Lal Lal Falls is a spectacular waterfall near Ballarat with an impressive drop into a large rocky gorge.
This is one of three waterfalls in the reserve, the others are the nearby Moorabool Falls and Granite Falls.
The reserve is located about 20 minutes from Ballarat and features a large
grassy area, playground, picnic tables, toilets, and an undercover area
containing one table, BBQs, seats and information boards.
Lookout at Lal Lal Falls
You can take a short 200m walk to a viewing platform that looks
down over the falls, or go a little further around the gorge on the Von
Guerard View Track for a long distance view across the gorge.
The
walking track down to the base of the falls has been closed off after
the deaths of two students in a rockfall in 1990.
The ground is unstable
and dangerous, do not attempt to get down to the base of the falls and
definitely make sure children do not go beyond the no access point.
Walkings tracks at Lal Lal Falls
There are two walking tracks at the Lal Lal Falls Reserve - the Lal Lal Falls track and the
Moorabool Falls track.
Lal Lal Falls Walking Track
The Lal Lal Falls Track provides a short circular walk, beginning below the falls at the viewing seat.
Marked by bollards, the walk follows the Lal Lal Creek escarpment downstream to a point which overlooks the junction of the Lal Lal Creek and the Moorabool River (West Branch), which is now part of the Lal Lal Reservoir.
Moorabool Falls Walking Track
The walk to
Moorabool Falls is a 5.6km return walk, beginning from the car park on the other side of the reserve on Harris Road.
Great features at Lal Lal Falls
- The viewing platform is a very short walk from the parking/picnic area
- You have the option of taking a longer scenic walk
- Great visitor facilities - barbecue, playground, toilets, etc
- Located very close to two other waterfalls in Lal Lal (Moorabool Falls and Granite Falls)
- Located close to a free campground at Lal Lal's historical Iron Mine and Blast Furnace
Visitor facilities at Lal Lal Falls
The picnic area at Lal Lal Falls Reserve provides excellent visitor facilities, making this a fantastic place to visit for a barbecue, picnic or walk.
A playground alongside the picnic area and lots of grassy space to run makes this a great place to bring the family.
Visitor facilities at Lal Lal Falls include:
- Undercover barbecue area
- Free barbecues (undercover, two barbecues set in a single bench)
- Picnic tables (not undercover)
- Bench seating (undercover)
- Drinking fountain
- Play area (swings and springers)
- Toilets
- Rubbish bins
- Information signs
- Walking tracks
History of Lal Lal Falls
The following information is displayed on a sign at Lal Lal Falls:
These Falls on the west branch of the Moorabool River were discovered by a Government Survey Party led by Frederick D'Arcy early in 1837.
They were known to the Aboriginals as Lal Lal or running water. The area has been a well known and popular picnic spot for some 130 years.
On the reserve opposite, a Race Meeting was held on every New Years Day from 1860 until 1938, attracting crowds of up to 20,000 people.
A branch Railway Line (the remains of which may still be seen) was constructed from the Lal Lal station to the Racecourse to convey the crowds.
three waterfalls in Lal Lal
Lal Lal Falls is one of three waterfalls in the immediate area, the others being
Moorabool Falls (easily accessed via a walking track) and
Granite Falls (for the more adventurous explorers).
OTHER WATERFALLS IN THE GOLDFIELDS REGION
Explore Lal Lal
Things to do in Lal Lal
Lal Lal is a beautiful little hamlet which hosts three gorgeous waterfalls, a charming historical railway station, and scenic forests filled with fascinating remnants of the area's rich mining history. Located just twenty minutes from Ballarat, Lal Lal makes a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon (or a whole weekend!) exploring.
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Also of interest
BBQ
Lal Lal
