MacKenzie Falls

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MacKenzie Falls

Grampians National Park

MacKenzie Falls is the most iconic and spectacular waterfall in the Grampians. Watch the majestic waterfall from the lookout platform or tackle the steep climb to the base of the falls. Make the most of your day trip in the Grampians National Park with a strenuous walk through the beautiful MacKenzie River Gorge to Zumsteins Historic Area.  

MacKenzie Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria and a must-see on your trip to Grampians National Park. It's the only waterfall in the Grampians that flows all year round.

See the beauty and power of MacKenzie Falls from a variety of lookouts and walks, which start at the carpark and cater to a range of abilities.

As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at MacKenzie Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.

Please note that for visitor and staff safety, MacKenzie Falls precinct (including Fish Falls) will be closed on days of Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger. Check the Fire Danger Rating forecast before you visit at cfa.vic.gov.au.

Things to do

MacKenzie Falls Walk
Embark on a steep walk to the base of MacKenzie Falls to see the waterfall up close and get a true sense of its power. Watch as water gracefully cascades down the sheer cliff face into the pretty pool below, creating a fine rainbow mist in the air.

It may seem inviting to take a dip, but swimming is not permitted at MacKenzie Falls due to many unseen dangers in the water.

The walk is 2km return and you'll need to trek down 260 narrow steps to reach the base of the falls, so be prepared for a difficult climb back to the top.

MacKenzie Falls Lookout Walk
Enjoy sweeping views of MacKenzie Falls and the MazKenzie River from Bluff Lookout. The 1.9km return walk is wheelchair friendly and meanders through stringybark forest. The lookout is the only spot where you can see multiple cascades of the river flowing through the gorge. 

Broken Falls Walk
Admire beautiful views of the upper sections of MacKenzie Falls on the Broken Falls Walk. The 500m walk is wheelchair friendly and has only a slight track gradient. Broken Falls Lookout is one of the best places to see the impressive geological formations of the MacKenzie River Gorge.

MacKenzie River Walk
One of the Grampians' best kept secrets, the MacKenzie River Walk winds it way along the river through young eucalypt forest. Best tackled by fit walkers, the 7km return walk (Fish Falls 4km return) can require water crossings, rock hopping and rock scrambling.

Enjoy scenic views of tranquil waterholes, rocky escarpments and the terraced cascades of Fish Falls. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle circling above.

Finish the walk with a picnic or barbecue at Zumsteins Historic Area and discover the remnants of an historic settlement, including old buildings and a now-empty swimming pool.

A couple enjoy a picnic by the MacKenzie river at Zumsteins Historic Area.

Zumsteins Historic Area

Zumsteins Picnic Area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement. It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, a barbecue and a short stroll.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

Picnics

Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.

Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.

How to get there

MacKenzie Falls

Need to know

MacKenzie Falls

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Grampians National Park

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion
     
    Significant Aboriginal cultural values have recently been rediscovered at the Mountain Lion designated rock-climbing and bouldering area.

    While Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.

    The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant financial penalties apply for harm caused by individuals or corporate bodies.

    For more information please visit the FAQ Update at the Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.

    Pest animal control program in the Grampians – Deer and feral goats 29.04.2024 – 03.05.2024

    An ongoing conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park will be supported this month by a ground control operation targeting deer and feral goats.

    Weather permitting, a ground shooting operation will be undertaken on weekdays between 29 April – 3 May to target these pest animals in remote parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park (see attached fact sheet with map).

    During this time Boreang Campground will be closed.

    To ensure visitor safety, warning signs will be placed at campgrounds and at major road access points to the control area.  Visitors are encouraged to follow all instructions on permanent and temporary signage.

    Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced deer and goat populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape.

    For further information please contact 13 1963.

    Attachments: Notification - Fact sheet - Grampians Deer Control April 2024 (540KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures Update - April 26, 2024

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by the Bellfield and Stapylton bushfires from 13th February 2024. There are temporary closures still in place in the vicinity of the fires. Visitors are asked to adhere to road and park closures as we work to assess and re-open these areas.

    Northern Grampians (Mt Stapylton Fire) Closures remaining April 26, 2024:
    Road/track closures east of Mt Zero Road
    Golton track
    Crutes track/Crutes road
    No off-track walking within the burnt area  

    Mt William Range (Bellfield Fire) - Closures remaining April 26, 2024
    Tunnel Walking Track
    Mt Cassell Track
    Pomonal Fireline
    Birdrock Rd 
    No off-track walking within the burnt area  

    All other areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park previously closed due to the fires have been re-opened.

