The Grampians, also known as Gariwerd, are a mountain range located in western Victoria, Australia. The range spans approximately 200,000 hectares and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including eucalyptus forests, rugged cliffs, and waterfalls. The Grampians are a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching, and are also home to several indigenous cultural sites. The Grampians are an important part of Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage, and are protected by the Grampians National Park.
Here are some of the best waterfalls in the Grampians:
MacKenzie Falls – Zumsteins
The Grampians National Park’s MacKenzie Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that you can view from a lookout platform or by taking a short but steep 2 kilometre return walk to the base on a series of narrow steps.
There is also a less taxing 1.9i kilometre walk to Mackenzie Falls Lookout. This walk takes visitors through stringybark forest to a lookout where you can see several cascades of the river flowing.
Broken Falls – Zumsteins
The Broken Falls lookout can be reached by a short walk from the MacKenzie Falls parking lot on Wartook Road. It offers an impressive view of the MacKenzie River as it flows over the wide Broken Falls and continues down to the MacKenzie Falls and Fish Falls below.
The viewing platform can be reached by a scenic walk and is accessible from the car park. From there, you can either return to the parking lot or continue along the track and visit the MacKenzie Falls.
Fish Falls – Zumsteins
Fish Falls is a stunning waterfall situated on the MacKenzie River that flows over terraced rock. It is visible throughout the year, but the flow is heaviest after rain and the wildflowers are most prominent in the spring. The falls can be reached by walking trails from either the Zumsteins Picnic Area and Historical Site (2 hours) or the MacKenzie Falls parking lot.
Burrong Falls – Zumsteins
Burrong Falls is located in a secluded area of the Grampians and can be reached by a 300 meter long walking path from the parking lot.
The falls consist of a series of steps ranging from 1 to 5 meters in height and over 20 meters in width, with paddling pools on the larger steps where visitors can sit and let the water fall on their head. If you sit quietly, you may also spot some blue tongue lizards basking on the rocks. Despite being less well-known and visited by fewer tourists compared to McKenzie Falls, the falls offer a more intimate and serene experience.
Splitters Falls – Halls Gap
Splitters Falls is a beautiful waterfall that can be reached by taking a short walk from the Wonderland Carpark.
It is especially breathtaking in the spring when surrounded by wildflowers, but may not have water during the summer.
The walking track to get there goes through rocky terrain, a gorge, and up some stairs before following along a beautiful creek. There is a sign indicating where to turn off for Splitters Falls. After seeing the falls, you have the option to either continue on to Halls Gap past Venus Baths or return to the Wonderland Carpark.
Clematis Falls – Halls Gap
Clematis Falls is a waterfall that is not as well-known as others in the area, but it is easily accessible.
It can be reached by taking a short, 2.4 kilometer round trip hike from the back of the Recreation Reserve.
The falls are at their best after it has rained, but there is a rocky area at the bottom that may be slippery. The amount of water flowing at the falls varies, but the walk to see them, especially during the spring wildflower season, is enjoyable for families.
Bridal Veil Falls – Halls Gap
Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning waterfall that can be found along the path from the Wonderland Carpark to the Pinnacle Lookout.
The walkway actually goes right under the falls and there is a small pond nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb into a cavity in the rock behind the waterfall. It’s best to visit Bridal Veil Falls after it has rained to see the water flow at its best and in the spring to see the wildflowers in bloom.
Venus Baths – Halls Gap
Venus Baths is an impressive natural attraction in Grampians National Park, featuring flowing pools of water formed by Stoney Creek cascading over a sandstone shelf and bordered by sloping stone walls.
It is most enjoyable to visit Venus Baths on a warm spring day, when the water is still flowing and the weather is suitable for swimming. However, if you visit during the summer when the water is no longer flowing, it is important to avoid entering the pools as they may be stagnant.
Silverband Falls – Bellfield
Silverband Falls is a beautiful waterfall that can be easily reached through a short walk, about 40 minutes return. These falls are located in the eastern part of the Grampians and feature a single drop of about 20 metres.
