Chasing Hidden Magic: The Best Waterfalls in Victoria
Spend a rainy day or four exploring some of the best waterfalls in Victoria.
When TLC warned us not to chase waterfalls, they clearly hadn’t wandered Victoria’s wilds. From the thundering drama of Steavenson and MacKenzie Falls to the secret whispers of La La and Wannon, this state is a cascade-lover’s dream. Each drop and plunge tells a story, carving landscapes that dazzle in winter’s crisp embrace.
Lace up your boots, pour a thermos of something warm, and follow the roar — the best waterfalls in Victoria are calling. Adventure, awe, and a little muddy magic await around every glistening bend.
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: Great Ocean Road & The Otways
Beauchamp Falls
Wander through a cathedral of Mountain Ash, Myrtle Beech, and Blackwood, where ferns curl in every corner, until the forest parts to reveal the breathtaking Beauchamp Falls. One of Victoria’s most striking waterfalls, its water plunges 20 metres into a crystalline pool, a cascade both powerful and mesmerising. Hidden behind fronds in the heart of Great Otway National Park, this spectacular display rewards the adventurous with a moment of untamed beauty — a feast for both senses and soul.
Aire Valley Road, Beech Forrest
Hopetoun Falls
Step into a world of verdant wonder as you descend the fern-lined stairs to Hopetoun Falls. The viewing platform below offers a spellbinding panorama of water tumbling 30 metres into the Aire River, each drop a shimmering ribbon of power and grace. Encircled by towering tree ferns and lush glades, the falls feel suspended in time, a serene, almost primeval phenomenon. Every spray and echo invites you to linger, letting the forest and cascading waters enchant your senses completely.
Aire Valley Road, Beech Forest
Sheaok Falls
Set off on the Sheoak Falls Walk, winding from the coastal woodland at Sheoak Creek’s mouth through wet forest to the hidden cascade of Sheoak Falls. One of the most enchanting waterfalls near Lorne, it’s a serene stop along the Great Ocean Road. Waters tumble like liquid light over a sheer rock face into a tree-framed pool, radiating calm. A short, stepped walk from the car park leads you there, with an optional climb to Swallow Cave revealing alternative views. A perfect blend of tranquillity, beauty, and forest magic — one of Victoria’s most peaceful waterfalls.
Great Ocean Road, Lorne
Erskine Falls
Just a short drive from the Great Ocean Road, Erskine Falls awaits, tucked within a verdant rainforest. Follow the trail and descend the stairs to the second lookout, where the cascade plunges dramatically into the pool below. For the adventurous, the walk continues along the river for 7.5 kilometres, revealing hidden corners of lush forest, winding streams, and secret viewpoints. Every step immerses you in the kind of wild, untamed beauty that makes the best waterfalls in Victoria so unforgettable — a feast for the eyes, the senses, and the soul.
Great Otway National Park
Triplet Falls
Triplet Falls, deep in the heart of Great Otway National Park, is a true Victorian showstopper. Take the one-hour loop through ancient rainforest, where raised walkways wind past towering Mountain Ash and whispering Myrtle Beech. As the forest opens, the roar of the falls greets you — three cascades tumbling in perfect harmony. Elevated platforms reveal every drop in spectacular detail, each more mesmerising than the last. Distinct, dramatic, and utterly enchanting, Triplet Falls is the waterfall you’ll fall head over heels for.
Phillips Track, Wyelangta
Phantom Falls
Phantom Falls is a hidden jewel of the Otways, tumbling 15 metres into a crystalline pool below. The 90-minute return hike through lush rainforest begins at Allenvale Mill Picnic Grounds, where crossing the St George River and winding past a charming orchard sets the tone for adventure. Follow the track along the river and over rocky terrain framed by bushland until the falls reveal themselves in a sudden, breathtaking crescendo. Descend the stairs to the pool, or for seasoned explorers, extend the journey to Cora Lynn Cascades or The Canyon for a serene, sunlit picnic.
Allenvale Road, Henderson Track, Lorne
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: Grampians
MacKenzie Falls
One of the most iconic waterfalls in Victoria, MacKenzie Falls is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Take in the view from above at the viewing platform or, if you’re looking for something a little more challenging, strap on your walking shoes and hike the steep track to the base. Once you’re down make sure to reward yourself and cool off with a dip in the falls.
Grampians National Park
Fish Falls
Fish Falls is a quietly stunning highlight of the Grampians, plunging 60 metres over terraced rocks into a serene pool below. A moderate 4.6-kilometre return along the Mackenzie River Walk from Zumsteins Picnic Area leads you through rippling waters and shaded bushland, building anticipation with every step. Rest by the pool with a picnic, dip your toes, or climb to the top for sweeping views. For the more adventurous, continue along the track to the famed MacKenzie Falls — nature’s drama layered, calm and wild, all in one.
