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.

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

6 stunning waterfalls near Daylesford