Visit this incredible National Park west of Melbourne and explore nature with our guide to waterfalls in the Grampians.
The Gariwerd / Grampians National Park is the place to experience the quintessential Aussie bush. The mountain range is home to flora and fauna in abundance, with something new to explore around every corner.
Check out our guide to the best waterfalls, that you can explore on foot via walking trails through beautiful bushland and scenic gorges.
The best waterfalls in the Grampians National Park
MacKenzie Falls
The incredible MacKenzie Falls flows year round and is one of the main attractions in the Grampians. Flowing from Lake Wartook, the MacKenzie River flows first over Broken Falls and then the grand MacKenzie Falls.
There are some picturesque walks to choose from to view the falls and a picnic ground close to the car park to sit and relax afterwards. Starting at the carpark ,you can walk to the base of MacKenzie Falls. It is a moderate 2km return walk, with many stairs. It should take about 1 hour.
From the carpark you can also walk to The Bluff viewing platform. This overlooks the gorge with excellent views of MacKenzie falls and the surrounding area. This is an easy walk that is 1.9km return on a flat, sealed path.
Broken Falls
View the MacKenzie River as it tumbles over the wide rocks of Broken Falls. The sound of flowing water echoes across the narrow gully and the water continues to rush further down towards MacKenzie Falls.
The Broken Falls lookout can be accessed via a walking track from the MacKenzie Falls carpark. Take a short walk though the trees to the viewing platform. From there you can either return to the car park or continue along the track and down to MacKenzie Falls. It is an easy 500 metre return walk that will take approximately 10 minutes.
Silverband Falls
Silverband Falls is a seasonal waterfall, accessed via a scenic bush walking track. The waterfall was named from its resemblance to a silver band. When water flows in the falls, it then disappears into the rocks at the base of the falls, travelling underground until the creek resurfaces about 50 metres away.
The track is fairly flat, and an easy 1.4km return walk to the falls from the Silverband Falls Carpark.
Other waterfalls in the Grampians
There are other waterfalls that you can view in the GRampians National Park including:
- Beehive Falls
- Splitters Falls
- Wannon Falls
- Nigretta Falls
Other attractions in the Grampians
Wildlife
Our tour is great for nature-lovers as kangaroos, wallabies, emus and native birds are bountiful in the region. As you walk the nature trails, keep an eye out for wallabies in the bushes beside the trails. You may also see flocks of cockatoos in the trees above.
Emus, the large, flightless Australian birds are in many locations around the Grampians. Perhaps the best place to see them is in the main township of Halls Gap, or in the picnic area at the top of MacKenzie Falls.
Kangaroos are most easily seen in the late afternoon when they come out of the bushland to feed in grassy areas. Particularly around the town of Halls Gap it is possible to see many kangaroos at the end of the day.
Nature Walks
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to nature walks in the Grampians National Park. This area is renowned for its hiking trails and bushland tracks. It is a great way to experience a true Aussie destination.
On tour we walk the Grand Canyon Trail. Starting at the Wonderland carpark and looping back again, it is a short but challenging walk. Good walking shoes are recommended, plus a hat and water bottle for the hotter months.
This trail showcases the incredible rocky mountain range that is at the heart of the Grampians Range. Walk through the gorge and marvel at the colours, shapes and sheer size of the rock walls.
Scenic Lookouts
The Grampians mountain range has many different viewpoints to take in the beauty and scale of the National Park.
On tour we visit Reeds Lookout for views over the Victoria Valley and all the way south to the end of the mountain range. This lookout is easy to access as it is directly next to the carpark area.
The views from Boroka Lookout are also not to be missed. Just a short stroll from the carpark are two wooden viewing platforms that let you step out onto the edge of the mountain.
Our Tour to the Grampians National Park
Our Grampians day tour is a chance to connect to nature. You’ll marvel at the waterfalls, wilderness and wildlife that is part of the Grampians National Park. Walk with your guide along some of the trails to learn about the Aboriginal history of the area. Keep an eye out for native Australian wildlife such as wallabies, emu and cockatoos. Gaze at the tree-covered mountains and valleys from various lookout points. You’ll even finish off the tour with a visit to the local kangaroos – they like to come into the town of Halls Gap in the afternoons.
The Grampians day tour lets you explore the National Park by walking the different trails to see canyons, waterfalls, forests and valleys. Learn about the local history and culture and spot wildlife such as kangaroos and rare birds. Take spectacular photos at the various lookout points that boast panoramic views over the park and surrounding region.
Highlights:
- Take a stroll through shady forests to Silverband Falls
- Time to explore the wildlife and surroundings of Grampians township of Halls Gap
- Take a short hike from the Wonderland Turntable into the spectacular Grand Canyon
- Hike to one of the Grampians most famous sites, MacKenzie Falls
- Enjoy panoramic views from Reeds Lookout and views over the mountain range from Boroka Lookout
- Spot wild animals in their natural habitat
Where is the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park?
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is located west of Melbourne. It is an almost 3 hour drive from the city along the Western Highway and Grampians Way.
Visit the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on our Grampians Day Trip from Melbourne. Discover the walks, waterfalls and wildlife on our one day tour of this incredible national park.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
