The rain through the wetter months of the year, May through to November, ensures our waterfalls and reservoirs look truly spectacular. Our area has high rainfall, compared with much of the state, and with our positioning on the Great Dividing Range, three important Victorian rivers begin here. These rivers are the Coliban, Loddon and Campaspe, which feed the Murray, providing water for communities and irrigating farms along the way. Whether you are craving a nature escape or planning to catch a fish for your dinner, the following guide should help you navigate to the best source of water.
In addition to some very beautiful waterfalls, we have over 80% of Australia’s natural mineral springs and have had visitors to the region since they were first protected, coming to drink and bathe in the water. For this reason, we are known as the Spa Capital and wellbeing region. Everything then stems from our rich mineralised water. Our producers, restaurants, cafes, wineries use local mineralised produce that gives our food a distinct taste and terroir.
Turpins Falls is an impressive waterfall located on the Campaspe River, and its waters cascade down a 20m rock wall that encapsulates the rock pool below on three sides. You can enjoy the beauty of the falls from a lookout just a short walk from the car park, or you can access the base of the falls via a steep unmaintained track. This track is subject to seasonal closures, usually during autumn and winter. **Turpins Falls is closed until further notice due to safety reasons. Photo Credit: Larkz Visuals
The Cascades is a hidden gem nestled away just north of Metcalfe. Water tumbles over layers of bedrock through rock pools, through crevices and funnels into little caverns. Relax in the rock pools or take a swim in one of the bigger swimming holes. It is best to visit after some rain. Photo Credit: Debbie Karwata
Stanley Park Falls was named after Sir Arthur Stanley, Governor of Victoria. He was instrumental in providing funding to acquire the land for public use. The area is thought to have formed from silica-rich lave, which probably originated from ‘Camels Hump’ and flowed down the flank of Mount Macedon. Nowadays, it is a lovely waterfall and a lush refuge in summer with playgrounds, BBQ's and picnic benches. Photo Credit: Macedon Ranges Mumma
Loddon Falls is found a short 5-minute drive north of Glenlyon, along the Loddon River. This is an undeveloped spot with a steep incline and dirt tracks that can get muddy in the wetter months. It has restricted access when there has been significant rainfall. If you are keen to forge on, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the waterfall and surrounds. Photo Credit: Ben Gardiner Photography
Gold miners created this small circular hole in the side of the hill around the early 1870s. When Sailors Creek is full, The Blowhole is an impressive sight, spurting water out over a rock face to the pool below. You can view The Blowhole from above at the cliff's top, making the most of the recently installed walkway, or across the river, standing opposite the tunnel. The Blowhole is one of many places to stop along the 160km Goldfields Track connecting Bendigo and Ballarat. Photo Credit: Vicki Maree Photography
Sailors Falls, just south of Daylesford, is thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush. You can view the spectacular twin falls from the picnic area, just a short stroll from the car park. As you are returning, stop to taste and collect the natural mineral water from the nearby pump.
Photo credit: Ben Gardiner Photography
The Upper Coliban Reservoir spillway is the only siphonic spillway of its kind in Victoria. It's an impressive structure and looks incredible after heavy rain, with water gushing over the dam. You can see the spillway clearly from the road beneath, or you can stop at the picnic ground with BBQ facilities and toilets. It is a popular spot for fishing, with the reservoir regularly stocked with brown trout, Murray cod and golden perch yearlings. Photo Credit: @Scriv243
The Upper Coliban Reservoir feeds into the connecting Lauriston Reservoir found between Kyneton and Glenlyon. The Lauriston Reservoir dam was constructed between 1938 and 1941 and has a spillway that measures 77 metres. It's a well maintained reserve with walking trails, BBQ's, picnic tables, playground and toilets. In 2019 the reservoir welcomed kayaks and non-powered boats to enable fishing of the abundant native fish.
