Gippsland, Victoria is home to a variety of stunning waterfalls. These waterfalls are located in beautiful national parks, reserves, mountains and coastal regions, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature, take in the stunning scenery, and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. Overall, visiting the waterfalls in Gippsland is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Victoria and create unforgettable memories.
Narracan Falls – Narracan
Narracan Falls can be found just south of the highway, about 10-12 kilometres away from Moe. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the falls with a grassy area next to the creek offering a great view of the falls.
During the summer and autumn, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls and explore the nearby islands in the creek. Additionally, a dirt walking path leads down to the base of the falls and a muddy pool.
The falls are fed by Narracan Creek, which starts in the hills northwest of Thorpdale and flows into the Latrobe River near Lake Narracan.
There is a 50 metre walking path from the car park which leads to the base of the falls. The reserve also has car and coach parking, picnic tables and open fireplaces.
Agnes Falls – Hazel Park
Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve is located 196 kilometres southeast of Melbourne and can be accessed by following Silcocks Hill Road from the South Gippsland Highway at Toora, or via Slade Hill Road and Hazel Park Road from Welshpool.
The reserve boasts the highest single span falls in Victoria, measuring 59 metres in height. Visitors can take a short 200 metre walking track from the carpark to a viewing area for the falls, and can also spot various birds and vegetation along the way.
The reserve also protects a small area of the Strzelecki Ranges’ original forests, which includes tall Southern Blue Gums, Blackwood, and Silver Wattles, as well as a diverse understory of other plants. The reserve also provides habitat for a variety of bird species.
Genoa Falls – Genoa
Explore the 0.8-kilometre round trip trail located near the town of Genoa in Victoria. The trail is considered easy and typically takes about 14 minutes to complete. Ideal for hiking and walking, the trail is not heavily traveled, making it a peaceful excursion. There is a small carpark near the trailhead, but if it is full, there is an unmarked parking spot on the Princes Highway about 200 metres away. From the trailhead, a dirt road leads to the entrance, and then a short stairway takes you down to the cascading falls. The falls are surrounded by large boulders and offer a great spot to explore or even swim, but be cautious as it can be slippery.
Morwell River Falls – Grand Ridge
Located just outside of Boolarra, this secluded spot offers a tranquil atmosphere. The remote location and lush foliage add to its appeal. A hiking trail leads visitors from the parking area to a series of beautiful waterfalls located in the upper reaches of the Morwell River, nestled amidst the natural bushland.
The hike is a quick 15-minute round trip, and it is suitable for people of all ages, including seniors and children. However, please be aware that the trail from the parking lot can be slippery when wet and is narrow in certain areas, with stair-like sections.
Cyathea Falls – Tarra Valley
Cyathea Falls is a waterfall that can be found amidst a lush fern forest, with water flowing over rounded rocks before cascading further down. Although the falls may be slightly hidden in the dense forest, the main streams of water are visible from a seat located in front of the falls.
The 500 metre walk to the falls is slightly uphill, but is on a well-maintained gravel path that loops around the creek. The path includes bridges for crossing the creek, and taking the east track will lead to a small cascade at the base of the falls before reaching the viewing platform. The west track also features tall, moss-covered tree ferns and picnic tables can be found near the beginning of the walk in a picturesque fernery.
Tarra Falls – Tarra Valley
The Tarra Falls is a stunning waterfall that flows through a picturesque tree fern and mountain ash tree rainforest in the Tarra-Bulga National Park. Visitors can witness the waterfall as it tumbles down tall trees and take in the surrounding natural beauty.
A small staircase provides access to the upper section of the waterfall.
The area is home to many birds such as the Eastern whip bird, Lyrebird, and Black cockatoo, which can be heard and seen by attentive visitors. The humidity of the rainforest creates a cool mist that adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the falls.
There is a car park nearby the falls, and visitors can take a short walk along the footpath to reach the stairs leading to the falls.
Toorongo & Amphitheatre Waterfalls – Noojee
Explore the 2.1-kilometre loop trail to Toorongo & Amphitheatre Waterfalls Located near Noojee, Victoria, which is generally considered to be an easy route. The average time it takes to complete this trail is 47 minutes. This area is popular for birdwatching, camping, and hiking, so you may encounter other hikers during your excursion. The best months to visit this trail are April through September. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash.
The trail offers a diverse landscape, including dense bushland with tall trees and ferns. It also passes by two waterfalls, Wooden Bridge and Tooronga Falls. A wide variety of wildlife can be observed along the trail. The initial section of the trail includes an uphill climb, but the views from the top are worth the effort. The loop is easy to navigate, but can be muddy and has several spots where you can deviate from the main path and capture stunning shots of the falls.
