MacKenzie Falls

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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

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 (Gariwerd) National Park

    Mt William Rd – Temporary Closure for Recovery Works

    Mt William Rd is currently closed due to summer bushfire impacts.
     
    Scheduled recovery works are underway including the replacement of powerlines and radio tower infrastructure.

    The Mount William (Duwul) Summit Walk and the Kalymna Campground to Mount William Walk remain closed.

    For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria 131 963 or go to parks.vic.gov.au

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – What’s Open What’s Closed Update 24.10.2025

    During the summer of 2024/2025 the southern and western areas of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and the central section of Grampians Peaks Trail were impacted by multiple bushfires. Since then, a staged re-opening has commenced and many popular visitor areas have re-opened in the Northern, Wonderland and Southern areas of the park. However, some visitor sites and roads remain closed in the Sundial, Mount William, Victoria Range, Victoria Valley and Wallaby Rocks areas.

    Roads in fire impacted areas

    Many of the roads within the National Park due for reopening to the public by late July were impacted by weather events. There will be longer term closures required for some roads, where significant damage has occurred and further essential works are required. For up-to-date information please refer to the road report on the change of conditions listings.

    For more detail on “What’s Open What’s Closed”  

    Please refer to the attached “What’s Open What’s Closed” September 19 Park Update. It provides a park wide compilation of the staged fire recovery reopening’s in 2025.

    For further information, visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap, call Parks Victoria on 131963 or go to parks.vic.gov.au

    Attachments: GNP Park Update 19 September 2025 - What's Open What's Closed V2 (748KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 31.10.2025

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed.

    Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restricted.

    Seasonal roads are due to open this weekend, however, please be aware that many have remained closed due to fire impacts.

    Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 31.10.2025 (211KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    MacKenzie Falls (Migunang Wirab) - Upcoming closures for major construction works – Late January through to midyear 2026

    This update is to provide information for the planned construction work at MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, and closures while the works happen.

    The works at MacKenzie Falls precinct includes the construction of a new viewing platform at the base of the falls, upgrades to the carpark and the Bluff Lookout Walk and other important safety improvements to stabilise rock and improve walking tracks.

    The MacKenzie Falls carpark and all walking tracks in the precinct including Broken Falls Walk, MacKenzie Falls Walk to the base (from the carpark), the Bluff Lookout Walk, and parts of MacKenzie Falls River Walk will close when construction starts in late January 2026, and we anticipate that work will run through to midyear 2026.

    The carpark will be a construction site throughout the works period with large machinery operating and materials being stored on site.  There will be no access for all vehicles or visitors at MacKenzie Falls Precinct during construction.  

    Zumsteins Picnic Area
    When construction works start at MacKenzie Falls precinct, parking at the popular Zumstein picnic area will be limited, especially for large vehicles (buses and caravans) during weekends and holiday periods.

    Access to Fish Falls and the base of MacKenzie Falls will remain possible from the Zumsteins Picnic Area up to and including the Autumn School Holidays. However, there will need to be a full closure of Zumsteins and MacKenzie Falls for one week after the Summer School Holidays (prior to Autumn School Holidays) due to helicopter operations. From May until works are complete, the base of MacKenzie Falls will be inaccessible. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    Zumsteins to Fish Falls – This popular walk to the beautiful Fish Falls is a 1.5 to 2 hour return walk (Grade 3) – walkers should have a reasonable fitness level, carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces and some steep sections.
     
    MacKenzie River Walk – This is a 2 to 3 hour return walk (grade 3). Start at Zumsteins Picnic Area and follow the track to Fish Falls and then to the base of MacKenzie Falls. Walkers require a reasonable fitness level, need to wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces including steep sections and steps. Please ensure you carry plenty of water and be aware mobile phone service is limited. Access to the steps at the base of MacKenzie Falls to the MacKenzie Falls carpark will be closed to walkers, return by the same route to Zumsteins Picnic Area.

    For further information on the MacKenzie Falls (Migunang Wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisation

    Popular day visitor sites such as Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, Silverband Falls and various walks with large bus carparking will still be available. For further information on the MacKenzie Falls River Walk contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).

    Please keep up to date with closures through the Change of Conditions page for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

    Mt Zero Car Park - Closed for Construction from 10th November 2025

    Mount Zero Picnic Area – Upcoming closure for construction works – 10th November to February 2026
     
    Mount Zero Picnic Area, car park and facilities will be CLOSED from Monday 10th November as Parks Victoria commences construction works to upgrade the Mount Zero Picnic Area / Grampians Peaks Trail - Mura Mura Trailhead. 
    It is expected that the major works requiring closure will be completed before Christmas, with ongoing minor works occurring post-Christmas. Parks Victoria will re -open the car park as soon as it is safe to do so. 
    These works are part of upgrades to trailheads along the Grampians Peaks Trail which will improve trail access, carparking, visitor and picnic facilities, signage and landscaping.
     
