Early spring is one of the best times of year to go waterfall-hunting around Daylesford. After a wet winter, the falls that turn into a trickle by summer are running strong right now, which makes this the perfect window to tick a few off your list before they slow down again.
Some of these places are well serviced with infrastructure and some are not. Best you consult Parks Victoria or local authorities for the definitive descriptions.
Here’s our guide, sorted by how far you’re willing to drive.
Quick Fix (Under 10 Minutes)
Sailors Falls
Sailors Falls
Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls.
Just 7 minutes south of Daylesford Sailors Falls is the closest falls to town and an easy one to fit in before breakfast or on your way out for the day. It is pretty popular and why not, a fantastic 20 meter drop, a short, easy walk gets you there and there is a mineral water pump right there for you to sample as well. This is definitely a great first stop and a Daylesford icon a must see, particularly if you’re only chasing one waterfall this trip.
The Blowhole
Blowhole Road, Hepburn
Only 9 minutes north of central Daylesford, Hepburn Regional Park is a spectacular place in it’s own right, there are lots of trails and mineral water pumps here to explore. The Blowhole is 20 meter tunnel constructed in the 1870s to allow miners to fossick for gold in the dry horseshoe bend at sailors creek. Best checked out after recent rain, that’s when it really puts on a show. Pair it with a wander through the rest of the regional park while you’re there. Blowhole road is 1.4km dirt road that leads to a carpark, while pretty good for 2WD most of the time, after storms or heavy rains please use your best judgement about accessing it.
Worth the Detour (15–24 Minutes)
Trentham Falls
Loddon Falls
Sewells Road, Glenlyon
A locals secret and just 15 minutes from town. Our pick for those who want the waterfall experience without the crowds. Loddon Falls flies under the radar compared to some of the more famous spots nearby, which means you’ll often have it largely to yourself, ideal for a quieter, more relaxed visit. A short walk gets you to where the water comes over over hexagonal basalt cliffs into a waterhole. You can walk to the bottom or view the falls from above. An interesting note is that the colonial painter Eugene von Guerard painted these falls in 1870.
Caution this is not the most family friendly spot. The road getting there is good most of the time but after heavy rain it can be 4WD only (from the turn off it is a 1.1km walk if you choose). Also there are no safety barriers, so be wary of the cliff edge and supervise children at all times.
Trentham Falls
Scenic Reserve Road, Trentham
Just 19 minutes away from Daylesford is the stunning Trentham Falls. At 32 metres, down a basalt cliff, it is the highest single drop of any waterfall in Central Victoria. Everyone’s heard of it, and for good reason, it’s one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region and reliably impressive, especially with the water running this time of year. What makes it a winner is that while you’re there, Trentham town is just a minute or two away. Make a morning or afternoon of it. The main street has some excellent cafés for coffee or a sweet treat, a great pub or two for relaxed lunch, and some good browsing to be done in the local shops.
Upper Coliban Reservoir/Lauriston Reservior
Kyneton-Spring Hill Rd Spring Hill
Not really a waterfall but spectacular anyway. Just 24 minutes from Daylesford and easy to schedule into your trip home back to Melbourne. The Res, as locals call, is enormous and best after a big season of rains when spillawy’s curved wall is like a massive waterfall cascading to a second smaller fall, or in spring when the res is full and water is ejected from the lower valves some 200 meters into the channel below. The Res also has fishing (don’t forget your inland fishing lisence!) and canoeing spots accessible from the Premier Mine Road and a well maintained picnic and BBQ area accessible from the Lauriston Road. Find more info at Coliban Water.
Half or Full Day Adventure (29–47 Minutes)
Lal Lal Falls
Colbrook Reservoir
Off Binks Road, Colbrook
Definitely for the more adventurous this one and apologies, this is another reservoir and not a natural waterfall, but we don’t mind if you don’t. A bit further away at 29 minutes Colbrook Reservoir is one of the most beautiful reservoirs this side of town, it is an amazing place for bushwalking, swimming, fishing, and photography. If you are heading home via the Ballan route this is a great spot to stretch the weekend out just that bit more.
Locals tip: Access is dirt tracks, which will be muddy in wet weather. The tracks are off Binks Road, and are not signed very well. You will need your GPS or maps to navigate to there. Here is a maps link.
Turpins Falls
155 Shillidays Road, Langley
15 minutes north of Kyneton and 40 minutes from Daylesford. Another underrated one worth chasing while the water’s flowing well. this is an 18 meter drop over basalt cliffs and spectacular when flowing. You can view the falls from above or wander down the sloping paths to the bottom. While this place has a well worn history access has been sketchy here due to past storm damage but has improved over the last few years as it is a popular locals swimming spot. Be sensible and obey any signs at this place. Schedule it on on you jaunt over to Kyneton for an awrd winning pie, city worthy contemporary art or an amazing food and wine experience. More information here
Lal Lal Falls
Lal Lal Falls Rd, Lal Lal
45 minutes is a bit more of a hike and Lal Lal is south past Ballan heading towards Ballarat. Definately a bit further out, but genuinely spectacular when it’s running after a good rain. This is the one to save for a proper day trip. There is some good walking to do here and a BBQ area. More information here
Stanley Park Falls
15 Salisbury Road, Mount Macedon
At 47 minutes from Daylesford, this is the furthest on the list, but a great one to fit in on your way home if you’re heading back toward Melbourne that way. Set inside the Macedon Regional Park this is a park within a park so, not only is there the waterfall but there are walking trails that offer plenty to explore, play equipment for younger children and lots of open space, shade and good parking. While everyone is at the top of Mount Macedon snapping pix of the big cross, you’ll be quietly enjoying the space. Tee this one up with a stop off in Woodend to get picnic supplies and coffee or on the way down the mountain take a rest at the cute strip of shops at Mount Macedon village. Park details here.
Please Note
This is a guide to what is out in the region. Some roads may not be suitable for cars, particularly when wet, please use common sense when visiting. Please pay attention to all signage and warnings at any of these locations and for safety, children should be supervised at all times.
