MacKenzie Falls

Aerial view overlooking a large water fall with green rugged bushland either side and viewing platforms.

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MacKenzie Falls

Grampians (Gariwerd) 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.

  • Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

    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 Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures - Tunnel Walking Track

    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.
     
    Tunnel Walking Track remains closed.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 16.09.2024

    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.

    Road Closures
    Glenelg River Road from the Stony Creek Road intersection (near Mt Victory Road) to Boreang Campground is closed for works and maintenance from Monday 16th September until Thursday 19th September 2024.

    Mitchell Rd between Redman Rd and Mt William Picnic Ground Rd.

    Syphon Rd

    Seasonal Closures
    Seasonal Road Closures are now in place until Thursday 31st October 2024 with signage and gate closures in place.

    Seasonal road closures are necessary to maintain water quality, protect public safety and prevent erosion during the wetter months, making them vulnerable to damage.

    See attached Road Report for full list of Seasonal Road Closures.

    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 - 16.09.2024 (285KB)

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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