6 stunning waterfalls near Daylesford

Don’t just imagine the perfect outdoor adventure exploring waterfalls near Daylesford. Make it happen!

Daylesford and its vastly beautiful surrounds play host to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in country Victoria. The positively charged energy that permeates from Mother Nature’s mega water fountains is truly astounding. It’s safe to say that anyone who witnesses these waterfalls up close will feel it.

Note: Please check the Parks Victoria website for safety updates and closures before you embark on visiting any of the below waterfalls.

1. Trentham Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 18-minute drive
Where: Coliban River Scenic Reserve
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: No

Trentham Falls is one of Victoria’s longest single-drop waterfalls! Towering 32 metres high, the water heaves over impressive basalt rock structures. Upon arrival (it’s just a short, easy walk from the car park to the viewing platform) you can straight-up expect a breathtaking experience.

Watching the rapid force of natural hydropower in action is phenomenal. Note: there’s no access to the top or bottom of the falls as the cliffs are unstable – it’s best to stay safe on the platform and designated walking track.

Trentham Falls drops from a 32-metre-high basalt cliff.

Trentham Falls form part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples. Overall, it’s one of the most magical waterfalls near Daylesford! Put it on your must-see central Victorian natural attractions list ASAP.

2. Stanley Park Waterfall

Distance from Daylesford: 46-minute drive
Where: Mount Macedon
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Swimming: No

This is such a cool (literally and metaphorically) little waterfall in the Mount Macedon region. So, it’s best to visit in the middle of the day and catch the sun’s rays splitting over the falls. The vertical drop is approximately 5-10 metres long, depending on the power of the water pushing through from the Turtiable Creek source. We love the sheltered BBQs here for visitor use, plus the kid’s playground and dogs are welcome on a lead too. The most reliable time to see the falls in all their glory is during winter/spring but if there’s been recent rainfall you can get lucky in summer/autumn too.

3. Sailors Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 7-minute drive
Where: Sailors Falls
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Swimming: Yes

Waterfalls and mineral springs in one place, yes, please. It’s a super accessible, almost roadside spot too. All you must do is take a lovely stroll along the forest-lined walkway and be greeted by the amazing scenery at Sailors Falls.

Sailors Falls drops into a lush, fern-lined gully.

There’s a 1.37-kilometre loop track that takes about 30 minutes to walk and offers up mesmerizing views if getting up close and personal with nature is your thing or simply relax at the lookout (which is wheelchair and pram friendly) adjacent to the picnic area. Feeling thirsty? There are two mineral spring taps about, one at the start in the car park area and another along the walking track.

Gaze at the stunning Sailors Falls in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford.

History buffs take note, gold was first discovered in this area way back in 1851 and with that, an influx of fossickers and their families arrived. Sailors Falls became (and remains) a popular spot for picnics.

Sailors Falls is located just south of Daylesford.

4. Loddon Falls

Distance from Daylesford: 14-minute drive
Where: Glenlyon
Parking: Yes. Accessible by all vehicles in dry weather and by 4WD only in the wet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Swimming: Experienced swimmers only

Located along the Loddon River in Glenlyon, these lesser-known waterfalls are well worth the short trip from Daylesford. The water here spills over imposing hexagonal basalt rock columns that jut up from the gorge (which does indeed make for a lovely swimming spot in the right conditions) about 30-40 metres below. Native flora and fauna are bountiful in these parts! It’s a quick walk from the car park to the gorge lookout. From there, there are two paths to take – the high track to the top spot or, the low-slung, rock-hugging walk to the bottom. Either vantage point makes for excellent photo opportunities.

Loddon Falls is a spectacular gorge tucked within rolling hills and dirt tracks. (Image: R Reeve)

5. Colbrook Reservoir

Distance from Daylesford: 32-minute drive
Where: Wombat State Forest, Colbrook
Parking: Yes, best accessed by 4WD
Difficulty: Moderate
Swimming: Yes

Colbrook Reservoir is an off-the-beat destination suited to adventure seekers keen to see a seasonal waterfall spilling over the massive reservoir dam wall. It’s a gem of a setting for bushwalking, swimming, fishing and snap-happy photographers. Free bush camping sites are available here but there are no facilities; bring in everything you need and take it when you leave (including any rubbish please).

6. The Blowhole

Distance from Daylesford: 9-minute drive
Where: Hepburn Regional Park
Parking: Yes 
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: Yes, seasonal – dependent on gentle water flow. No diving. Experienced swimmers only.

Hepburn Springs outdoes itself here with the Blowhole’s immaculate display of sheer beauty. Fact: people are surprised to discover that this is a manmade waterfall/ swimming hole, created by gold miners in the late 19^th century for fossicking purposes.

The Blowhole and Sailors Creek (the water source that feeds into it) is part of the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, which runs from Mt Buniyong near Ballarat and passes through Creswick, Daylesford and Castlemaine to Bendigo. Sure, the Blowhole becomes quite a turbulent show after high rainfalls, and then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s just as often an idyllically, pretty place to visit. Either way, we recommend packing a picnic and plotting your spot, for there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax.

Visiting Daylesford and its surrounds soon? Check out our Daylesford & Macedon Ranges guide for the top things to do, best restaurants and cosy accommodations in Daylesford.