It got its name from European settlers in the 1800s because of the way the water looks like a silver band when it flows down. The waterfall is unique because the water flows into the rocks at the bottom and travels underground for about 50 meters before resurfacing in a nearby creek.
The Chasm – Reedy Creek
This is a narrow, steep-sided gorge located in the southern part of the Grampians. It features a series of small waterfalls and cascades that flow over the rocky terrain. This is very difficult to access and is by no means your standard bushwalk. There are a couple of ways to access The Chasm, to get up to date information on things like the track and weather conditions we would recommend speaking to someone who has recently done the walk. Online bushwalking groups and forums can be a good place to find such people.
Wannon Falls – Wannon
The Wannon Falls is a breathtaking natural attraction located just a short distance from Hamilton and Coleraine.
It features a spectacular display of water flowing down into a deep plunge pool, formed by a basalt lava flow that traveled up the Wannon River. There is a cantilevered viewing platform that offers stunning views of the falls, and a rotunda nearby provides interpretive information about the area’s geology, flora and fauna, and Indigenous history.
The Wannon Falls reserve also includes a free overnight campground with amenities such as unpowered sites, toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues, and is pet-friendly. There is plenty of parking and additional amenities like public toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities available at the reserve.
Beehive Falls – Roses Gap
Beehive Falls are a popular tourist attraction and can be reached by starting a 2.8km walk from the designated parking area. The path leads down to the base of the falls, where you can find rock pools filled with water from seasonal rains. The walk takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and requires a medium level of fitness.
It’s especially beautiful to visit Beehive Falls after it has rained, as the falls will be at their fullest, and in the spring, you can see wildflowers blooming around the area.
Nigretta Falls – Hamilton
Nigretta Falls is a waterfall located about 20km from Hamilton, just off the Glenelg Highway. It is formed by the Wannon River and is made up of volcanic rock. Visitors can view the falls from an observation deck in the parking and picnic area, or take a set of stairs down to the base of the falls. The best time to visit is during the winter months. The falls are easily accessible by 2WD vehicles and those with caravans. There is a picnic ground with amenities such as public toilets, seating, and electric barbecues, as well as plenty of parking and fishing spots. Photographers can get great shots of the falls in the afternoon when the sun is setting behind the cliffs.
Turret Falls – Pomonal
Turret Falls is a beautiful and unique twin waterfall that can be accessed by a scenic one hour walk starting from the Wonderland Carpark at Pomonal.
The views of the rugged sandstone slopes as you walk to Turret Falls are stunning. The path includes steps, uphill sections, and some sections that run alongside cliffs, so be careful and supervise children. The first section of the track is mostly steps along a dirt track, while the middle section runs alongside cliffs with stunning views of the sandstone slopes. If you have taken the walk to The Pinnacle from the Wonderland Carpark, you will recognize these slopes. The last section of the track runs alongside a small gorge, where you can hear the creek flowing below. As you get closer to the falls, you will hear the rush of water. When you reach the top of Turret Falls, you will see the creek pass through a series of beautiful rock pools atop a rocky outcrop before dropping into the gorge below. You can get views of the waterfall from the edge, but be careful of the drop and do not approach the edge if the rock is wet as it can be very slippery.
Kalymna Falls – Pomonal
Kalymna Falls is another great waterfall at Pomonal that can be reached in a one hour walk. To get to the falls, you’ll start at the firepit and follow a rocky, rough road. There will be signs along the way to guide you to the falls.
The falls may vary in intensity depending on the time of your visit, but they can be either a steady flow or a strong, mist-producing rush of water after heavy rain.
Alternatively, you can choose to return the way you came or take a hike up to the top of Mount William. The hiking trail includes some inclines as you get closer to the mountain peak, but the reward for those who make it is a beautiful, panoramic view of the area. Along the trail, you may also encounter a variety of wildflowers, cockatoos, lizards, and other bird species.