    During construction:
    • There will be no parking at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead.
    • Day and Overnight Hikers can access the Grampians Peaks Trail at Mount Zero Picnic Area / Trailhead via drop off / pick up only.
    • Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and Stapylton Campground.
    Day walkers wishing to complete the Stapylton Loop Walk can access via the trailhead at Stapylton Campground. Please note there will be limited car parking along Olive Plantation Road, north of the campground entry. Toilets are available at Hollow Mountain Car Park and/or Stapylton Campground.
     
    We apologise for any inconvenience.
     
    For further information on the closure please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au 
    For more information on the GPT Trailhead upgrades, please click here.

    Grampians Peaks Trail - Re-opening to day walking Monday 10th November (sections C3-C5 & S1-S2)

    Grampians Peaks Trail - Reopening for Day Walking Monday 10th November 2025
     
    The central section and southern sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail (C3-C5 and S1-S2) will re-open for day walking only on Monday the 10th of November 2025.
     
    This section was heavily impacted by the 2024/25 Summer bushfires and incorporates the trail from Borough Huts Campground to Griffin Trailhead (including section S1 –S2 Yarram Gap Road to Griffin fireline). 
     
    The Barri Yalug, Duwul, Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon Hike-in Campgrounds and facilities will remain closed, as works take place to repair damaged toilets, water tanks, elevated walkways, tent platforms, shelters, and signage.
     
    Please note:
    • Drinking water is available at serviced water tanks only, located at Grampians Peaks Trail Road crossings. Important: drinking water is not available at the Hike-in Campgrounds. Hikers must adjust accordingly and carry sufficient drinking water.
    • Toilet facilities are available at Borough Huts, Jimmy Creek, Kalymna and Wannon Crossing campgrounds.
    • Mount William Road is closed until further notice, and vehicle access to the Mount William Carpark is unavailable.
    • Please see the Plan and Prepare Guide for more information on how to plan and prepare, before accessing the Grampians Peaks Trail.
     
    Please remember, this fire affected landscape is fragile. Stay on formed tracks and be mindful that walking track and surrounding forest conditions have changed.
     
    Visit our fire recovery project web page for relevant upgrade information. 
     
    Check what's open and closed in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park on the change of conditions web page. If you are visiting the area and require more detailed local information,  visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd Halls Gap,  open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call (03) 8427 2258 or email brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

    Trail Running Event – GPT 100 (6-9 November 2025)

    Parks Victoria advises that the GPT 100 (gpt100.com.au/), a long-distance trail running event will be held in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park from Thursday the 6th of November to Sunday the 9th of November 2025. The event route follows the Grampians Peaks Trail, from Mt Zero (Mura Mura) Trailhead in the north, to Dunkeld township in the south and has a range of running events scheduled across the four days.  

    Please note this event utilises the Grampians Peaks Trail, several trailheads, other visitor sites and campgrounds at various stages throughout the event period. There may be additional event staff and spectator activity, limited parking, and increased traffic during these times.

    If you are visiting the area on these dates and require more detailed information, please visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at 277 Grampians Rd, Halls Gap. Open 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Alternatively, please contact Brambuk at (03) 8427 2258 or brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au

  • Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre (Brambuk - The National Park and Cultural Centre Park, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park)

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures during 2025

    Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Closures during 2025

    ·      Cultural tours, activities and venue hire currently unavailable.
    ·      Park information centre and gift shop remain open.

    Parks Victoria is working with a strategic partnership committee of Gariwerd Traditional Owners from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ‘reimagine’ the future of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.

    The reimagining project aims to renew Traditional Owner management arrangements of the Brambuk precinct and includes careful consideration of the tourism and visitor experiences, commercial opportunities, cultural education and training programs that may be available in the future. As part of this project, there are also building upgrades and refurbishments that require the Cultural Centre to be closed during 2024-25. However, the park information centre, gift shop and self-guided walks remain available.
     
    For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangers

    For a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/lto

    For up-to-date national park information, brochures, maps, permits and access advice contact information staff at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 8427 2058

    Further details on the Brambuk Reimagining project can be found on the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/brambuk-cultural-centre-upgrade

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