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Heading To The Grampians And Want To Visit Some Stunning Grampians Waterfalls?
Then you’re in the right place!
Below you’ll find our waterfalls Grampians guide to the most beautiful waterfalls in the Grampians National Park.
In this article, we give you all tips, advice, and facts for visiting the Grampians waterfalls. And hope to show you why it’s one of the best ways to see all of the wonderful nature that this beautiful area has to offer.
From full-force cascades to single-drop falls and breezy streams, there’s a waterfall to suit every traveller in this epic and diverse landscape.
Are you planning your trip to the Grampians right now?
If you’re planning an overnight trip to the Grampians we recommend staying in Halls Gap as it’s centrally located and stunningly beautiful!
Below are some of our top picks for places to stay to help with your planning so you can be all set ahead of time.
Best Halls Gap Accommodation:
- Luxury: Halls Gap Central Views
- Mid-Range: Halls Gap Log Cabins
- Budget: D’Altons Studios
- Family: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
- Backpacker: Grampians Eco YHA
The vast Grampians National Park covers a total of 1,672 kilometres squared and is home to a whole host of waterfalls – the larger Grampians region boasts even more impressive natural water features.
Many are just off main highways, but a few may require a bit of extra travel time (sometimes over bumpy roads) via car to visit.
It’s definitely a case of the wetter the better in Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Although larger waterfalls like Mackenzie Falls flow year-round, many of the waterfalls in the Grampians are at their best after a long spell of wet weather.
Hiking is one of the top Grampians things to do, throw in a waterfall or two and you can expect to go home happy after you visit the beautiful outdoor countryside of the Grampians.
While some waterfalls will require a strenuous hike to reach, others are easily accessible and fun for the whole family as well as people of all walking abilities.
Let’s get to it! Here are 15 of the best waterfalls in the Grampians.
15 Of The Best Grampians Waterfalls
Below we’ve listed the best Grampians waterfalls, so you can enjoy some of the most enchanting cascades in Victoria. Be sure to add them to your Grampians itinerary.
1) Mackenzie Falls
If you’re looking for what to do in Grampians National Park this will likely be one of the first things to pop up on your itinerary.
Probably one of the best known Halls Gap waterfalls is Mackenzie Falls, Grampians. Come at any time of year and you will get a show, but after rain soaks the ground the falls become absolutely astounding.
Mackenzie Waterfall is always busy with visitors to the Grampians ranges, it’s just a 25-minute drive from Halls Gap along Mt Victory Road, and is easy to get to on a family day out.
The top lookout platform for Mackenzie Falls Halls Gap is just a few hundred metres from the car park and is accessible for young children or people with mobility issues.
For the best views take the 2 kilometre out and back Mackenzie Falls walk, the steep 260 step climb will lead you right up to the base of the falls.
Note – Be careful around the falls when visiting as the rocks can be slippery, the Mackenzie Falls Grampians National Park authority advises against swimming.
2) Broken Falls
In the same area as Mackenzie Falls, Broken Falls is just a short walk from the same car park.
The Broken Falls walk takes you to the upper sections of MacKenzie Falls with beautiful views over the Grampians mountains.
From Lake Wartook, the MacKenzie River flows downstream to Broken Falls, slowing and breaking up between the sandstone rocks. It then continues down to the famous MacKenzie Falls.
Make sure to have a look at the impressive geological formations from Broken Falls Lookout – one of the best places to see the beguiling MacKenzie River Gorge.
The 500-metre return Broken Falls walk is wheelchair friendly and has only a slight track gradient, making it great for young kids too.
3) Fish Falls
Next up are the stunningly attractive year-round terraced cascades of Fish Falls.
Fish Falls, Grampians, gets its name from the fishtail shape of the water as it tumbles down and outwards over the different levels of the rock face.
You can sometimes see the black fishtail-shaped algae on the rock when the water levels are low, left behind from where the water usually flows in this unique shape.
Fish Falls are accessible from either a short and steep hike from Mackenzie Falls, taking 1.4 kilometres one way, or via a longer route from Zumsteins Picnic Area.
