Spring is the perfect time to visit and explore local waterfalls. Increased rain over the colder months ensures these impressive landmarks are at their best and each has something unique to offer.
It’s time to grab your gumboots or walking shoes and start chasing some of Ballarat and surrounds loveliest waterfalls.
Lal Lal Falls
Drive time from Ballarat: 26 minutes
Accessibility: Easy
The Lal Lal Falls and Reserve sits on Ballarat’s doorstep and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The Reserve has a large barbeque and picnic area with amenities, a playground and an information hut with historical facts about the area and the Falls.
From the picnic area you can hear the crashing water and it’s a short and gentle walk to the Falls’ viewing platform. From this vantage point, visitors have the full experience of watching water cascade over rocks and tumble to the depths of the gorge below.
Indigenous tribes believe the Lal Lal Falls are the earthly home of Bunjil, the All Father or Creator to most Victorian Aboriginal tribes and as one of the larges falls in the area, it’s easy to see why. The name “Lal Lal” means "dashing of waters".
Sailor Falls and the Hepburn Springs Blowhole
Drive time from Ballarat: 38 minutes to Sailor Falls. Additional 10 minutes to the Blowhole
Accessibility: Easy
The Sailor Falls is perched on the side of the Ballan-Daylesford highway and makes for a beautiful place to stop and take in the scenery.
The carpark, picnic area and information huts are on top of the hill and the falls can be seen from this location. For those feeling a little more adventurous, there is a long, steel frame staircase that leads to the base cliff, which affords a much better view of the falls. Once there, visitors can continue exploring by using the walking track that follows the river and loops around the gorge.
A bonus feature of these falls is the Mineral Springs tap located at the top of the hill next to the car park, so pack some empty bottles and fill up with natural spring water.
To continue the journey a little further, head through Daylesford to the Hepburn Springs Blowhole. Situated on Sailors Creek, the Blowhole is a diversion tunnel built by goldminers in the 1870s. While it can be viewed at any time of year, it is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.
From the carpark, a steel frame walking path and staircase leads to the viewing platform of the Blowhole. Those who are stable on foot can venture beyond the platform along the nature paths and walking loops that lead through the bushland and around the blowhole. The scenery is quite stunning and well worth the effort.
Ferntree and Cascade Falls
Drive time from Ballarat: 60 minutes
Accessibility: Moderate
Deep in the Mount Buangor State Park are the Ferntree Falls and just as the name suggests, the vegetation throughout the area is thick with green ferns. Cars can park at the picnic area and campgrounds and from there, it is a 250 metre walk to the falls.
Discovering the Ferntree Falls is an adventure as the natural pathways wind through the lush vegetation. Small wooden bridges and staircases have been added to make the walk to the falls a little easier and once you’re there, it feels like you’re deep in the forest.
At this point, visitors can choose to turn around and head back to the car or continue the walking loop that leads through more stunning forest and to the Cascade Falls turnoff. The entire walk will take between 20 and 30 minutes, which includes time to stop and appreciate your surrounds.
The paths are natural, with rocks and tree roots embedded in the ground. It can be slippery in the wet, so this adventure is best suited to those who are stable on foot and proper walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.
Avoca Falls
Drive time from Ballarat: 67 minutes
Accessibility: Moderate
A true highlight in winter, these falls only flow if there has been significant rainfall, however a little water is present most of the year.
It is a stunning drive from the Avoca township to the waterfalls as the road winds through the extensive vineyards that the area is known for.
Once in the Pyrenees State Forest, the gravel road is well signed and leads to the picnic area with amenities, campgrounds and carpark. From here it is a 500 metre walk to the falls along the side of the rocky waterway. It is a natural walking path and narrow in places, with the occasional obstacle and short, steep hills. While it may be a little tricky to access, it is the most rewarding as you can stand up close, and even under, the cascading water.
Even when there isn’t much water running, fun can still be had by hiking and climbing around the rock face and exploring the surrounding bushland and creek bed.
More information about picnic areas, campgrounds, walking trails and waterfalls can be found online or via the More to Explore app.
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