MacKenzie Falls

Two people walking along the path in front of Mackenzie Falls at Grampians National Park

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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

    Rock climbing closures due to Grampians-Yarram Gap Bushfire

    Due to recent bushfires in the area and ongoing efforts to suppress them, designated rock climbing sites 63-91 in the Wonderland and Serra Range are temporarily closed to climbers and visitors.

    This includes:  
    63. The Elephants Hide
    64. Wild Geese Wall
    65. Mackeys Peak
    66. The Tower of Paine
    67. Crock Wall
    68. Blockbuster Buttress
    69. Wil Flower Wall
    70. Point Sunshine
    71. The Upper Goon
    72. The Lower Goon
    73. Signal Peak
    74. Frenchmans Beret
    75. Grand Canyon
    76. The Underworld
    77. The Wall of China
    78. Neurology Wall
    79. Bellfield Peak
    80. Wurzelgammage
    81. Lookout Point Wall
    82. Lake View Wall
    83. The Bleachers (Sundial Peak) (Bouldering Area)
    84. Equinox Walls (RNA)
    85. Western Wall
    86. Stoney Peak
    87. Bundaleer
    88. Calecstasia Walls
    89. Tower Hill
    90. Rosea Far Right
    91. Mount Rosea

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 10.01.2025

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has many roads temporarily closed due to the recent bushfire. Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the national park is restricted.

    Temporary Road & Seasonal Road Closures
    This is a long list due to the recent bushfire. Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.

    Seasonal Roads
    Seasonal Roads reopened on Thursday 31st October 2024.

    The following seasonal roads require further management and remain closed:
    ·      Moora Track
    ·      Launders Track
    ·      Mt Cassell Fireline
    Seasonal road closures are necessary to maintain water quality, protect public safety and prevent erosion during the wetter months, making them vulnerable to damage.

    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 - 10.01.2025 (223KB)

    Reopening of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Southern Section

    Parts of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park have now reopened following the containment of the Yarram Gap Bushfire. 
     
    Some sections of the park will remain closed for the time being while fire suppression works are ongoing.
     
     
    Visitor sites in the Southern Grampians area which will REOPEN on 10 January include:
    - Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug)  
    - Mt Sturgeon (Wurgarri)  
    - Piccaninny (Baingugg)  
    - Signal Peak  
    - Buandik (Jadawadjali) Falls 
    - Chimney Pots  
    - Billimina Art Shelter  
    - Manja Art Shelter 
    - Red Rock Picnic Area 
    - Strachans Campground 
    - Buankdik Campground 
    - Grampians Peaks Trail: South Section S4-S5 - Dunkeld to Cassidy Gap Road (including Dunkeld Trailhead, Victoria Valley Road Trailhead, Bainggug (Picaninny) Trailhead, Mud-Dadjug hike in campground, Djardji-Djawara hike in campground (End Point - no access north of the campground), Cassidy Gap Trailhead)
    - Victoria Range Overnight Hike (including Fortress remote overnight Hike-in campground) 
     
    Visitor sites to remain CLOSED: 
    - Paddys Castle  
    - Tower Hill 
    - Burrong Falls 
    - Moora Moora area   

    Reopening of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Central Section

    Parts of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park have now reopened following the containment of the Yarram Gap Bushfire.
    Some sections of the park will remain closed for the time being while fire suppression works are ongoing. 
     
    Visitors can view a Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Closure Map here. 

    Visitor sites in the Central Grampians area which will REOPEN on 10 January include:
    - Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre 
    - Brambuk Wetland loop 
    - Fyans Creek (Barri Yalug) loop  
    - Boronia Peak  
    - Venus Baths 
    - Bullaces Glen 
    - Chatauqua Peak (Bim) 
    - Clematis Falls  
    - MacKenzie Falls  
    - Broken Falls 
    - Mackenzie Falls Bluff Lookout walk 
    - Fish Falls, Mackenzie River/Bun-nah Trail 
    - Zumsteins Picnic Area and Historic walk 
    - Boroka Track and Lookout 
    - Lake Wartook Lookout 
    - Smiths Mill Campground  
    - Plantation Campground (State Forest) 

    Visitor sites to remain CLOSED: 
    - Reeds Lookout 
    - Balconies Lookout  
    - Pinnacle walks from Halls Gap, Wonderland and Sundial car parks 
    - Wonderland Loop from Halls Gap 
    - Mackey’s Peak  
    - Grand Canyon Loop 
    - Wonderland Forest Loop  
    - Turret Falls  
    - Splitters Falls   
    - Lakeview Lookout 
    - Sundial Peak  
    - Viewpoint 
    - Sundial 4x4 track access from Lake Bellfield 
    - Mt Rosea day walk 
    - Stony Creek camp link 
    - Bundaleer    
    - Burma Track loop 
    - Borough Huts campground to Mt Rosea  
    - Tunnel Walking Track  
    - Terraces Fireline around Lake Bellfield 
    - Pomonal Fireline 
    - Mt William Summit Walk 
    - Sheep Hills 
    - Kalymna Falls 
    - Mafeking Picnic Area 
    - Brownings Loop Historic Walk  
    - Teddy Bear Gap Walk 
    - Borough Huts Campground 
    - Stony Creek road bush camps 
    - Moora and Vic Valley bush camps 
    - Kalymna Campground 
    - Wannon Crossing Campground 
    - Boreang Campground
    - Jimmy Creek Campground 
    - Grampians Peaks Trail: Section N4 – S3 - Halls Gap to Cassidy Gap Road (including Bugiga Hike-in campground, Barri Yalug Hike-in campground, Duwul Hike-in campground, Durd Durd Hike-in campground, Yarram Hike-in campground, Wannon Hike-in campground, Wonderland carpark access, Sundial carpark access, Rosea carpark access, Redman Road Trailhead, Mt William Carpark, Jimmy Creek Road Trailhead, Yarram Gap Road Trailhead, Griffin Trailhead)  
    - Mt William Overnight Hike – Boundary Gap/First Wannon remote hike in campground 

    Reopening of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Northern Section

    Parts of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park have now reopened following the containment of the Yarram Gap Bushfire.

    Some sections of the park will remain closed for the time being while fire suppression works are ongoing.
     
    Visitors can view a Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Closure Map here. 

    Visitor sites in the Northern Grampians area which will REOPEN on 10 January include:
    - Mount Zero (Mura Mura)  
    - Mount Stapylton (Gunigalg) summit and loop  
    - Flat Rock viewpoint  
    - Hollow Mountain (Wudjub Guyan)  
    - Gulgurn Manja Art Shelter  
    - Ngamdjidj Art Shelter  
    - Golton Gorge 
    - Beehive Falls 
    - Briggs Bluff walk 
    - Mt Difficult (Gar)  
    - Waterfalls of Gar  
    - Brim Springs Picnic area 
    - Heatherlie Quarry  
    - Stapylton Campground 
    - Troopers Creek Campground  
    - Coppermine 4x4 Campground 
    - Grampians Peaks Trail North Section N1- N3 - Mt Zero to Halls Gap (including, Mt Zero Trailhead, Coppermine Group Camp, Longpoint West Group Camp, Barigar Hike-in campground, Gar Trailhead, Gar Hike in-campground, Werdug Hike-in campground, Halls Gap Trailhead)

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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