There is parking available at the trailhead, as well as toilets and picnic tables. The trail can become crowded on weekends, particularly with families and dog walkers.
Youngs Creek Falls – Orbost
The trail to the waterfall starts at the picnic area’s rear and meanders downstream to the top of the Young’s Creek waterfall, which features a viewing platform.
The waterfall cascades down a rock face and into a large pool that is about 13 metres deep. The trail then continues down into a lush gully and ends at the base of the falls where you can find an abundance of Kanuka and Teatree.
The waterfall is situated in close proximity to the Young’s Creek Picnic Ground which is located about 12km north of Orbost. The picnic area offers amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits and a car park. Horse riders and cyclists are welcome to explore the beautiful scenery by riding on one of the many tranquil bush tracks that lead to the picnic area.
Basin Creek Falls
Basin Creek Falls is a secret treasure for those who love adventure, however, the waterfall may not have much water flowing if there hasn’t been recent rainfall. The trailhead to the falls is located before the end of the road and features a small clearing where a few cars can park and a picnic table is located nearby under the trees.
The path to the bottom of the falls is steep and narrow, making it not suitable for young children or elderly individuals. It takes about an hour to hike to the falls and back. The trail is challenging in certain sections with slippery spots and no guardrails. The trail will lead to the edge of the Snowy River Gorge, offering beautiful views, before taking a sharp left turn and heading down to the Snowy River at the base of the Basin Creek Falls.
It is important to exercise caution on this trail, especially if it is raining as the rocky areas may be impassable. Visitors can stand under the water as it flows down the rock face and there are also great views of the falls and the gorge from the trail at river level. The road to the falls is very narrow with steep cliffs and can be dangerous when encountering oncoming cars. There is limited parking, no bathrooms, and only a few picnic tables available.
Lawson Falls – Gentle Annie
Located in the western part of Gippsland not too far from Melbourne, particularly for those living in the southeast suburbs, is a lesser-known waterfall that is tucked away in the Bunyip State Forest.
Despite the waterfall being relatively close to the city, it can be challenging to view the falls in their entirety due to the thick forest cover and a bend near the bottom of the falls. However, visitors can still access the water and touch the lower cascades.
To reach the falls, there are two options. The first is a 2-3 km hike from the Lawson Falls Picnic Ground, which can be a bit challenging as the trail can be difficult to find at first and becomes more overgrown as you get closer to the falls.
The second option is to take a steep and slippery gully track down to the base of the falls. Once there, you can catch glimpses of the falls from the elevated mounds on the edge of the creek or jump down to the creek bed for a closer look. The enclosed space creates a sense of intimacy with the falls and the surrounding gully ridges seem to tower above you.
Turtons Creek Falls – Turtons Creek
Located 20 kilometres north of Foster in the Strzelecki Ranges, Turtons Creek boasts a stunning waterfall that can be found amidst lush wet forests. Visitors can choose between two different walks to see the waterfall – a shorter, easier 1.8 km round trip or a longer, more challenging 3 km round trip that also includes Turtons Creek Little Falls. Signage and maps are available to guide visitors on their journey. Camping is also available at the creek, surrounded by shady mountain ash trees. Both driving and walking are options for reaching the falls.
W-Tree Falls – Buchan
W-Tree Falls are situated within the Dawson-Murrindal Nature Conservation Reserve.To view the W Tree Creek falls, make sure to stop your car about fifty metres before the bridge and check out the information board on the side of the road, which provides details about the local plant and animal life. Be mindful as you might miss the sign if you’re not paying attention.
From the designated viewing area, you can take in the entire length of the falls from above. The number of streams the falls split into can vary depending on the water flow and there are several small ledges where the water eventually flows together. You can walk out onto the rock platform above the falls and cautiously look over the edge. It’s possible to climb down to the small pool at the bottom, however, it’s a difficult descent and it’s not recommended unless you are adequately prepared.
Minnehaha Falls – Hiawatha
Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in a remote valley west of Yarram. Despite its remote location, it is easily accessible by car and is just a short walk from the campsite. The waterfall is surrounded by rocky cliffs and has a powerful flow of water in the winter and spring, creating a loud and impressive display. Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the lawn area directly in front of the falls or walk up a little track to the top of the falls for a different perspective. The sound of the rushing water is soothing and relaxing, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful outdoor experience.