BBQ
One of Victoria's most spectacular waterfalls, Trentham Falls is an absolute must-see when visiting the Daylesford and Trentham region.
One of many beautiful waterfalls throughout the area, Trentham Falls boasts the highest single drop of water out of any other waterfall in Central Victoria, at a striking uninterrupted drop of 32 metres.
Here the scenic Coliban River plunges dramatically over a stunning basalt cliff, where the fractured rock has formed huge hexagonal columns which are a real sight to behold!
Trentham Falls lies nestled in an area of lush bushland within the Coliban River Scenic Reserve. This 24 hectare reserve is home to over eighty species of native plants, including manna gum, messmate, stringy bark, and narrow-leaved peppermint.
During spring, the landscape is decorated with an abundance of beautiful wildflowers.
Trentham Falls Lookout
A viewing area overlooks Trentham Falls and the gorgeous basalt gorge, accessed by a quick 70 metre walk from the car park.
An illustrated sign at the lookout provides fascinating information and a detailed diagram of the waterfall's geology.
Picnics at Trentham Falls
Prepare a packed lunch and complement your visit to Trentham Falls with a scenic picnic. A picnic area is set alongside the car park, where you can enjoy lunch in the shade before heading down to check out Trentham Falls.
Visitor facilities alongside the car park at Trentham Falls include picnic tables, fire pit / wood fire barbecue, and flushing toilets.
If you plan to use the fire pit / barbecue, you will need to plan ahead and bring your own fire wood. Please ensure all fires are properly extinguished before you leave.
Walking at Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls provides a short, scenic walk to the lookout area. For the more ambitious visitors, you can take a 3 km walk from nearby Trentham to the falls.
How long is the Trentham Falls walk?
The walk from the car park to the Trentham Falls lookout is 70 metres.
From the Trentham Falls car park, it takes just a minute or two to reach the viewing area.
This walk is short and easy, taking you down some steps and along the edge of the gorge.
An illustrated sign at the lookout provides fascinating information and a detailed diagram of the waterfall's geology.
Longer Walk from Trentham to Trentham Falls
You can take a scenic walk from Trentham to Trentham Falls, which is 3 km (45 minutes) each way. The difficulty level of this walk is intermediate.
Much of the walk is alongside the side of the road, with no footpaths.
There is a walking trail map available over at Walking Maps.
Can you go down to Trentham Falls?
No. Access to the base of Trentham Falls has been prohibited due to unstable edges and dangerous cliffs.
Fences are installed along the edge of the gorge for visitors' safety - do not climb any fences and do not attempt to access the top of Trentham Falls or the base of Trentham Falls in the gorge below
Swimming at Trentham Falls
Can you swim at Trentham Falls?
No, access to the waterfall is prohibited. But we've got great news - you can swim beneath waterfalls at nearby Loddon Falls and The Blowhole!
Bring the family to Trentham Falls
Is Trentham Falls kid friendly?
Yes, Trentham Falls is a great place to bring kids. The viewing area is fenced and it is a short walk to the lookout from the parking area.
Are dogs allowed at Trentham Falls?
Trentham Falls is a great place to visit with your four legged friend! Dogs are allowed at Trentham Falls, but must be kept on a lead.
Best time to visit Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls is spectacular to visit throughout winter and spring, when water levels are high. The Coliban River makes the huge plunge into the basalt gorge with incredible force, and the sound of it absolutely rages.
If you visit from early morning to mid afternoon, you will see Trentham Falls in full sun.
Visitor facilities at Trentham Falls
The Trentham Falls picnic area provides picnic tables, wood fire barbecue and toilets.
The toilets are currently (April 2023) close. Check the Parks Victoria website for updates.
ACCESS TO TRENTHAM FALLS
Is Trentham Falls closed?
Trentham Falls is currently open, although as of 9/4/2023 the toilets are closed.
You can keep updated on any closures at Trentham Falls on the Parks Victoria page for the area.
How to get to Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls is located a short two minute drive from the scenic town of Trentham, Victoria.
Situated on the Coliban River, Trentham Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Victorian Goldfields - and one of the easiest to view!
- Daylesford to Trentham Falls: 19 minutes
- Ballarat to Trentham Falls: 58 minutes
- Bendigo to Trentham Falls: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Melbourne CBD to Trentham Falls: 1 hour 12 minutes
Educational information about Trentham Falls
An information sign (provided by Trentham Landcare) at the viewing area displays the following text:
TRENTHAM FALLS - NATURE IN ACTION
Some five million years ago the old Coliban River flowed through a picturesque gully lined with blackwood forest.
One day this environment was shattered and burnt as a wall of molten lava advanced northwards from a small volcano to the south, completely filling the gully. Remains of the timber and even a platypus skull have been found in the silty ash beneath the rock face.
The lava cooled very slowly and, as it solidified, contraction caused vertical cracking, creating columns.
The present Coliban River has eroded by back-cutting. Once the falls were further downstream but undercutting and collapses have shifted them to their present position.
Basalt columns and whole sections of rock face collapse as spray undercuts soft river sediments. In the near future, the area to your left is expected to fall. Tell-tale signs of this can be seen in water seepages and widening cracks.
Already some large blocks have fallen reminding us that this erosion is an ongoing and natural process.
Other waterfalls in the Daylesford region
The Daylesford region is famous as a mineral spa destination, but it really should be just as famous for it's gorgeous selection of waterfalls!
There are six stunning falls to explore within around half an hour from Daylesford, including Trentham Falls, so be sure to add chasing waterfalls to your list of things to do on your next visit.
Follow us on Facebook