Five Spectacular Waterfalls to Visit Near Melbourne

There's little doubt that we love the city, but after a long week chained to the desk, we don't blame you if you get a little lost daydreaming about something a little lusher than the office. So, when the weekend finally comes around, take some time out and go in search of something wilder. Fortunately, you don't have to travel far from Melbourne to find plenty of natural wonders that will help you unwind (and refresh) as you soak up some crisp country air.

Victoria is home to a wealth of waterfalls, dotted throughout the state's many national parks and backcountry. Flowing from pristine alpine regions, they are impressive, crystal-like falls all within a few hours' drive of the city.

Something to note: this year's bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check the CFA and Parks Victoria websites and heed any alerts and warnings.

Visit Lorne

ERSKINE FALLS

Take a drive down the Great Ocean Road and you'll come across another 'great' location: the Great Otway National Park. Running from Torquay to Princetown, this sprawling national park is renowned for its temperate rainforest, flush with stunning scenery and a variety of waterfalls that flow all year round. One of its landmarks is Erskine Falls, which rises a towering 30-metres above the fernery below. Featuring two awesome vantage points, the spot is a far cry from the city, with the cascading water coating you in an invigorating mist.

Visit Victoria

MACKENZIE FALLS

If you want your weekend escape to reach soaring heights, then MacKenzie Falls is where you need to head. One of the largest waterfalls in Victoria, MacKenzie is located deep within the grand Grampians National Park and flows even throughout the coldest part of the year. Undoubtedly some of the most spectacular falls within touching distance of Melbourne, it pours millions of litres of fresh water from the jagged black cliffs into a deep pool below. While you're here, make the most of your visit to the Grampians and take a short walk upstream to the charming Broken Falls.

Visit Victoria

STEAVENSON FALLS

Opened to tourists in 1866, Steavenson Falls has long been a highlight for travellers touring Maryville and the surrounding foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The 84-metre drop from the top into the Steavenson River below makes for a stunning sight as several viewing platforms provide the ideal spot to get a good glimpse. The falls are one of the easiest to visit on this list at just a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Feel like a late-night nature stroll? The best part about Steavenson is that the falls are lit up by floodlights until midnight, meaning you can go along the gentle walking tracks and admire the falls in a different light (yes, literally).

Visit Melbourne

FERNTREE FALLS

Situated within Mount Buangor State Park, Ferntree Falls offers some of the wildest surrounds you can find in regional Victoria. The landscape is overrun by thick eucalypt forests and rough hillsides that offer a variety of scenic walks. As you make your way along the relatively easy 45-minute return walk to get to Ferntree Falls, you'll pass by Cascade Falls, which features spectacular views across Middle Creek. Scramble over a few rocks and twist through the fernery as you get an up-close look at this beautiful natural landmark. Meanwhile, you can carry on your out-of-town adventure by exploring the surrounding area and nearby walking tracks.

Ian M Ross via Wikimedia Commons

TURPINS FALLS

Just a casual 70-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, Turpins Falls is the waterfall to visit if you're looking to find a tranquil place to spend the day. The pool below, once home to the Turpins Falls swimming club back in the 1930s, invites you to relive history by taking a dip in its icy fresh waters. Surrounded on three sides by sheer rock faces, these 20-metre falls make for a wonderful view as they go crashing into the lagoon below. Located just 15 minutes away are the cafes and restaurants of Kyneton – the perfect way to round out your countryside destressin' session.

Top image: Steavenson Falls, Visit Victoria.