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.

    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.

    • Grand Canyon Loop Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Grand Canyon Walking Track Partly Closed

      The Grand Canyon walking track is partly closed until further notice due to structural concerns with a staircase.
       
      The Grand Canyon remains open as a return walk from Wonderland Carpark.
       
      Access to the Pinnacle from Wonderland Carpark remains open via the western track that bypasses the Grand Canyon.

    • First Wannon Hike-in Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Major Mitchell Plateau Partly Closed

      The Major Mitchell Plateau walking track is closed between First Wannon Hiker Camp and Jimmy Creek Campground due to Grampians Peaks Trail Works. First Wannon Hiker Camp remains open as a return walk from Sheep Hills Carpark, Mt William Carpark or Kalymna Campground. This closure will remain in place until further notice.

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

      Temporary Closure: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre

      As of the 1st of July 2020, Parks Victoria has temporarily taken on management of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.

      The centre will remain closed while Parks Victoria undertakes due diligence in assessing infrastructure, facilities and conducts essential works. 

      Parks Victoria will be delivering essential park information and support services for visitors and licensed tour operators by phone, email and online, including campground bookings, school group activity statements and trip intention processes.

      Visitors seeking park information in person are asked to visit the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre.

      Parks Victoria contact details during this period:
      Phone: 13 1963
      Online campground bookings: www.parkstay.vic.gov.au 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Silverband Falls Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Silverband Falls Walking track closed

      Silverband Falls Walking track is closed due to damage on a pedestrian bridge. 

    • Kalymna Falls Walk (Grampians National Park)

      Mitchell Road Closed (Grampians National Park)

      Storm damage to causeway. Mitchell Road closed.  Access to Kalymna Falls Campground and walk is via Picnic Ground Rd only.  

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Silverband Falls Walk CLOSED

      Due to bridge infrastructure damage Silverband Walking track is closed until further notice. 

    • Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Grampians National Park)

      Temporary relocation of Stony Creek Group Camping Area

      Due to Grampians Peaks Trail upgrade works, Stony Creek Group Camping Area (Campground) has been temporarily relocated approximately 1.5 km to the east along Stony Creek Road.
       
      Toilets and signage have been moved to this location.
       
      This arrangement will remain in place until mid-2020.
       
      All campers are required to stay at the new location. Camping is not permitted without a permit. 

    • Grampians National Park

      European Wasps at Troopers Creek Campground

      European Wasp populations have been identified at Troopers Creek Campground. Treatment is currently occurring to control these populations. Please be mindful when in the area.

    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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