Zumsteins Picnic Area, Mt Victory Road, Zumsteins
Wannon Falls
Wannon Falls is a punchbowl waterfall like no other, a striking spectacle in the Southern Grampians, just 20 kilometres west of Hamilton. Water plunges 30 metres over a vertical basalt cliff into a deep, crystalline pool below, a dramatic display shaped by ancient lava flows that surged upstream to the Wannon River. Its unique geology and sheer power make it one of Victoria’s most unforgettable waterfalls, perfect for any natural wonders bucket list.
Sitchu Tip: Visit after winter or spring rains when both the flow and the surrounding landscape are at their most magnificent.
Glenelg Highway, Wannon
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: Gippsland
Toorongo Falls
For a warmer weather adventure with a splash, Toorongo Falls is calling. This tiered cascade offers sumptuous views as water tumbles gracefully over rocky ledges, surrounded by a lush forest alive with earthy scents. Take the 2.2km Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls Loop to reach the top, then continue to Amphitheatre Falls for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pool — a dreamy escape from the heat. Moss-draped rocks, twisting tree ferns, and the constant serenade of flowing water create a magical backdrop for photos, making every step of this waterfall journey utterly enchanting.
Toorongo Falls Reserve, Noojee
Agnes Falls
Folded into the lush, rolling landscape of the Strzelecki Ranges, Agnes Falls tumbles 59 metres over rugged rocks into a gorge that feels like a secret whispered by the forest. Spread a picnic beneath towering eucalypts as Grey Fantails, Crimson Rosellas, and kookaburras perform their cheery symphony, and watch for possums and wallabies flitting through the undergrowth. A serene patch of Gippsland magic, this is a must-see detour on any southern road trip — even more spectacular after rain, when the falls roar with untamed drama.
125 Agnes Falls Road, Hazel Park
Morwell River Falls
Venture off the beaten track through rolling countryside and forested gullies to discover the serene Morwell River Falls. Flowing from the Strzelecki Ranges, the river tumbles into a series of three picturesque cascades near Boolarra, the first framed by a charming overhanging branch and swing. The journey itself is part of the magic, winding along quiet gravel roads past lush greenery to a picnic spot where the walking track begins. Remote, peaceful, and utterly enchanting, this is one of the most delightful waterfalls in Victoria.
Morwell River Road, Grand Ridge
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: Goldfields & Central Victoria
Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls is one of Victoria’s most impressive waterfalls, with water plunging 32 metres over ancient basalt columns before reaching the river below. While you can’t access the top of the falls, the viewing platform is just a short walk from the car park. Located just over an hour from Melbourne, it is the ultimate scenic spot for a packed picnic, where you can soak in the dramatic cascade framed by lush surrounding bushland.
Trentham Scenic Reserve Road, Trentham
The Blowhole
Carved into the hillside along Sailors Creek just outside Hepburn Springs, these falls are a treat for both nature and history lovers. Built in the 1870s, the tunnel was originally designed to aid miners in their search for gold. Today, it’s a popular local attraction, drawing visitors eager to explore the area’s rich history while enjoying the serene beauty of the cascading water.
Hepburn Regional Park, Blowhole Road, Hepburn Springs
La La Falls
Just a short drive from Ballarat, La La Falls spills prettily into a rocky gorge, framed by gums and open farmland. The reserve is ready for a full day out, with grassy spaces, a playground, picnic tables, toilets, and even a covered barbecue area. A gentle 200-metre walk leads to a viewing platform above the falls, while the Von Guerard View Track extends the adventure, offering sweeping vistas across the gorge — a quietly magical sight.
Lal Lal Falls Road, Lal Lal
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: Melbourne. Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley & Bellarine Peninsula
Dights Falls
Dights Falls, established in 1895 to supply water to the Melbourne Flour Milling Company, is where the Yarra River meets the incoming saltwater from the surrounding estuary. Just a stone’s throw from the inner city, these falls are a favourite stop for cyclists riding the Yarra Trail, offering a serene riverside escape amid the urban bustle.
142 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford
Wombelano Falls
Thread your way through towering eucalypts and verdant gullies to discover the charmingly framed Wombelano Falls. From the lookout, watch as water plunges 90 metres into the gully below, a breathtaking spectacle in the heart of Kinglake National Park. This hidden gem combines dramatic beauty with a gentle sense of calm, the 1.5km circuit winding through ferns and towering trees, offering moments of quiet reflection. A must-visit for anyone chasing one of Melbourne’s most serene and scenic waterfalls.