From Zumsteins Picnic Area it’s around 4 kilometres return. This fun Fish Falls walk involves water crossings, rock hopping and rock scrambling at certain points – so although fairly flat, it isn’t easily accessible for everyone.
It’s also one of the best walks to see wildlife while walking in the Grampians. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus and wallabies. You might also spot the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle circling above.
4) Beehive Falls
The charmingly named Beehive Falls is worth a visit while exploring the northern area of the Grampians National Park.
It’s especially pretty in the spring when wildflowers bloom and local picnickers make the most of the views.
The falls themselves are a single 25-metre trickle, flowing over orange and black coloured rock. Below the peaceful pool is picturesque, covered in bright green ferns – but there’s no swimming here.
From the car park, a wide track leads you through Mud Hut Creek, taking a gentle 1.4 kilometre walk to reach the falls.
There are some big rock steps taking you up about 100 metres at the end which means this walk isn’t stroller/ wheelchair friendly.
Beehive Falls Grampians is located around 15 minutes from Dadswell Bridge. From Roses Gap Road, cross Mt Zero Road and look for the car park just to your left.
The Beehive Falls car park is also the start for hikes to Briggs Bluff and Mt Difficult, so it’s a great place to know on your visit to the Grampians, Victoria.
A little further north you can visit the Aboriginal rock paintings at Gulgurn Manja. The paintings show a unique local art style which was used to tell the stories and the beliefs of the Jardwadjali people.
The shelter is around 5 kilometres south of the Western Highway near Hollow Mountain – about an hour’s drive from Halls Gap. To access it there is an easy 15-minute walk from Flat Rock Road.
5) Silverband Falls
Silverband Falls is another one of the best waterfalls in Victoria. A picture-perfect spot, these falls are well known for having wedding couples taking their photos in front of the misty waters.
Although Silverband Falls is much smaller than Mackenzie Falls, you can still find some water cascading during the summer months and it’s much less busy.
It can be easily reached from Halls Gap, head to the small Silverband Falls car park to take the 700 metre walk upstream.
The walk will take you through well-established Australian bush, providing much needed dappled shade in summer.
The path is accessible for those with strollers (there are a few easy to negotiate water drains) with a flat and level path that’s well-maintained and easily navigated, crossing a small river along the way.
6) Turret Falls
A great Grampians waterfall to visit if you are a little short on time is the easy to get to Turret Falls.
From Halls Gap, head to the Wonderland carpark, about 5 minutes by car. It’s a 1.2 km walk to the falls, with a small incline, where you will eventually cross a bridge right over the top of Turret Falls.
It’s not too busy but does dry up in the summer months, so keep that in mind when you visit. As you’re probably finding out, this can be quite common with waterfalls in the Grampians, Victoria!
There are several viewing spots of Turret Falls from the trail so don’t get disheartened if some are a bit overgrown with eucalyptus trees!
Just follow the trail until an opening appears, and enjoy the views of this small waterfall.
7) Burrong Falls
A little further away from Halls Gap, past Mackenzie and Fish Falls, is the lesser known Burrong Falls.
This Grampians waterfall is a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds after heavy rain. You won’t have many people to contend with at these 30 metre high terraced falls that really are quite impressive.
Watch out for slippery boulders and mud when there’s been a lot of rain, there aren’t any facilities at the falls so take your own snacks and provisions.
To get to Burrong head along the rough Rose Creek Road, around 30 minutes from Halls Gap, until you reach the Burrong Falls car park.
The dirt track takes 350 metres to get to the falls with some steps – the path isn’t clearly marked in places so you just have to follow the sound of the water.
8) Bridal Veil Falls
You can’t miss Bridal Veil Falls as they are found around 500 metres before you reach the Pinnacle, one of the top Grampians attractions.
The Pinnacles Lookout has some of the most amazing views of the Grampians mountains, you can see the vast Grand Canyon as well as many other stunning rock features.
