Bucket List Alert: The Best Waterfalls in Victoria, Australia

🌊💦 🌈 Join us on a magical journey through the best waterfalls in Victoria that are perfect for an unforgettable getaway during the next VIC school holidays.

From the breathtaking heights of Erskine Falls and the stunning beauty of Steavenson Falls to the dog-friendly Trentham Falls, Victorian is home to some of the most famous waterfalls in Australia.

Dive into our guide and make this holiday count!

Here's the list of the best waterfalls in Victoria to visit with kids:

Escape to MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians for the ultimate family getaway

MacKenzie Falls @ Grampians is the biggest waterfall in Victoria and one of the most famous Australian waterfalls. So if you're looking for a top family getaway during the Melbourne school holidays, look no further!

From hiking and picnicking to swimming and sightseeing, there's something for everyone at the Grampians National Park.

It's the perfect holiday destination in Victoria for active families to explore and have fun, a 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne City.

Things to know about MacKenzie Falls, Grampians:

• Start at the carpark. You can reach the Falls from several lookouts and walks that cater to different abilities

• MacKenzie Falls lookout is the only spot where multiple river cascades flow through the gorge

• Kids will love climbing rocks, bushwalks and endless outdoor activities! So sturdy and comfortable footwear is a must

• Plenty of free parking

• Clean toilet facilities

• Many places to have a picnic lunch with your family

• Dogs are not allowed.

MacKenzie Falls Walk:

The MacKenzie Falls Walk is a steep 2 km return walk to the waterfall's base to see its beauty up close. There are 260 narrow steps to reach the base of the falls, so the return climb to the top might be challenging for younger kids.

The MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk is an easy wheelchair-friendly 1.9 km return walk from Bluff Lookout through the bushes that offers stunning views of MacKenzie Falls and the MacKenzie River.

MacKenzie Falls map:

Fun things to do in Grampians with family:

Bring the whole family to Grampians Adventure Golf! From 18 holes nested in gardens with waterfalls and streams to the Adventure cafe and art gallery on site, there’s something fun for everyone. And kids under 4 years play free!

MacKenzie Falls directions:

Take the kids on an adventure to Erskine Falls, Lorne

Erskine Falls is one of the exciting Great Ocean Road things to do for families. It's located just a quick 15-minute drive northeast of Otway Street from Lorne, Victoria!

Things to know about Erskine Falls:

• Nestled in the heart of Great Otway National Park

• Thrilling outdoor adventures the whole family will enjoy. Kids will love the waterfalls, climbing rocks and exploring the area

• Several walking tracks for different abilities

• No toilets at Erskine Falls. The closest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground

• Limited parking

• No picnic areas

• Dogs are not permitted.

Erskine Falls Walking track:

The Erskine Falls Walking track from the carpark is relatively short, with 230 stone steps downwards. It could be pretty challenging for toddlers and younger kids, though.

The nearby Blanket Leaf Picnic area offers a less challenging 4 km trail to the falls.

The Erskine River Walk (15 km return) is a more challenging walk that starts at the Erskine Falls carpark. After seeing Erskine Falls, walk past Straw Falls, Splitter Falls and the Cascades. It finishes in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park. Of course, you don’t have to do the whole 15 km - try as much as you can to discover more sights along the way!

Erskine Falls trail map:

Erskine Falls directions:

Discover the hidden gem of Victoria: Steavenson Falls, Marysville

When it comes to fun things to do in Yarra Valley with kids, Steavenson Falls stands out as a must-visit destination for families!

Steavenson Falls in Marysville is one of the biggest (tallest) waterfalls in Victoria, reaching 55 - 110 m in height.

Things to know about Steavenson Fall:

• Plenty of fun outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy together

• Kids will be fascinated by the turbine generator along the walking trail

• Steavenson Falls car park has many spaces. The parking is $3 per vehicle. Bring some coins for the parking meters as they do not accept cards

• Toilets and seating available

• Great picnic spot. Alternatively, you can enjoy your picnic lunch at Gallipoli Park in Marysville nearby.

• Dogs are not allowed

• Swimming is not allowed.

Steavenson Falls walk

You can take the easy-grade, pram-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible Steavenson Falls trail. It's a 700 m walk to the viewing platform from the car park.

Alternatively, you can take the stunning Tree Fern Gully trail from Marysville. This longer trail starts near Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden, another unique and beautiful spot to check out when it’s open!

Steavenson Falls Walk map:

Steavenson Falls directions:

Take a break from the hustle and bustle at Trentham Falls, Melbourne

When it comes to fun things to do in Melbourne school holidays, Trentham Falls stands out as a great destination for families!

Trentham Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Melbourne, just a short 1.5-hour drive from the City. Also, Trentham Falls are within an hour's drive from Ballarat and Bendigo, Victoria.

Things to know about Trentham Falls VIC:

• Lots of parking

• The viewing platform is a short & easy walk from the car park

• A few picnic tables & benches in the picnic area

• Space for kids to run around and burn off some energy

• There is a nature walk nearby

• Public toilet

• Dog-friendly waterfall

• No swimming allowed

• The Trentham Falls hike to the bottom of the waterfall has now been closed by VicParks.

Fun things to do near Trentham Falls, VIC:

• Stanley Park, Macedon Ranges, with a playground, picnic ground, bush walks and a small waterfall

• Melton Botanic Garden, one of the most beautiful flower gardens and picnic grounds in Victoria

• Ballarat Wildlife Park to hand-feed the kangaroos and learn more about the Australian wildlife

• Long Gully Splash Park & Playground in Bendigo to cool off during summer

• Eaglehawk Playspace, Canterbury Park in Bendigo, is a fantastic playspace for toddlers and older kids alike.

Trentham Falls map location:

• Address: Trentham Scenic Reserve Rd, Trentham VIC 3458

Explore Sheoak Falls on the Great Ocean Road: a family-friendly natural wonder

From many fun Great Ocean Road things to do for families, Sheoak Falls is a secret waterfall in Victoria, located in the Great Otway National Park in Victoria. It's a small 15m waterfall surrounded by the coastal beauty of the Great Ocean Road.

Things to know about Sheoak Falls:

• Sheoak Falls is the perfect place to stop for a short walk and take family photos.

• You can access Sheoak Falls from the Sheoak Falls Car Park.

• Limited parking available

• The walk is not pram-friendly

• A few benches at the carpark and along the trail

• No toilets

• Consider stopping at the Sheoak Picnic Area, with plenty of tables, BBQs, public toilets, giant trees and beautiful scenery

• Dogs are not allowed.

Sheoak Falls Walk:

The Sheoak Falls Walk is the perfect way to experience the beauty of this stunning waterfall and the nearby cave. This 1.2 km (30 mins return) walk is easy to navigate and suitable for 5-6-year-old kids and up.

Sheoak Falls map:

Sheoak Falls directions:

Discover the beauty of nature with your kids at the Three Falls Circuit, Lorne

If you plan to spend a day out with your kids in nature, the Three Falls Circuit in Victoria on the Great Ocean Road is an experience you don't want to miss!

This 8 km loop trail is moderate-graded and could take 2-3 hours to complete. But the Great Otway National Park's beauty, sights and sounds along the way make it worth the effort.

Together with the kids, you'll spot some local wildlife, birds, impressive rocks and beautiful native plants and flowers.

You can park your car at the Allenvale Road Carpark and start the waterfall circuit hike from the Allenvale Mill Campground to see:

• Phantom Falls

• Cascades

• Henderson falls

• The Canyon

Wear good hiking shoes as some places could be muddy or slippery.

Take enough drinking water with you.

Three Falls Circuit dogs:

Unfortunately, you'll have to leave your furry friends at home as this Three Falls Circuit is not dog-friendly.

Three Falls Circuit map:

Three Falls Circuit directions:

We hope you're inspired to plan your next family adventure to visit some of the best waterfalls in Victoria during the upcoming Melbourne school holidays.

Whether you're seeking thrilling hikes, peaceful picnics, or a moment to explore nature, Victoria's best waterfalls have something for kids and adults alike.