Captains Creek Road, Kinglake West
Olinda Falls
Olinda Falls, tucked in the lush Dandenong Ranges, may be a shorter stroll but it’s every bit as charming as the region’s grander cascades. A gentle 10–15 minute walk through shaded forest brings you to the viewing platform, making it an ideal escape on a hot summer’s day. Just past Mount Dandenong, the Olinda Falls Picnic Area offers a tranquil spot to linger, while the forest hums with the calls of lyrebirds — a serene, sensory retreat just a stone’s throw from Melbourne.
Olinda Falls Reserve, Dandenong Ranges
La La Falls
This serene rainforest stroll near Warburton winds over charming stone arch bridges and beside bubbling streams, all leading to a breathtaking waterfall. Perfect for those seeking a little escape, the trail offers a gentle invitation to discover one of Melbourne’s most captivating cascades — where nature’s hush and the rush of water promise a moment of pure, unhurried magic.
Irruka Road, Warburton
Steavenson Falls
Towering at 84 metres, Steavenson Falls are among Victoria’s tallest and most celebrated cascades, adored by locals and visitors alike. Begin your journey along the Tree Fern Gully Trail, a 3.4-kilometre path that winds from the heart of the nearby town through lush forest, ferns, and dappled light, culminating at the base of the falls. As the water thunders into the pool below, you’ll be met with a truly awe-inspiring spectacle — a reward for the scenic stroll.
Falls Road, Marysville
Buckley Falls
This summer, make your way to Buckley Falls Reserve, just outside Geelong. A serene riverside haven, it offers stunning waterfall views and is rich in environmental, historical, and cultural significance. Wander along excellent walking and biking tracks, or simply pause to take in the cascades as they tumble into the Bunyip Pool — a deep, circular pool nestled in the bend of the Barwon River. Quiet, picturesque, and effortlessly charming, Buckley Falls is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Highton, Victoria
Best Waterfalls in Victoria: North East Victoria & High Country
Snobs Creek Falls
A platform juts boldly from the rock face, hovering above the falls and thrusting you into the rush of tumbling water—a vantage that turns a simple stop into a small, exhilarating pilgrimage. Snobs Creek Falls surprises with its generous flow, tumbling in a series of quick, gleaming rock steps before spilling in a broad curtain into the pool below. Around it, the forest thrives in quiet abundance: velvet ferns, jewel-toned mosses, and delicate fungi cling to every damp corner, thriving in the misty, eucalyptus-scented air. From the carpark, it’s a gentle 150-metre stroll to this breathtaking stage, where the 20-metre drop delivers a moment of pure, unadulterated awe.
Snobs Creek Falls Walk, Eildon, Victoria
Woolshed Falls & Beechworth Gorge Cascades
Just beyond historic Beechworth, Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park hosts the captivating Woolshed Falls, where nature and history entwine. Once the heart of one of Australia’s richest goldfields, up to 8,000 prospectors camped along Spring Creek, chasing fortune amid the alluvial workings still visible today. A ten-minute drive north from town leads to cascading falls, an observation deck with sweeping valley views, and trails designed for a self-guided wander. Closer in, the Beechworth Cascades offer sun-dappled rockpools for a refreshing dip, framed by the lush scenery that makes this region quietly unforgettable.
Woolshed Falls, Woolshed Falls Road, Beechworth
Beechworth Cascades, Gorge Road, Beechworth
Ladies Bath & Eurobin Falls
At Ladies Bath Falls, water tumbles into a brilliantly clear pool, while at Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls, Crystal Creek plunges dramatically over a formidable granite ledge. All three are just a short walk apart, making this an ideal half-day escape when staying near Bright. Though the falls may seem modest, the creek has carved a striking chasm at the top of Eurobin Falls — an idyllic picnic spot and, in summer, a refreshing retreat from the heat of the Ovens and Buckland valleys.
Sitchu Tip: Tread carefully on the slick rocks at Ladies Bath Falls.
Mount Buffalo Road, Bright
Paradise Falls
Hidden deep in the King Valley, Paradise Falls sits within Alpine National Park near Cheshunt, North East Victoria. The last 11 kilometres are on well-maintained gravel, accessible by 2WD. A stepped track leads to a viewing platform, where the falls tumble 31 metres from a rugged conglomerate rock formation — true to its name, a serene slice of paradise.
Pack a picnic and linger, or for the adventurous, follow the Falls Walking Track to Wobonga Plateau. From McMillan’s Track Lookout, take in sweeping views of the Upper King River, Lake William Hovel, and the distant peaks of Mount Stirling and Mount Buller.
Paradise Falls Road, Cheshunt
Has this round-up got you falling head-over-heels to see Victoria’s best waterfalls? If you’re interested in exploring more of regional Victoria check out our guide to the must see wonders in Victoria and explore the best caravan parks in Victoria for weekend road tripping. Adventure awaits!