MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) Revitalisation
Project status
The upgrades we will deliver as part of this project are confirmed. Concept designs for the viewing platform are well progressed. Plans for reducing rockfall risk are also confirmed. The above projected timeline is likely to change and is subject to assessments, on-ground and construction industry conditions. This timeline will be updated as the project progresses. Last updated: December 2024
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The project
MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) is one of the most spectacular and most visited sites in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
The Victorian Government is investing $7.76 million to revitalise the MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) visitor precinct. This project is on the Traditional Lands of the Jardwadjali and Djab Wurrung peoples. This project is aligned to the Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan.
The things that we will build or improve as part of this project are now confirmed. The main elements are:
Safety improvements - Following geotechnical assessments that revealed a risk of rockfalls, three areas will be made safer to reduce the risk of falling rocks. This will involve installing cables, mesh and realigning a short section of boardwalk. In the meantime, we are regularly inspecting these areas to monitor the risk and any potential changes.
Main viewing platform - A new viewing platform at the base of the Falls will have the capacity to hold at least 40 people at a time. It will also improve safety as it will discourage people from going into the water and deter access to the area opposite the Falls, which is permanently closed to public access due to the risk of falling rocks. Swimming is prohibited at the Falls. The viewing platform design will incorporate elements of the blackfish – a species that is important to the cultural landscape of Migunang wirab (MacKenzie Falls).
Bluff Lookout Walking Track - Upgrade the walking track to Bluff Lookout to provide a more inclusive visitor experience. This will involve making the track surface smoother in sections, fixing drainage, and changing the gradient in places so it is less steep. Once complete, the track will be a Grade 1 walk, suitable for visitors with prams, wheelchairs or limited mobility to get a sweeping view across the valley to MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab).
Carparking – upgraded and additional car parks to create safer pedestrian access and improve traffic flow and drainage. Once complete, there will be a total of 120 car parking spaces and 14 long vehicle parking spaces.
Other improvements – Signage at the Falls, along tracks and in the arrival area will be improved. As well as better wayfinding signs, there will be a particular focus on helping people learn more about the cultural heritage and environment. There will be minor improvements to the existing picnic area to make it more accessible.
Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.
The MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) Revitalisation will build on community consultation and design investigations that were undertaken for the site in 2017. Parks Victoria is proud to be working in partnership with the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to plan and design the project.
Project benefits
Visitors
Visitors will enjoy an enhanced experience at the site, with improved views and more options for people of all abilities. Safety will be improved in the carpark, on tracks, at lookouts and at the base of the Falls, while visitor information will offer new opportunities to learn more about the cultural heritage and environmental values of the area.
Environment and cultural values
Caring for Country is a key objective of this project. New opportunities for visitors to learn about the site’s environment, including its cultural values, are being developed in consultation with Traditional Owners. Through planned carparking and track improvements, more visitors will be kept off the landscape and surrounding vegetation which will minimise the impact on the environment and cultural heritage.
Community
We have engaged with visitors and community members to inform the final scope and features of the MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) Revitalisation project. An engagement report was published on Engage Victoria.
Economy
Along with other projects and investment in the national park, the improvements at MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) will encourage visitors to stay longer in the region and contribute to local businesses and regional tourism.
Project funding
This project has received $7.76 million funding from the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is nationally heritage-listed for its natural and cultural values and Parks Victoria is committed to managing the park to balance the cultural importance of the area, its ecological importance and its popularity for visitors.
Extensive environmental and cultural assessments are being undertaken as part of this project. More information will be made available on these as the project progresses.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks.
While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Who we're working with
Parks Victoria, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation will work in partnership to design and implement this project.
Parks Victoria is also hosting a Gariwerd Tourism Infrastructure Reference Group that includes local governments, Grampians Tourism, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and the Tourism, Events and Visitor Economy and Regional Development Victoria branches of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. The role of this group is to provide inputs and feedback on the plans throughout the process.
The Grampians Advisory Group was heavily involved in the development of the 2017 Concept Plan for the site and informed the initial plans for this project. We will continue work with them throughout this process.
Access changes
An independent geotechnical investigation was undertaken as part of the MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) Revitalisation project. It identified high risk of rockfall at the base of the Falls.
To ensure visitor safety, Parks Victoria has installed physical barriers and removed the large rock stepping stones to prevent visitors from accessing the closed area opposite the base of the Falls.
Views of MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) at the base are from the walking track only. Due to limited viewing, the track may be crowded, especially over weekends and Easter. For your safety, please stay on the walking track and to avoid crowds visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Alternately the Falls may be viewed from above by taking the less strenuous walk to the Bluff Lookout. Swimming is prohibited at the Falls.
Staying updated
Parks Victoria will provide updates and information as the project progresses. To stay up to date please register your interest to receive community updates. You can also email us at engage@vic.gov.au. As the project progresses, information on this page will be updated regularly.Related information
- Community update - Spring 2023
- Community engagement - late 2022. See the report here
- Greater Gariwerd Landscape Management Plan
- Grampians Peaks Trail opens
FAQs
What does the MacKenzie Falls Revitalisation include?
The project includes improving safety from rockfall risk, a new viewing platform at the base of the Falls, an all-abilities track to Bluff lookout, upgraded carparking and signage.
Will there be more car parking on site?
Once complete, there will be a total of 53 extra parking spaces: 120 car parking spaces (including 2 accessible parks and 49 spaces in a less formal overflow parking area) and 14 long vehicle parking spaces. The improved carpark layout will help people of all abilities move easily and safely through the site. We will minimise clearing vegetation when realigning the car parking and will plant new plants where possible.
Will swimming be allowed at MacKenzie Falls?
Swimming will continue to be prohibited at MacKenzie Falls due to significant safety concerns at the site.
Will there be a café on site?
There will not be a café on site. Temporary coffee vans are also not permitted in national parks.
Why does MacKenzie Falls need to be revitalised?
As one of Gariwerd’s most popular visitor locations, this project will help to manage visitation in an effort to protect the site, its natural environment and heritage, as well as enhance the visitor experience. Upgrades to MacKenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) will help visitors to move in, out and around the area. These upgrades and other projects and investment in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park will encourage visitors to stay longer in the region and contribute to local businesses.
Are there other improvements being done in the National Park?
Yes. To provide more options to access the Grampians Peaks Trail, a range of new and upgraded access points and trailheads are being developed along the trail. The upgraded trailheads will provide hikers with increased flexibility, information and facilities to access the trail and enjoy it in more ways than before. Improvements will likely include improved car parking, signage and interpretive treatments to highlight the cultural heritage and environmental values of Gariwerd.