    For further information about the closures, please visit Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, or call (03) 8427 2258. For National Park Information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au, or for booking refunds email info@parks.vic.gov.au

    Please visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for emergency updates, or free call 1800 226 226. Monitor the Emergency Vic app for alerts and warnings or listen to your local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcasts.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 26.04.2024

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted

    Planned Burn Road Closures
    Old Mill Rd from Smiths Mill Campground to Mt Difficult Rd (Boroka Lookout)
    Rose Creek Road from Mt Victory Rd to Old Mill Rd
    Cassidy Gap Rd closed from Cassidy Gap GPT Trailhead to Serra Fireline (MVO)
    Geerack Track 
    Oslers Track between Red Gum Lease and Pines Rd

    Road Closures
    Mitchell Road is closed between Redman Road and Mt William Picnic Ground Road
    .

    Seasonal Closures
    Launders and Sanders Tracks are closed.
    Moora Moora Track is partially closed in the southern section, from Homestead Track intersection to Glenelg River Road.

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
    Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.

    Please see the latest road report attachment for full road and track details at the bottom of this page.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 26.04.2024 (274KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd

    Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd
     
    FFMVIC have scheduled ignition for the following Planned Burn within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. 
     
    Jimmy Creek Road (GR-WIM-HG-0103)
    This burn is located, this burn is located in the south-east area of Grampians National Park, 8km E of Mirranatwa, 37km north of Dunkeld.
     
    Start Date: Wednesday 1st May 2024
    End Date:  Wednesday 8th May 2024
    Ignition is scheduled from Wednesday May 1st
     
    For visitor safety and to allow FFMVIC staff to prepare and deliver the burn, temporary closures along the Grampians Peaks Trail and day walks will be in place.  These will re-open when the burn, or specific areas of the burn are declared safe:
     
    Closures from 5:00pm Tuesday April 30th until at least Friday May 3rd, 2024
     
    • Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
    • Yarram Hike-in Campground closed.
    • Yarram Park Rd closed.
    • Jimmy Ck Rd (between the Grampians Rd and Mafeking Rd) closed.
    • Closure signage will be in place at roads, trailheads, and car parks. Please follow directions and do not enter closed areas. 
     
    Visitor access to remain open:
     
    • Jimmy Creek Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
    • Wannon Crossing Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
    • Grampians Rd on Wednesday May 1st (with traffic management)
    • Yarram Gap Rd
     
    How will this burn impact my Grampians Peaks Trail experience?
     
    The Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
    This includes the Yarram Hike-in Campground. A detour along the Ingleton Fireline from Jimmy Ck Rd GPT crossing to the Yarram Gap Rd GPT crossing is available to Grampians Peaks Trail walkers. This is well marked with directional signage and a detour map available.
     
    Please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Ph 8427 2058 for further assistance with managing this section.
     


    Stay informed about the Autumn planned burns schedule:
     
    Visit & Sign Up:
    Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns  Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages. 

    Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
     
    Call: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000
     
    Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.
    For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:
    Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditions
     
    Visit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au
     
    You may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the burn. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

    Grampians National Park - Autumn planned burn season underway

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn Planned Program Underway
     
    Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have commenced the Autumn Planned Burning Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves.
     
    These planned burns have been nominated and approved as part of the FFMVic three-year Joint Fuel Management Program for the Wimmera Fire District. Each burn has been designated to a year and season, though this may change depending on burn objectives and seasonal conditions. You can view the three-year plan at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/joint-fuel-management-program
     
    The map attached, outlines the burns programmed for this year. Detailing the exact date and time of ignition can be difficult and the final decision to proceed may only be made on the day of the burn - once resources, weather conditions and local fuel moisture levels are deemed suitable. Once a burn is scheduled for ignition, FFMVIC will send out regular notifications.
     
    Some of the planned burns this Autumn may involve the temporary closure of visitor sites, roads and campgrounds within Grampians Gariwerd National Park and other reserves. This may include detours or closures of hike in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail, and other vehicle-based campgrounds.
    ·      Closures will be enforced for the duration of ignition and may remain in place for some days.  Visitor sites will re-open once the burn is declared safe.
    ·      We recommend that you seek information and stay informed about the status of the planned burns scheduled near you.
     
    Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:
     
    Visit & Sign Up:
    Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria to set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages. 
    Sign up via Planned Burns Victoria at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns 
     
    Download: the VicEmergency App 
    Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
     
    Call: the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service
     
    Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.
     
    For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:
     
    Visit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058
    or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au

Similar experiences

 
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Masons Falls

Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Masons Falls Picnic Area. Set among towering gums, the large shelters and free gas barbecues make it the perfect place for a social gathering. The short waterfall walk is a real highlight.
Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.
A couple stand and admire Sheoak Falls near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

Sheoak Falls

The Sheoak Falls Walk weaves its way from the coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak Creek and through wet forest to the hidden cascades of Sheoak Falls.
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