Go chasing waterfalls

From the roar of the water and white-water rapids to the towering cliffs and inviting lagoons, it’s no surprise Victoria’s waterfalls have been capturing imaginations for thousands of years. With rainfall at its highest throughout winter and spring, there is no better time of year to check them out.

Steavenson FallsOne of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, Steavenson Falls is located just outside of Marysville.  A 700 metre return-walk leads to a viewing platform just below the falls that plummet over 80 metres. Floodlit between dusk and midnight, the spectacular falls are just a three kilometre drive from the heart of town. Alternatively visitors can take the Tree Fern Gully Trail, a scenic 3.4 kilometre return walk to the base of the falls and back.

Snobs Creek FallsIn the High Country, Snobs Creek Falls drop more than 100 metres over a series of rocky outcrops. A number of observation platforms are located along the short walk that leads from the carpark to the base of the falls. Located close to Lake Eildon National Park, in the foothills of the Rubicon State Forest, the falls’ pristine waters are an important supply to the Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery some six kilometres below.

Gooram FallsFound in the Strathbogie Ranges, Gooram Falls, is the ideal place for a swim or a picnic during summer; it is also a lovely place to rug up and enjoy the view of the rock pools and cascading water in the cooler weather. No visit is complete without a visit to nearby Polly McQuinns waterhole for a splash.

Buckley Falls ReserveIn the suburb of Highton, just a stones throw from central Geelong is Buckley Falls Reserve. The Barwon River runs through this pristine riverside reserve, which is home to a stunning waterfall. The reserve also is home to adventurous walking and bike tracks. Visitors can also rock hop along the river and take in the views of the Old Paper Mill.

Sheoak FallsSheoak Falls lies just outside the popular holiday destination of Lorne. A ten minute walk from the car park brings visitors to the falls where water flows down the dark rock face and into the deep pool below.  A 2.2 kilometre walk looping back to the starting point allows nature lovers to take in the Great Otway National Park, and those who visit from spring to autumn may spy nesting birds at Swallow Cave.

Erskine FallsOne of the most popular waterfalls in the Otways, Erskine Falls plunges 30 metres into the lush tree-fern gully of the Erskine River – a nine kilometre drive from Lorne. Visitors can feel the mist from the cascading water as they take in the views from one of two lookouts. The upper lookout is an easy five-minute walk from the car park while the lower lookout is a more strenuous walk, down some 240 steps to the base of the falls. The reward? A view of one of the highest drops in the region. For enthusiastic walkers, the 7.5 kilometre Erskine River Track leads from the falls to Lorne along the river, passing Straw Falls and Splitter Falls.

Triplet FallsVisitors can wander through ancient forests of mountain ash and myrtle beech to reach the three distinct, impressive cascades of the Triplet Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. A scenic loop walk through rainforest leads to a series of elevated viewing platforms providing views of the three cascades. To reach the viewing platforms, visitors can take a two-kilometre, one-hour return loop walk.

MacKenzie FallsThe Grampians is home to the iconic MacKenzie Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Victoria, a forty-minute drive from Halls Gap. Flowing year round, water cascade over huge cliffs into a deep pool, sending fine sprays of rainbow mist high into the air above a stunning gorge. To see the falls, visitors can take the one-kilometre path to the viewing platform at the Bluff (wheelchair accessible), or the steep trail to the base of the falls (30 minutes one way).

Ferntree WaterfallA walking trail through a tall forest of blue gums and messmates leads to the Ferntree Waterfall. The one-kilometre, 45-minute return walk starts at the Ferntree camping area in Mount Buangor State Park – one hour north west of Ballarat – and passes three waterfalls, including the Cascade Falls, with views over the fern-lined upper reaches of the Middle Creek below.

Beeripmo WalkLocated an hours’ drive west of Ballarat, the Beeripmo Walking Trail is situated in the Mt Cole State Forest, just outside the township of Beaufort in the Pyrenees Shire. The two-day, 21 kilometre walk winds through cool, fern gullies and alpine plateaus. Halfway through the trail, visitors can set up camp at the Beeripmo Campground and spend the night surrounded by the beauty of the forest, the smell of eucalyptus and the sound of the Australian bush.

Snowy River Nature TourVisitors can discover nature at its best with the four day Snowy River Nature Tour which highlights a selection of waterfalls tucked away on local streams. Departing from Bairnsdale, the tour includes three nights cottage accommodation, home style meals, travel from Bairnsdale and the expertise of a local guide. Alongside visiting waterfalls, wildlife experiences are regularly enjoyed.