Big Splash

A Big Splash

Trentham Falls Robert Blackburn

Agnes Falls Josie Withers Steavenson Falls Robert Blackburn

Head into the great outdoors to marvel at wonderful waterfalls. They’re one of nature’s great spectacles and a balm for the soul.

Single Vision

It’s the highest single-span falls in Victoria, and is easily accessible along a 200-metre walking track. Agnes Falls, near Toora in Gippsland, is set in a scenic reserve where towering southern blue gums and silver wattle grow in a gorge that’s part of the Strzelecki Ranges. It’s a great place for birdwatchers, and there are lovely grassed areas perfect for picnics. Stretch your legs here if you’re heading to Wilsons Prom. Detour to Waratah Hills, a small, familyrun vineyard, where you can have a glass of pinot noir or chardonnay teamed with a cheese or charcuterie platter. +waratahhills.com.au

Water Wonder

On a trip to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, be sure to head to spectacular Trentham Falls on the Coliban River. It plunges 32 metres into a gorge, and there’s a viewing platform from where to take in the majesty. Make a day of it in the region by booking a hike with Hanging Rock Llama Treks. The three-hour experience with these beautiful animals includes a five-kilometre walk to Hanging Rock where there are excellent photo opportunities. +facebook.com/hangingrockllamatreks

Going Down

It’s been popular with visitors for more than a century, after local residents cut a track to it in 1866. Steavenson Falls, about four kilometres from Marysville in the Yarra Valley, has five cascades that drop a total of 84 metres. The trail to the falls is only 900 metres long (and is lit in the evening using electricity generated by the falls), but there are a number of longer hikes through the woodlands. This is also a great region for mountain biking, with a shuttle service between Marysville and the trails at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. +lakemountainresort.com.au

Forest Find

There are a number of waterfalls in the Otway Ranges on the Great Ocean Road, but a favourite is Erskine Falls, with lush rainforest surrounding the 30-metre cascade. Head down the steep stairs to the second lookout to leave most of the crowd behind. There’s a 7.5-kilometre walk from the falls back to Lorne, where you can reward yourself with a delicious sustainable lunch – bowls, smoothies and gourmet toasties – at HAH, overlooking the beach. +hahlornebeach.com.au

Take the Wheel

Explore the riches of the Grampians during a spring road trip.

Mount William (Duwul) Ain Raadik

Salingers Cafe, Great Western

Ready to explore a region alive with stunning wildflowers, raging waterfalls and lush vineyards? Then you’re ready to drive the Grampians Way road trip.

More Than a Trickle

Start the 330km circuit at Halls Gap where you’re in close proximity to many of the region’s most spectacular falls, now flowing at their peak thanks to winter rain. One of the most majestic is MacKenzie Falls (Mikunung wira), which is at the end of an easy, one-kilometre walk.

Flowering Brilliance

The southern plains of the region play host to a riotous display of colour in the form of bluebells, pincushions, red and green correas and other flowering shrubs. There are great displays along the Halls Gap to Dunkeld Road and from the summit of Mount William (Duwul).

Grape Expectations

The Grampians is known for its excellent shiraz and sparkling wines. Vineyards are spread throughout the region, but plan a stop at Best's Great Western. It’s home to two of the most established and respected wineries in Victoria. The cellar door at Best’s dates back to the 1800s. Choose some local cheeses and charcuterie to enjoy with your tastings. There’s an underground tour at Seppelt, where wine has been made since 1863. +visitgrampians.com.au