Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve

2.5 hours' drive from Melbourne

Take a picturesque road trip through South Gippsland and discover a beautiful place that’s definitely worth taking a turn-off for. Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve, on Gunaikurnai Country, is a protected pocket of the old forests that once covered the Strzelecki Ranges, where the meandering Agnes River cascades from a 59m height over rocks into a deep picturesque gorge. This oasis of spectacular waterfalls, old growth woodland and native bush is a haven for diverse wildlife, and a perfect pit-stop for bird-lovers.

Agnes Falls is 160km south-east of Melbourne, making it an ideal stop on a road trip through Gippsland or an easy day trip from Toora or Welshpool. The scenic route from Welshpool via Slades Hill Road and Hazel Park Road offers extensive views across Corner Inlet to the famous peaks of Wilsons Promontory. Be sure to stop for a picture at Silcocks Hill Lookout on Silcocks Hill Road.

Arriving at Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve, take a short walk from the Agnes Falls carpark to the viewing area - you’ll hear the sigh and rush of the falls before you see them. At the end of the path, you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of the Agnes River dropping in a series of cascades into the gorge below.

As mighty and majestic as Agnes Falls is, there’s still more to see at this beautiful compact park. The cool moist conditions support a diverse understorey of Hazel Pomaderris, Blanket-Leaf, Dogwood, Prickly Moses, Clematis and a ground cover of ferns. The towering Blue Gums, leafy Blackwood, Silver Wattle trees and scrubby understorey are home to some of this region’s delightful native birds.

Keep an eye out for playful Grey Fantails and Eastern Yellow Robins darting through the low trees and shrubs, watch the blossoming bushland for a variety of honeyeaters and listen for the calls of Kookaburras, Crimson Rosellas and Currawongs. For the best chance of catching a glimpse of these feathered residents, pack a family picnic and stay a while. Choose from the grassy eucalypt-shaded picnic ground or rotunda with covered picnic tables. Both spots are perfect for taking your time and appreciating the absolute serenity of this special place.

While you’re in the area, take a short drive through Welshpool and go for a relaxing walk along the Port Welshpool Long Jetty to take in the coastline views. For keen birdwatchers, the Toora Bird Hide at Toora Beach is worth a stop and you’ll see a variety of wader birds in the shallows of Corner Inlet. If you’re keen to explore a bit further, the Great Southern Rail Trail retraces Australia’s most southern mainland rail line. The 72km trail can also be done in smaller sections like the 7.8km family-friendly ride from Leongatha to Koonwarra. Walk, run or ride the trail which starts in Leongatha and takes in a number of rural towns, finishing at Port Welshpool.

Make plans to get into nature on your next exciting road trip to Gippsland. Visit the Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve page for more information.