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

    MacKenzie Falls

    When you're there

    Swimming is not permitted at MacKenzie Falls due to the risk of injury and drowning. Strong currents, submerged objects and cold, deep water make it too dangerous to swim. Take care on the walk to the base of the falls, as steps and rocks can be very slippery.

    MacKenzie Falls is a popular place in the Grampians. Visit early in the day to escape the crowds. Download the Grampians National Park Visitor Guide before you go. 

    Need to know

    MacKenzie Falls

    Accessibility

    The MacKenzie Falls Walk and Broken Falls Walk are suitable for people with limited mobility and wheelchairs.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

     

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Staircase Closure

      A steel staircase located at the south-eastern exit of the Grand Canyon is closed due to an engineering issue. The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from the Wonderland Carpark. The Pinnacle walk remains open via the canyon bypass walking track. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022

      Grampians National Park Update
       
      Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) are closing a section of Mt Victory Road in the Grampians National Park for up to three weeks from 3rd October 2022 for major works. 

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022
      • Mt Victory Road will temporarily close between Wonderland Road and Silverband Road intersections during rock removal and earthwork activities.
      • All vehicles will be detoured via the Western Highway.
      • Access to Boroka and Reeds Lookouts, Mackenzie Falls and Lake Wartook is from the Northern end of the Grampians. 
      • If visitors do choose to detour this closure using unsealed roads within the park, please note that these roads are very slippery and rough due to on-going wet weather.  Parks Victoria recommends 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads during the closure.
      • Access to Wonderland Carpark will be available from Halls Gap, however this carpark will be extremely busy with limited parking. Parks Victoria recommends that caravans and large buses should not enter this area due to limited parking and turning space
      • For further information on walking in the Grampians National Park or how to access other areas in the park during these works, please call into Brambuk the National Park Centre in Halls Gap or a local Visitor Information Centre.
      Once earthworks are complete, Mt Victory Road will reopen to one lane as crews continue work. Traffic management will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the site in both directions. Delays are expected. The realignment works are expected to be completed by mid-December 2022. Please plan ahead when travelling and visit Regional Roads Victoria website for further project information.
       
      For ongoing updates about these changes, please visit the Regional Roads Victoria page  https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/grp_resurface_fye22/mt-victory-road-halls-gap

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Detour Mapping_Digital (1,842KB)

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022

      Grampians National Park Update
       
      Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) are closing a section of Mt Victory Road in the Grampians National Park for up to three weeks from 3rd October 2022 for major works. 

      Mt Victory Road closure from October 3, 2022
      • Mt Victory Road will temporarily close between Wonderland Road and Silverband Road intersections during rock removal and earthwork activities.
      • All vehicles will be detoured via the Western Highway.
      • Access to Boroka and Reeds Lookouts, Mackenzie Falls and Lake Wartook is from the Northern end of the Grampians. 
      • If visitors do choose to detour this closure using unsealed roads within the park, please note that these roads are very slippery and rough due to on-going wet weather.  Parks Victoria recommends 4WD vehicles on unsealed roads during the closure.
      • Access to Wonderland Carpark will be available from Halls Gap, however this carpark will be extremely busy with limited parking. Parks Victoria recommends that caravans and large buses should not enter this area due to limited parking and turning space
      • For further information on walking in the Grampians National Park or how to access other areas in the park during these works, please call into Brambuk the National Park Centre in Halls Gap or a local Visitor Information Centre.
      Once earthworks are complete, Mt Victory Road will reopen to one lane as crews continue work. Traffic management will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the site in both directions. Delays are expected. The realignment works are expected to be completed by mid-December 2022. Please plan ahead when travelling and visit Regional Roads Victoria website for further project information.
       
      For ongoing updates about these changes, please visit the Regional Roads Victoria page  https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/grp_resurface_fye22/mt-victory-road-halls-gap

      Attachments: Mt Victory Road Detour Mapping_Digital (1,842KB)

    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.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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