On the Pinnacle walk you will go right past a large rocky outcrop that, after rain, will have a long single stream of water running over it – like a bride’s veil.
You can visit the Bridal Veil Waterfall from the central Wonderland car park (4.5 km return) or the Sundial car park (4.2 km return), just a 5 minute drive from Halls Gap.
The trails are rough and younger children may struggle with the uneven terrain – so the path is not easily accessible to all.
From this central area you can explore many more of the top things to do in the Grampians National Park like the Grand Canyon, Lake Bellfield, and the Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre.
9) Splitters Falls
Surrounded by mossy rocks and ferns, Splitters is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Grampians National Park – though you could miss it completely in dry weather as it becomes almost non-existent!
If it has been wet though, the falls are well worth a visit on their own or as part of a longer hike in the Grampians.
In springtime, the wildflowers make it particularly stunning as the colourful flowers frame the falls.
From Wonderland car park, Splitters Falls Grampians is just 700 metres away. Make sure to walk past the first information sign on the path to the final lookout for the best views.
You can also take the longer walk to Splitters Falls from the Botanic Gardens and Venus Baths to take in other smaller springs, waterfalls and interesting rock formations.
Take the Stony Creek bridge crossing at the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens, then it’s about 800m to Venus Baths. The rocky pools are a great place to paddle and cool off in summer.
You can also visit the Grand Canyon around 2 kilometres further along the track.
The track is quite steep, with quite a few steps from either path, so it is not recommended for prams or wheelchairs.
10) Kalymna Falls
Kalymna Falls is a peaceful waterfall where visitors can get right down to the base of the falls.
Mount William Creek tumbles down over a huge striking rock wall into a small pool below. It’s one of the best Grampians Falls for a picnic, as the pool area is shady and quiet.
From Kalymna Falls Campground there’s a 1.5 km uphill track through Stringybark Forest on a rocky dirt road, you will need to make some water crossings by hopping over rocks along the way.
You will then descend 100 metres down some rocky steps to the base of the waterfall. It’s best viewed after heavy rains for optimal water flow.
This waterfall is worth the journey, at around 40 minutes south of Halls Gap, you will need to drive past Pomonal along Mitchell Road.
Don’t miss Pomonal Winery on your way to the waterfall, a newly established Grampians winery, microbrewery and cider house located in the picturesque town of Pomonal.
It’s as popular with locals as it is with visitors and is a great place to grab a drink and sample some of the best food in the region.
11) Clematis Falls
Clematis Falls is another one of the more seasonal Grampians National Park waterfalls with the size of the flow depending very much on recent rain.
An advantage of visiting during a dry spell is that you can get up close to the base of the falls. It’s even possible to cross over to the other side and climb down through the gully if you choose.
The falls are far more impressive after rain when there’s a decent amount of water pouring down the rock face. In spring the wildflowers add pops of colour.
Like the waterfalls in the Otways, no matter when you visit you can expect to see kangaroos, kookaburras, and other wildlife on your walk.
Clematis Falls is a well signposted, easy walk from Halls Gap’s recreation oval, this makes it a convenient waterfall to visit with younger children.
The 2.4-kilometre dirt track gently winds its way uphill until it reaches a few boulders at the end, it’s an easy climb over these to get to the falls.
From here you can go on to Chatauqua Peak. The medium level hike involves a steady 40-minute climb followed by a short scramble over rocks for the final 300 metres.
The 360-degree views are a worthwhile reward for the effort to get to the top.
Southern Grampians
Around 75 minutes south of Halls Gap, the Southern Grampians Shire is home to some magnificent waterfalls that are worth visiting.
Travel approximately 16 kilometres west of Hamilton, Victoria, to the Wannon River to find Wannon Falls and Nigretta Falls.
Both of these waterfalls are at their best from June to October but can be visited year-round as they only dry up during severe droughts.
We visited this area in November, so missed them at their mightiest. The falls were still pretty, however, and we were impressed with how well-kept the facilities and picnic area were.
12) Wannon Falls
In the Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve, just a 15-minute drive from the nearby town of Hamilton, is the magnificent Wannon Falls.
