There are many beautiful waterfalls around Melbourne and in Victoria and many of them are an easy day trip from Melbourne, or you can see them as part of a nature-based weekend away or family holiday.
Take your average bushwalk to the next level and turn your journey into a waterfall hike!
Here is my list of the best waterfalls in Victoria to visit so you can find the nearest waterfall to you. Most of the waterfall walks are all child friendly to varying degrees as the distances are relatively easy and short – though the terrain is not always pram-friendly and some tracks are better suited to older children than little legs.
For the best effect visit waterfalls in Victoria when the rainfall is higher during winter, or when the snow melts and water trickles to lower ground in spring.
Waterfalls Near Melbourne – Dandenong Ranges
1. Olinda Falls, Olinda
Olinda Falls are in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and it takes only about 10 to 15 minutes before you reach the waterfall – it’s a 350m walk from the car park to the upper platform and another 140m down to the Lower Falls (1km return trip). The path is shaded the whole way and fringed by ferns and towering Mountain Ash trees – so it really does feel like an enchanted forest walk.
Olinda Falls Reserve also offers picnic tables, running water, toilets and more extensive walks around the waterfall area.
Please note, dogs and swimming are not allowed, but you can sit in the water at the lower falls.
Olinda Falls, Dandenong Ranges National Park North, Olinda
2. Sherbrooke Falls, Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke Falls in the Dandenongs looks the best after heavy rain as the Sherbrooke Creek flows fast over the rocks. The waterfalls aren’t very big as the slope is not steep, but the walk through tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns is pleasant and doable for young kids.
The waterfall is accessed by a 2.4 km, 1-hour return walk starting from Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground. Just remember to wear waterproof hiking boots or my favourite Merry People gumboots as the ground gets muddy (even if it hasn’t been raining, as it’s a popular walking track).
Sherbrooke Falls, Dandenong Ranges National Park (South), Sherbrooke
Waterfalls Near Melbourne – Yarra Ranges waterfalls
3. La La Falls, Warburton
The trail to La La Falls within Yarra State Forest is a beautiful short walk through a Cool Temperate Rainforest. The waterfall is easily accessible via an easy 3.2km out-and-back route and at a leisurely pace, the 1.6km walk up to the falls should take around 20 minutes.
There is a picnic area at the start of the track but note the nearest toilets and BBQ area is in Warburton.
La La Falls, 25 Iruka Road, Warburton
4. Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Steavenson Falls is a huge 122-metre sheet of water and one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. It has been a popular attraction since the 1860s and there are a few walking tracks if you want to make a day of it. The area is famous for lyrebirds too!
Park at the Steavenson Falls car park and walk 700m to the top viewing platform or another 350 metres to the bottom viewing platform, or walk the whole 3.4km (one way) from the centre of Marysville to the base of the falls.
During the winter, Lake Mountain Ski Resort, just outside Marysville, is also a popular destination for families wanting to visit the snow to play and toboggan.
Steavenson Falls, Falls Road Marysville
5. Phantom Falls & Keppel Falls, Marysville
Approximately 1km apart are Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls, and they are well worth an extra short drive from Steavenson Falls.
Phantom Falls is approximately 20 minutes walk slightly uphill from the car park on the signposted track. The walk back to the car park is quicker.
There is a 2km return walking track to Keppel Falls from the Keppel Falls car park. It is a more challenging walk, with some hills. The falls cascade over bounders, and are most impressive during spring.
Phantom Falls & Keppel Falls, Lady Talbot Drive Marysville
6. Masons Falls, Kinglake
Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
Masons Falls is a stunning waterfall and can be accessed via a short walk from Masons Falls Picnic Area. The falls are viewed from a viewing platform and it is not possible to walk to the base or top of the falls.
The picnic area has picnic tables and free gas BBQ facilities, all set amongst the towering gum trees.
Masons Falls, Kinglake National Park, 2980 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake
7. Wombelano Falls, Kinglake
Also in Kinglake National Park is a 1.5km circuit walking track through forest leading to a viewing platform for Wombelano Falls. Most of the walking track is flat with a compacted surface. There is a downhill section for the last 200m.
When you arrive enjoy beautiful views from the lookout and spy the falls cascading 90 metres into the gully below.
Wombelano Falls, Kinglake National Park, 2980 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake
Waterfall Near Melbourne – Mornington Peninsula waterfalls
8. Kings Falls, Arthurs Seat
The 1km circuit walk to Kings Falls starts at the car park on Waterfall Gully Road and goes past She-Oaks, Grasstrees, a boardwalk through lovely fern gully, native Wild Cherry, scented Paperbarks and other interesting plants and creatures. The walk has a series of interpretive signs and there is a viewing platform at the waterfall.
Kings Fall, 21 Purves Road Arthurs Seat
Waterfalls in Victoria – Daylesford & Macedon Ranges waterfalls
9. Trentham Falls, Trentham
Trentham Falls is Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall in Wombat State Forest. It is best viewed during winter when the water is roaring (there’s not enough water in summer) and it is accessible with an easy, short 70m walk from the car park to the viewing platform. There is no access to the top or base of the falls for safety reasons.
There is a picnic area nearly with tables and toilets, barbecues, plenty of shade, as well as more walking tracks in the forest and in Lerderderg State Park.
Trentham Falls, Trentham Scenic Reserve Road Trentham
10. Stanley Park, Mt Macedon
Tucked away in Stanley Park, a reserve in a bush setting, is a waterfall that runs through the park and cascades over a gully. There is a wooden viewing platform and some stone stairs that lead closer to the gully.
Stanley Park is an excellent trip for those wanting to see a waterfall with younger children as there is also barbecue / picnic facilities, toilets, and playground equipment. There are walking tracks around the reserve. If you want to make a weekend of it, I’ve combined a list of the top places to go in Gisborne and Macedon with kids.
Stanley Park, Waterfalls Road and Salisbury Road Mount Macedon
11. Sailors Falls, Daylesford
Sailors Falls can actually be viewed from the picnic area near the road but there is a non-slip walking strip which leads down to the bottom of the falls which you can even walk under and allows wheelchair access to the first viewing platform. Note that this is a seasonal waterfall so it’s best viewed in winter.
Sailors Falls, Hepburn Regional Park, Corner Ballan-Daylesford Road and Telegraph Road, Daylesford
Waterfalls Victoria – Great Ocean Road and Otways waterfalls
12. Erskine Falls, Lorne
Erskine Falls in Great Otway National Park cascades over one of the highest drops in the Otways. It is accessed via a short 5min walk which takes you to a viewing point above the falls.
A further walking track made up of 240 stairs, and steep in places, leads to the base of the falls.
Related: Things to do in Lorne with kids
Erskine Falls, Great Otway National Park, Erskine Falls Road, Lorne
13. Triplet Falls, Apollo Bay
Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park is nestled in ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech.
On a short 1-4km walk discover three impressive cascades and one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns.
A small picnic area is also available.
Triplet Falls, Great Otway National Park, Apollo Bay
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