Discover the most beautiful Dandenong Ranges waterfalls and additional stunning cascades in the surrounding areas. Moreover, this post sheds light on some of the most beautiful waterfalls to explore and places you can visit on an easy day trip from Melbourne.
Besides, the Dandenong Ranges is a wonderful place to wander with incredibly lush bushland and walking trails galore.
Unfortunately, this national park isn’t loaded with numerous cataracts. However, I’ve added in a few bonus spots that you may want to visit on a short drive out of the Dandenongs.
If you’ve ever wanted to search for some stunning waterfalls, now is your chance! Let’s dive into everything you need to know so you can get ready for some exploring!
Where Are the Dandenong Ranges?
The Dandenong Ranges is a collection of stunning bushland, hills, valleys and wetlands east of Melbourne City.
Moreover, it’s around a 1-hour drive to reach the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne. However, it’s quite an easy and straightforward road trip.
Is the Dandenong Ranges Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely! If you are spending time in Melbourne or Victoria, or you happen to live here, you must visit this beautiful location!
There are lots of waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, gardens and viewpoints to explore within this fascinating region.
I’ve spent many years taking day trips to this area and I still haven’t seen everything. There’s always a new hiking trail to explore or a new viewpoint to stand in awe of.
It’s the kind of place that you can never get sick of and it truly has a beautiful charm about it. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the different parts of this region as it’s truly a wonderful place.
The 3 Best Dandenong Ranges Waterfalls
1. Olinda Falls
Olinda Falls is an excellent first start to the small collection of Dandenong Ranges waterfalls. However, it’s quite a small waterfall, but beautiful nonetheless.
You’ll want to begin your journey at the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground. This is a great spot to park up, enjoy some lunch and then wander through the beautiful bushland before coming upon the waterfall.
Be sure to follow the signage and stick to trails to ensure you reach the waterfall. And, once you arrive at the falls, you will come upon a couple of viewing platforms to enjoy views over the serene area. It’s pretty magical enjoying the sound of the water tumbling over the rocks below.
Not to mention, there are a couple of other nice spots in which you can enjoy the relaxing stream. And, I recommend allowing about 1.5 hours to enjoy this area.
Finally, this hike is a 1km out-and-back track and is a reasonably easy walk. However, I recommend wearing some sturdy shoes as the trail can become quite muddy and slippery.
Address: Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, Olinda Falls Reserve, Falls Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3788
2. Sherbrooke Falls
Next on the list of Dandenong Ranges Waterfalls is Sherbrooke Falls. In order to reach the waterfall, you’ll need to park at O’Donohue Picnic Ground.
From there, you can make use of the O’Donohue Track and Hillclimb track to reach the lovely Sherbrooke Falls. And, it’ll take just over 2km for the return journey.
Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for the tree pictured below. It’s an iconic spot to get a photo of and some people like to have a peek at the inside of the tree. However, just be wary that there may be some wildlife hidden within the tree, so please do your best to avoid disturbing them.
Finally, you’ll arrive at Sherbrooke Falls. Keep in mind, this isn’t a grand waterfall, but it’s a beautiful subtle stream that flows over the rocks. It’s definitely one of the smaller waterfalls of Victoria but is gorgeous nonetheless.
Address: O’Donohue Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke Lodge Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
3. Ship Rock Waterfall
Ship Rock Waterfall is yet another stunning Dandenong Ranges Waterfall. Moreover, the walking trail feels like quite an adventure and there are numerous large boulders that you can wander upon.
The trail is short and sweet and will only take around 10 minutes to return. I think this is an excellent activity for families with younger children.
Finally, there is a nice viewing platform so that you can enjoy views of the falls and the lush bushland.
Address: Ship Rock Waterfall, Gembrook-Launching Pl Rd, Hoddles Creek VIC 3139
Go a Little Further
If you don’t mind travelling a little further, you’ll have access to even more stunning waterfalls. Moreover, these are between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours of travel time from the Dandenong Ranges waterfalls. However, they are a spectacular addition to your list of places to visit.
1. Steavenson Falls, Marysville
First up on the additional waterfalls is the incredible and impressive Steavenson Falls in Marysville. And, this is a waterfall worth driving for!
This massive 122-metre waterfall has multiple viewing platforms, loads of walking trails and a large pool at the base. There is also a beautiful stream that you can enjoy and I truly believe it’s an awesome all-round waterfall to visit from Melbourne.
Finally, if you would like to learn more about this spectacular waterfall, I recommend checking out my blog post below for some of the best travel advice and everything you need to know prior to visiting the waterfall.
Read more: Steavenson Falls, Marysville
2. La La Falls
La La Falls is one of the stunning Yarra Valley waterfalls that I highly recommend visiting. Moreover, it’s quite a large cascade with lots of water rushing over the face of the boulders.
However, you’ll need to complete a 3.2km return journey with numerous short and steep hills to reach the waterfall and complete the trip.
Nonetheless, keep your eyes out along the way as there are lots of beautiful streams to enjoy and lots of miniature waterfalls to view.
3. Masons Falls, Kinglake
Masons Falls is yet another stunning waterfall out in the Kinglake National Park. And, this is a massive waterfall and you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views from a platform.
Not to mention, you will get to look out over the entire valley and bushland that sits below the platform. I think this is an excellent waterfall to visit if you want to go a little further than the Dandenongs.
How to Find Additional Walking Trails
There are a couple of ways that I like to do my research, one of them being that I use AllTrails. Moreover, this is a handy resource to find all kinds of walking trails, waterfalls and so much more.
Another way you can do some research is to have a flick through my blog. I have loads of different walking trails and places you can explore while wandering Victoria.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, these are the best Dandenong Ranges waterfalls and waterfalls in the surrounding areas. So, if you’re planning a day trip to the Dandenongs from Melbourne, I highly recommend adding a couple of these to your list.
Unfortunately, these aren’t the largest waterfalls to be seen in Victoria, but they are still incredibly beautiful and a lovely way to get back into nature.
I still strongly believe that they’re all worth a visit as even the surrounding bushland makes for an ultimately peaceful experience.
Finally, if you would like to discover more from Victoria, feel free to check out this section of my blog where I have a huge collection of blog posts. There are loads of travel guides, beaches to visit, hiking trails and so much more. Happy reading!
Read more:
Burke’s Lookout, Mount Dandenong: Best Viewpoint in Melbourne
Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Dandenong Ranges
