MacKenzie Falls, Victoria: Best waterfall in the Grampians National Park?
If you’re picking just one waterfall in the Grampians National Park, MacKenzie Falls should be it. View one of Victoria’s biggest waterfalls from the lookout over MacKenzie River Gorge, or take on the 260 steps to the pool at the base of the falls.
The Grampians National Park is home to several delightful waterfalls. At Beehive Falls, the water drops 25 metres down into rock pools. Splitters Falls has the advantage of being much quieter, while Silverband Falls is conveniently close to Grampians hub town Halls Gap.
MacKenzie Falls on the MacKenzie River is the big boy in the Grampians National Park, however. MacKenzie Falls is all about size and power – it is one of the biggest waterfalls in Victoria.
Pick the right Grampians tour from Melbourne
- Small group eco-tour – including Silverband Falls and Mackenzie Falls.
- Great Ocean Road AND the Grampians – two day tour.
- Private Grampians tour – pick which sights you want to include.
- Small group hiking tour – with three hiking trails.
Does MacKenzie Falls flow year-round?
This Grampians waterfall also has the advantage of flowing year-round – something that can be a crushing disappointment with other waterfalls in Australia.
MacKenzie Falls powers down over a tall cliff face, into the deep pool below, creating a rainbow-flecked mist on the way. The mist floats above the MacKenzie River Gorge.
How to get to MacKenzie Falls, Victoria
Getting to MacKenzie Falls is fairly easy – it’s a 20km drive from Halls Gap, mostly along the Mt Victory Road. The drive from Melbourne to Halls Gap takes just under three hours. And once you’re at MacKenzie Falls, there are a few walks to take on.
The 2km MacKenzie Falls Walk is short but steep, heading the base of the waterfall so you can get close and witness the power. Swimming in the pool below, alas, is not permitted. There are 260 narrow steps on the way, so factor in some thigh burn for the journey back to the top.
Mackenzie Falls Lookout Walk
Much easier is the wheelchair-friendly MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk. This is 1.9km return, heading through the forest. The MacKenzie Falls lookout gives views out over several mini waterfalls and rapids along the MacKenzie River as it funnels through the gorge.
The Broken Falls Walk is arguably better for looking at the rock formations of the MacKenzie River Gorge. This is just 500 metres return, and also wheelchair-friendly.
MacKenzie River Walk
If you’re wanting more adventure, the MacKenzie River Walk is 7km return. It follows the river along through eucalypt forest. There are several waterholes, escarpments and cascades on the way – Fish Falls being the highlight. Keep an eye out for the Grampians wildlife, too.
You’re going to need a decent degree of fitness for the MacKenzie River Walk, through, as rock scrambling and water crossings are part of the deal.
While in the region you can also indulge in the Grampians food and wine scene and go fishing at Lake Fyans. Also say hi to the Halls Gap kangaroos and take in the amazing views from the Boroka Lookout or the Balconies.
More regional Victoria activities
Take a Yarra Valley bike tour.
Climb Mount Disappointment to the north of Melbourne.
Go wine tasting at Yering Station in the Yarra Valley.
Hold a wombat at the Ballarat Wildlife Park in Ballarat.
Ride a heritage train on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.