GRAMPIANS (VIC)
MacKenzie Falls

Return distances : 2 + 2 km ; Times : 45 + 80 minutes

One of the highlights of a visit to the Grampians is a visit to the MacKenzie Falls. (How do you spell 'MacKenzie'? – there seem to be many variations!) They can be viewed at a distance from the Mount Victory Road, but it is best to turn off to the large carpark. If you seek solitude, don’t visit on a public holiday!

The walk consits of two parts: the Bluff walk, and the actual descent to MacKenzie Falls. The Bluff walk is almost horizomtal and very easy. It begins with a gentle upward slope from the kiosk. We found this flowering grass tree along the way.

Actually, there is not too much to see along this track: you may have to invent your own photographic opportunities!

But then at the end, there is this great overview of the MacKenzie Falls.

Even better with binoculars ...

The descent to the Falls also starts from the kiosk. There is a short side track to view the picturesque Broken Falls.

The track to the main Falls is mostly concrete with hand rails, and is quite steep in parts. There are lots of steps. (I have memories of an older track following closer to the stream; perhaps there were less visitors in those days.)

This flat rocky section at the top of the Falls used to be one of my favourite places to sit and meditate, surrounded by little falls and trickling water. Alas, it has been deemed dangerous and is now fenced off.

Descending, we come to the actual Falls – always impressive.

There is a pleasant pool at the bottom with flat areas to enjoy a picnic.

From the base of the Falls there is a 7 km return track leading down along the stream to Zumsteins, but we don’t follow this today.

Looking back from the bridge ...

It is worth spending time at the base of the Falls, just to marvel at their beauty.

Now comes the hard part: the strenuous climb back up all those steps to return to the car. But worth it!