What makes this punchbowl waterfall so special is the volcanic, basalt landscape that it is formed from. Spot the many layers of geological history underneath the huge overhang of the falls.
There’s plenty of wildlife to see here too, like sugar gliders, wallabies, kangaroos and wild hares.
For the best views of the 30-metre plunge falls, head to the nearby lookout. It’s just a short walk from the car park so is great for prams or the mobility impaired.
To make the most out of your visit you can stay at the Wannon Falls Campground or visit the interpretive information centre.
There are also picnic and BBQ facilities, as well as toilets at the reserve.
13) Nigretta Falls
Previously known as the Upper Wannon Falls, Nigretta Falls is just a short walk from its neighbour Wannon Falls along the Wannon River.
The mighty river topples about 20 metres over a red-hued rock wall. As with most of these falls it’s far more impressive after rain, but it can reduce to just a slow trickle after a sustained dry spell.
Here there is also a scenic observation deck, but the difference is that you can also go swimming and fishing in the pools below.
There are a few wooden steps to get up and down, and there is a picnic area nearby too.
Eastern Grampians
Just east of Halls Gap, between Ararat and Beaufort, is the beautiful Mount Buangor State Park – an island of mountains and forests amidst the surrounding farmland.
Here lies a network of beautiful hiking trails, campgrounds and, of course, winding rivers and waterfalls.
14) Ferntree Falls
Take Ferntree Gully Road off the Western Highway to Ferntree Falls to explore the Middle Creek’s fern-lined upper reaches, a tributary that meanders through the Mount Buangor State Park.
To reach the Ferntree Waterfall take the Waterfalls Nature Walk, starting at the Ferntree camping area, and follow the 1-kilometre trail through a forest of blue gums and messmates.
The scenic walk will take around 45 minutes as a return trip, and you are rewarded with a serene waterfall with hardly any other visitors.
The Ferntree Picnic Area offers picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, non-flush toilets and a small hut for shelter.
You can then choose to cross the bridge over Middle Creek (beneath the falls) and continue along the Waterfalls Nature Walk to the nearby Cascade Falls.
15) Cascade Falls
Also within Mount Buangor State Park, Cascade Falls is a short 5-minute detour from the Waterfalls Nature Walk.
Cascade Waterfall is best seen in full flow after a heavy downpour, from the footbridge you can get full views of the slowly cascading water.
To get to Cascade Falls, from the upper car park/ camping ground it’s an easy 200-metre walk on a flat dirt track, or it’s a slightly tougher 45-minute walk each way from the lower camping ground.
Mount Buangor State Park is home to a wide variety of landscapes including eucalypt forest, creek flats, waterfalls and mountains.
From the peak of Mount Buangor, the highest in the park, you can get amazing views of the surrounding terrain.
There are plenty of fantastic walks in the park with a massive 15-kilometre network of walking trails.
From here you can also opt to explore the area further by venturing into the adjoining Mount Cole State Forest.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Grampians?
The Grampians are a fantastic place to explore all year round. Most visitors come during the warmer months but a whole other world opens up during the wet season.
In fact, the best time to view the waterfalls is between June and August as higher rain levels mean there will be a much better flow of water.
With around 800,000 visitors to the Grampians National Park each year, it’s clear there’s never a bad time to come.
The Grampians, also known by its traditional Aboriginal name Gariwerd, is always a fantastic place to come on holiday, especially for nature lovers, wildlife watchers and adventure seekers.
Waterfalls Grampians Map
Final Word
A visit to a waterfall is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Grampians.
Whether you want to explore the mountains or go on a gentle stroll with the family, you can find something to suit your needs in this beautiful part of Victoria.
Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may encounter thunderous cascades or small, slow trickles of water, make sure to choose the best one for you with this helpful guide to the waterfalls, Grampians.
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By Audrey Chalmers
Audrey grew up in Victoria and travelled the world but she always called Victoria home. She loves nothing more than exploring her home state and sharing it here.