The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s most beautiful attractions, with diverse landscapes, outdoor activities and waterfalls that will amaze you all year round. With its rugged mountains, panoramic views and walking trails the Grampians is a must see for nature lovers, hikers and those who want to be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Mackenzie Falls: The Crown Jewel of the Grampians
No trip to the Grampians National Park would be complete without a visit to Mackenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. This magnificent waterfall is famous for its water cascading over a sheer rock face into a deep pool below. Whether you hike down the steep stairs to the base of the falls or view the wooden platform above, Mackenzie Falls is an experience you won’t forget. The falls flow all year round, making it one of the most popular waterfalls in the Grampians.
The hike to the base of Mackenzie Falls is a moderate walk with a steep decent but the views are well worth the effort. You can enjoy the sound of the water and the mist on warmer days. There are picnic tables nearby to sit and rest after the walk and the nearby Zumsteins Picnic Area is a great spot to have a riverside picnic surrounded by native wildlife.
Other Waterfalls
While Mackenzie Falls is the main attraction of the Grampians, there are several other beautiful waterfalls to discover:
- Silverband Falls: This one disappears into the ground during dry times but is stunning after rain, with the water flowing gently over a rocky gorge. Near Halls Gap, it is easy to walk through dry forest and ferny forest.
- Beehive Falls: In the northern part of the Grampians, Beehive Falls is a peaceful spot to escape the crowds. The walk to Beehive Falls takes you through eucalypt forests and rocky paths with native birds and flora along the way. The falls flow gently over mossy rocks, lovely during the wet season.
- Nigretta Falls: For a more secluded experience, Nigretta Falls is the spot. In the southern Grampians, these falls are surrounded by beautiful bushland, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The rock formations create natural pools to cool off in during summer.
- Fish Falls: Along the Grampians Peaks Trail, Fish Falls is a cascading waterfall for those willing to do a longer walk. The walk to Fish Falls takes you past beautiful rock formations, rocky outcrops and rock scrambling sections with plenty of views along the way.
- Clematis Falls: A short walk from Halls Gap will get you to Clematis Falls, a smaller but just as lovely waterfall. Perfect for families or a quick easy walk. Most impressive after rain, with water flowing over coloured rock into a peaceful pool below.
- Splitters Falls: In the heart of the Grampians, Splitters Falls is another hidden gem. The waterfall is accessible via a walking trail that winds through a stringybark forest and ends at a viewing platform with stunning views.
Other Attractions
As well as the waterfalls, the Grampians National Park has many other natural attractions and outdoor activities to keep you busy:
- Boroka Lookout: Great views of the Grampians, perfect for photographers and sightseers. From here, you can see Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield and the surrounding valleys.
- Venus Baths: Venus Baths is a family favourite. It is a series of rock pools near Halls Gap. Perfect for a dip during the warmer months and the rocky outcrop is great for rock hopping and exploring.
- Lake Wartook: A fisherman and birdwatcher’s paradise, Lake Wartook has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for a peaceful picnic or a day by the water.
- Grampians Peaks Trail: For the serious hiker, the Grampians Peaks Trail is a challenge with steep steps and beautiful views. The trail takes you along some of the best walking tracks in the region, and you may spot some Australian wildlife and take in the scenery.
- Mount Arapiles: World class rock climbing, Mount Arapiles is a must see for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain range has climbs for all levels and great views of the surrounding landscape.
Grampians Hidden Gems
For those who like to get off the beaten track, the Grampians has many hidden gems and lesser-known waterfalls:
- Burrong Falls: A seasonal waterfall that only flows after heavy rain, Burrong Falls is a peaceful spot with cascading water over terraced rocks. Located in a more remote part of the park so it’s a quieter alternative to the more popular waterfalls.
- Kalymna Falls: Hidden away in the Kalymna Falls Campground area these waterfalls are a peaceful retreat for those willing to walk a bit further. The falls are surrounded by greenery and the area is a birdwatcher and nature lovers paradise.
- Turret Falls and Bridal Veil Falls: These lesser-known waterfalls are in the southern Grampians and are best visited during the wet season when they are in full flow. Both falls are peaceful and beautiful and great for a day of exploring.
Conclusion
The Grampians National Park is a natural wonderland with its mountain ranges, forests and waterfalls. Whether you visit the famous Mackenzie Falls or the hidden gems of Silverband Falls, Beehive Falls and Nigretta Falls, there’s no shortage of scenery and outdoor adventures. Hurry up and book the Grampians tour. Walking tracks, picnic spots and views everywhere you turn, the Grampians is a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
FAQ
How do I get to Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians National Park?
Mackenzie Falls is located within Grampians National Park, and you can access it by car via the Northern Grampians Road. The car park is well-marked, and from there, it’s a short walk to the viewing platforms or a more challenging walk to the base of the falls.
What are the best times to visit these waterfalls?
Many of the waterfalls, including Silverband Falls and Beehive Falls, are seasonal waterfalls and are best visited after rainfall, particularly in the winter and spring. For more reliable flow, Mackenzie Falls is a year-round waterfall.
Are there picnic spots near the waterfalls?
Yes, many of the waterfalls, such as Nigretta Falls and Lake Wartook, have picnic tables and designated picnic areas nearby, offering scenic and relaxing places to enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.
Is it safe to swim in the waterfalls?
While swimming is allowed in some areas, like Nigretta Falls and Venus Baths, always exercise caution and check local signage for safety warnings. Not all waterfalls are safe for swimming due to strong currents or submerged hazards.
Are the walking tracks to the waterfalls suitable for all fitness levels?
Many of the walking tracks, such as the one to Clematis Falls and Venus Baths, are easy and accessible to all fitness levels. However, some waterfalls, like Splitters Falls and Beehive Falls, require a more challenging hike with rock scrambling and steep steps.