Marysville - Steavenson Falls
Steavenson Falls are one of the tallest in Victoria, with 5 cascades, a total descent of 84 metres, the last having a clear drop of more than 21 metres.
Named after John Steavenson, who first visited the site of what is now Marysville in 1862, the falls opened to tourists in 1866. Today they are a popular attraction both by day and night, when they are illuminated by floodlights powered by hydro-electricity created by the thundering water.
The Falls can be viewed from two lower viewing platforms, one on each side of the Steavenson River. A bridge crossing the river and joining these two areas is also a spectacular viewing area.
A further viewing platform is found at the top of the Falls. The steep walk to the top of the falls and back takes approximately 40 minutes.
There are several pleasant walks of varied lengths and levels of difficulty around the Steavenson Falls Reserve. Tree Fern Gully Trail, which runs approximately 3.4 km one way from Marysville to the base of the falls is a lovely way to get to the falls.
The car park area includes a river valley viewing platform and public toilets.
Impressive forest covers much of the Steavenson Reserve, including stands of mountain ash, mountain grey gum, messmate and narrow-leafed peppermint, and lyrebirds are often seen in the area in the morning and after rain searching for insects and worms.
The Falls Road car park is approximately 3 km from the centre of Marysville. Follow Falls Road from the town centre through tree ferns and forest to the car park. The accessible viewing platform at the base of the falls are 350 metres from the car park.
Cost:
Free
Access for Wheelchairs:
The wide, gently sloping track from the car park to the main viewing platform at the base of the falls has a compacted gravel surface and is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The main viewing platform is fully accessible. There is no wheelchair access to the upper viewing platform or the viewing area on the opposite side of the river due to steep, narrow and uneven tracks and stairs. An accessible parking space and accessible toilets are located beside the car park.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Review:
A spectacular waterfall which can be viewed from a number of angles.
The walk to the upper viewing platform is steep, narrow and uneven. It is approximately 800 metres uphill and takes about 40 minutes. There is one spot near the top which is quite exposed and could be a little frightening if the path was wet and slippery.
At the top there is a viewing platform which extends over the top of the falls.
The gravel path and waterfall are floodlit from dusk until approximately midnight which makes a nice sight.
Photos:
Location
Falls Road, Marysville 3779 View Map
Web Links
→ The Best Family Activities in the Yarra Valley
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
→ www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/walking-in-victoria/steavenson-falls-walk
