Seven Spectacular Waterfalls in Melbourne

When a plain body of water just won't do, the next best thing is visiting a magical waterfall in Melbourne.

Our stunning city is full of incredible waterfalls in Melbourne, many of them within just an hour's drive from the city and many of them more than 100 metres high! So pack your swimmers, enjoy the drive and get ready to ogle at - and maybe even go for a swim under! - these magnificent waterfalls.

The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne

1. Olinda Falls

Olinda Falls are a gorgeous excuse for a stop-off on the beautiful Dandenong Ranges drive. These waterfalls in Melbourne are not only incredible to look at but also a great place to stop off for a picnic to really make the most out of your day in nature. Great for kids, the walk to Olinda Falls is relatively short, (about 10-15 minutes) and is shaded the whole way. Surrounded by misty green fern forests and ginormously tall trees, a visit to Olinda Falls feels like you're a million miles away from the CBD. 

If everyone's feeling sprightly, there are extensive walks to be taken around the waterfall area, with the waterfall itself only 1km return, and up to 14km round trips. The Olinda Falls Reserve has running water, toilets, and plenty of shade.

Location: Dandenong Ranges National Park

2. Trentham Falls

Just one hour from Melbourne lies the five-million-year-old Trentham Falls, Victoria's single highest drop, surrounded by the thick vegetation of the Wombat State Forest. In winter, you'll find Trentham Falls absolutely roaring, but summer doesn't often have enough rain for it to be at its spectacular best.

Picnic facilities are aplenty, with tables and toilets, barbecues, and shady spots to lay a blanket. Take a stroll through the native bush along any of the scenic walking tracks in the forest and in the Lerderderg State Park - the waterfall's viewing platform is a short 70-metre walk (unfortunately you can't get to the bottom of the falls anymore), or take a bike if you're so inclined.

Location: Daylesford & Macedon Ranges

3. Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls on the Aire River in the Great Otway National Park is another incredible waterfall in Melbourne and totally worth the trek along the Great Ocean Road (a glorious drive in itself). Surrounded by lush fern rainforests, you can admire the view from either the upper platform or from the base of the falls. Fear not, there is a bench you can sit on to rest and psych yourself up for the 200 steps back up to ground level.

Location: Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway

4. Ferntree Falls

Ferntree Falls is a little bit more of a hike from the car, but the bonus is you get to see three waterfalls on the way! It's about a 1-kilometre round trip through the ferny goodness.

Location: Mount Buangor State Park

5. Beauchamp Falls

Beauchamp Falls continually gets voted one of the best waterfalls in Melbourne and it's easy to see why. One of the more strenuous walks for the adventurous, Beauchamp Falls lies about 30 minutes into a magnificent mountain ash forest. You will be rewarded with a 20-25-metre waterfall crashing into the pool below, amid the ferny undergrowth nestled in between the gigantic trees. 

Location: Beauchamp Falls Walking Track, Beech Forest

6. Steavenson Falls

To witness one of the most famous waterfalls in Melbourne, head out to Marysville, in the Murrindindi region, and you'll find the Steavenson Falls, a huge 122-metre, 5-cascade sheet of water—and deservedly famous for it! Take a trip to the viewing platform either above (which stretches across the river) or below, which is about a 350-metre walk through the towering eucalypts. There are quite a few tracks around if you'd like to make a day of it, and even a turbine to check out which generates the lights throughout. If you're lucky (and you get there early enough), you might even spot a lyrebird from time to time. 

Location: Falls Rd, Marysville

7. MacKenzie Falls

If you love the idea of hearing the pounding water falling even before you see the waterfall, you'll love visiting MacKenzie Falls. Located in the middle of the Grampians National Park, the 2-kilometre return walk to MacKenzie Falls is easy for the whole family to enjoy, and the amazing views when you get there are so worth it! 

Location: Northern Grampians Rd, Zumsteins

Hero image: Olinda Falls

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