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Trentham Falls

  • Trentham Falls
  • Trentham Falls Lookout
  • Trentham Falls Lookout
  • Trentham Falls Walk
  • Trentham Falls Walk
  • Dsc 6555
Trentham
ToiletsPicnic tablesBBQWalking trackPicnic blanket spotFire pit
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Trentham Scenic Reserve Road, Trentham VIC 3458

Explore other locations around this area using our interactive map

Features

  • Waterfall
  • Lookout
  • Short walk
  • Picnic tables
  • Wood fire barbecue
  • Toilets
  • Dogs allowed on lead
Trentham Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Victoria and one of the most spectacular natural attractions near Daylesford. Located just minutes from the charming township of Trentham, this stunning waterfall plunges over a dramatic basalt cliff formed by ancient volcanic activity. With easy access, scenic walking tracks, and powerful winter flows, Trentham Falls is a must-see destination for nature lovers, photographers, and day-trippers from Melbourne.

Trentham Falls boasts the highest single drop of water out of any waterfall throughout Central Victoria. Here the scenic Coliban River plunges dramatically over a stunning basalt cliff, where the fractured rock has formed huge hexagonal columns!

Visitors can take a short walk down to the viewing platform, where you get an incredible view over the gorge to Trentham Falls and the striking basalt cliffs it flows over.

Throughout winter and spring, when water levels are high, Trentham Falls is a sight to behold! The Coliban River makes the huge plunge into the basalt gorge with incredible force, and the sound of it absolutely rages.

One of Victoria's most spectacular waterfalls, Trentham Falls is an absolute must-see when visiting the Daylesford and Trentham region.


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.

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.

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.

Walk to Trentham Falls

Walk from the Trentham Falls car park

How long is the Trentham Falls walk? 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.

It will only take one or two minutes to get to the viewing area.

Walk from Trentham

You can also walk to Trentham Falls from Trentham itself, via a 3km (45 minute) intermediate walk.

Walking Maps has a great map of this walk.

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.

WHERE IS 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

When is the best time to visit Trentham Falls?

Trentham Falls are best viewed in winter and spring, the waterfall may be dry during summer and autumn.

Can you get to the bottom of Trentham Falls?

No. Access to these areas 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

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!

Are dogs allowed at Trentham Falls?

Yes, dogs are permitted at Trentham Falls, but must be on on a lead.

Interesting information on 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.

More amazing places to check out


Sailors Falls, the Hepburn Blowhole, and Loddon Falls are located close to Trentham Falls and are great to visit in the same trip.

Click to check out many more of the beautiful waterfalls of the Victorian Goldfields.

You may also be interested in:


DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • There are hundreds of fantastic barbecue areas throughout the Victorian Goldfields. Some are in parks/playgrounds, others are scattered throughout the bush. Many barbecue areas are located alongside amazing attractions and walks, so go out for a barbecue and get exploring!
  • There are many great places throughout the Goldfields that offer gorgeous, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Comments

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bryan
13/09/2021
I like you site about the waterfalls around ballarat, But, when I want to look at the info about Ferntree Falls, it sends me to Trentham falls site.
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