- Free campground with facilities at the site
Beauchamp Falls
Drive about two hours outside of Melbourne towards the Great Ocean Road and, thanks to our guide, you will find Victoria's best hidden waterfall: Beauchamp Falls. The initial descent down the 3 km walking path can feel like you are on an expedition through the jungle, but the reward is absolutely breathtaking. You will be treated to a 20 m cascade of water gushing down the moss-covered cliff face as the thunderous sounds of rumbling shakes the very ground beneath you. However, the ground here can be very slippery, so make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots strapped on. Plus, there's also a campsite at the trailhead that is awesome for pitching up a tent.
Why you'll love Beauchamp Falls:
- Victoria's best-hidden waterfall
- Close to the Great Ocean Road
- Campsite on trailhead for overnight stays
Sheoak Falls
Located in Great Otway National Park and just under a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD is Sheoak Falls, one of Victoria's most popular waterfalls. And the journey getting to Sheoak Falls is an epic one, travelling down the Great Ocean Road while passing through an endless visual carousel of wet forests and coastal woodlands, each hidden with their own rewards for those who venture off the beaten track. Streaming from Shoeak Creek, the water plummets down a 15 m drop into a tranquil rock pool below. As one of the waterfalls in Victoria where you can swim, Sheoak Falls is great for an afternoon dip after hitting the nearby hiking trails. You can also continue the track to discover Swallow Cave, which is teeming with Tree Martins, a species of bird local to the area.
Why you'll love Sheoak Falls:
- One of Victoria's most popular waterfalls
- Lots of nearby hiking trails
- Can swim at the waterfall
- Lots of picnic areas for lunch
Erskine Falls
Also located in the Otways is Erskine Falls, one of the most beloved waterfalls in the area. At this enchanting spot, less than 10 km from Lorne, the Erskine River dramatically plunges 30 m into a gully lined with huge tree ferns and lush foliage. Take in the views from the first lookout at the top of the falls, a gentle five-minute stroll from the car park. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, descend down the steep staircase to the base of the falls and gaze up at this marvel of nature. Be warned though, it can get pretty misty and cool down below, so it's a good idea to wear a waterproof jacket, and thermals if the weather is chilly!
Why you'll love Trentham Falls:
- Huge 30 m drop
- Lush forest surrounds with tree ferns
- Easy walk to top lookout
- Short drive away from Lorne
Trentham Falls
Considered by many one of the most breathtaking falls in Central Victoria, Trentham Falls is a must-see for many waterfall lovers, especially when it's flowing at full throttle in winter and spring. In terms of waterfalls with a single drop, it's the highest waterfall in Central Victoria, measuring more than 32 metres from the top to the pool below. Located in the Coliban River Scenic Reserve, the site features a variety of indigenous plants and impressive eucalypts. The steep cliffs made of unstable basalt mean there's no access to the top of the falls, but there are plenty of picnic tables and firepits below to cook a meal while taking in the awe-inspiring views.
Why you'll love Trentham Falls:
- The longest single-drop waterfall in Victoria
- Easy access to the viewing area from the carpark
- Surrounded by large eucalypts and native plants
- Plenty of picnic and BBQ facilities
Gooram Falls
And lastly, just two hours drive outside of Melbourne if you are heading in a northbound direction is Gooram Falls. Split into two sections and holding the title of Victoria's loudest waterfall, Gooram Falls spills its way over several cascades of granite boulders before crashing into a magnificent rock pool below. After you have taken the short 400 m walk towards Gooram Falls, there are plenty of picnic areas that provide the perfect spot for relaxing on the grass and enjoying a spot of lunch. And if you're looking for a waterfall in Victoria where you can take a dip, you're in luck - swimming is allowed in both the upper and lower fall areas, so make sure to bring your swimwear.
Why you'll love Gooram Falls:
- The loudest waterfall in Victoria
- Lots of picnic areas for families
- Two areas that allow swimming
Explore The Top 10 Waterfalls In Victoria
They say nature helps us to unwind and recharge our batteries, but is it really true? Well on a scientific level, nature consists of an atmosphere filled with electrically charged molecules, also known as negative ions. They are created in natural settings, such as air molecules being broken apart by the thermal energy of ultraviolet light from the sun. Or it can be the force of moving water that separates an electron from a positive ion and then becomes a negative ion once that displaced electron attaches to a nearby atom - also known as a waterfall.
Whether we're out in the sun or viewing a majestic waterfall, we inhale negative ions that enter our bloodstream and produce biochemical reactions that can increase serotonin, a mood chemical that makes us happy, relieves stress and gives us energy. So there you have it - you should go chasing waterfalls!
Now that you've got plenty of reasons to visit the top ten waterfalls in Victoria, you can find more ideas for exciting outdoor adventures (without all the science lingo) at our Adventure Centre. Check out awesome tips and fun destination ideas, such as:
