6 stunning waterfalls near Daylesford worth the hike

Don’t just imagine the perfect outdoor adventure exploring waterfalls near Daylesford. Make it happen!

Daylesford and its vastly beautiful surrounds play host to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in country Victoria. The positively charged energy that permeates from Mother Nature’s mega water fountains is truly astounding. It’s safe to say that anyone who witnesses these waterfalls up close will feel it.

Note: Please check the Parks Victoria website for safety updates and closures before you embark on visiting any of the below waterfalls.

1. Trentham Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 18-minute drive
Where: Coliban River Scenic Reserve
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: No

Trentham Falls is one of Victoria’s longest single-drop waterfalls! Towering 32 metres high, the water heaves over impressive basalt rock structures. Upon arrival (it’s just a short, easy walk from the car park to the viewing platform) you can straight-up expect a breathtaking experience.

Watching the rapid force of natural hydropower in action is phenomenal. Note: there’s no access to the top or bottom of the falls as the cliffs are unstable – it’s best to stay safe on the platform and designated walking track.

the Trentham Falls in Coliban River Scenic Reserve — Trentham Falls drops from a 32-metre-high basalt cliff.

Trentham Falls form part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples. Overall, it’s one of the most magical waterfalls near Daylesford! Put it on your must-see central Victorian natural attractions list ASAP.

2. Stanley Park Waterfall

Distance from Daylesford: 46-minute drive
Where: Mount Macedon
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Swimming: No

This is such a cool (literally and metaphorically) little waterfall in the Mount Macedon region. So, it’s best to visit in the middle of the day and catch the sun’s rays splitting over the falls. The vertical drop is approximately 5-10 metres long, depending on the power of the water pushing through from the Turtiable Creek source. We love the sheltered BBQs here for visitor use, plus the kid’s playground and dogs are welcome on a lead too. The most reliable time to see the falls in all their glory is during winter/spring but if there’s been recent rainfall you can get lucky in summer/autumn too.

3. Sailors Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 7-minute drive
Where: Sailors Falls
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Swimming: Yes

Waterfalls and mineral springs in one place, yes, please. It’s a super accessible, almost roadside spot too. All you must do is take a lovely stroll along the forest-lined walkway and be greeted by the amazing scenery at Sailors Falls.

an aerial view of Sailors Falls, Hepburn Springs, Daylesford — Sailors Falls drops into a lush, fern-lined gully.

There’s a 1.37-kilometre loop track that takes about 30 minutes to walk and offers up mesmerizing views if getting up close and personal with nature is your thing or simply relax at the lookout (which is wheelchair and pram friendly) adjacent to the picnic area. Feeling thirsty? There are two mineral spring taps about, one at the start in the car park area and another along the walking track.

two women admiring the Sailors Falls, Hepburn Springs, Daylesford — Gaze at the stunning Sailors Falls in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford.

History buffs take note, gold was first discovered in this area way back in 1851 and with that, an influx of fossickers and their families arrived. Sailors Falls became (and remains) a popular spot for picnics.

a stunning view of Sailors Falls, Hepburn Springs, Daylesford — Sailors Falls is located just south of Daylesford.

4. Loddon Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 14-minute drive
Where: Glenlyon
Parking: Yes. Accessible by all vehicles in dry weather and by 4WD only in the wet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Swimming: Experienced swimmers only

Located along the Loddon River in Glenlyon, these lesser-known waterfalls are well worth the short trip from Daylesford. The water here spills over imposing hexagonal basalt rock columns that jut up from the gorge (which does indeed make for a lovely swimming spot in the right conditions) about 30-40 metres below. Native flora and fauna are bountiful in these parts! It’s a quick walk from the car park to the gorge lookout. From there, there are two paths to take – the high track to the top spot or, the low-slung, rock-hugging walk to the bottom. Either vantage point makes for excellent photo opportunities.

a spectacular gorge at Loddon Falls, Glenlyon, Daylesford — Loddon Falls is a spectacular gorge tucked within rolling hills and dirt tracks. (Image: R Reeve)

5. Colbrook Reservoir

Distance from Daylesford: 32-minute drive
Where: Wombat State Forest, Colbrook
Parking: Yes, best accessed by 4WD
Difficulty: Moderate
Swimming: Yes

Colbrook Reservoir is an off-the-beat destination suited to adventure seekers keen to see a seasonal waterfall spilling over the massive reservoir dam wall. It’s a gem of a setting for bushwalking, swimming, fishing and snap-happy photographers. Free bush camping sites are available here but there are no facilities; bring in everything you need and take it when you leave (including any rubbish please).

6. The Blowhole

Distance from Daylesford: 9-minute drive
Where: Hepburn Regional Park
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: Yes, seasonal – dependent on gentle water flow. No diving. Experienced swimmers only.

Hepburn Springs outdoes itself here with the Blowhole’s immaculate display of sheer beauty. Fact: people are surprised to discover that this is a manmade waterfall/ swimming hole, created by gold miners in the late 19^th century for fossicking purposes.

The Blowhole and Sailors Creek (the water source that feeds into it) is part of the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, which runs from Mt Buniyong near Ballarat and passes through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine to Bendigo. Sure, the Blowhole becomes quite a turbulent show after high rainfalls, and then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s just as often an idyllically, pretty place to visit. Either way, we recommend packing a picnic and plotting your spot, for there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax.

Visiting Daylesford and its surrounds soon? Check out our Daylesford & Macedon Ranges guide for the top things to do, best restaurants and cosy accommodations in Daylesford.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.