Grand Ridge - Morwell River Falls

The Morwell River flows through valleys of the Strzelecki Ranges for more than 40 kilometres. The Morwell River Falls are a set of waterfalls / cascades that lie in the upper reaches of the river.



There are three main falls; the upper, middle and lower falls.

At the carpark there is a shade roof over some seats. It is a 10-15 minute return walk from the carpark to the falls with some steep sections and steps. Partway down the walk there is a clearing with an unshaded table.

At the middle falls there are some smooth rocks to bask on next to the water and it is possible to venture into the pool of water below the falls for a paddle.

Location - The waterfall can be a bit tricky to find. From the north - If travelling along Livingston Road, turn south into Morwell River Road and continue on this gravel road for approximately 15 minutes. Look for signage indicating Morwell River Falls on your right.

We took 30km of bush roads from Tarra Valley (Tarra Bulga National Park) in a standard car to get here but would not recommend that route since it was rocky in sections, rutted in parts and very isolated.

Morwell Rver Falls Reserve

NATURAL HISTORY
The rocks here are formed from sediments laid down during the age of the dinosaurs and subsequently uplifted to form the Strzelecki Ranges. The Ranges are a unique natural region characterised by mountain ash forest and steep gullies dominated by cool temperate rain-forest, remnants of the forests that formed the great brown coal deposits of the Latrobe Valley between 5 and 25 million years ago.

HISTORY
The reserve remained forested even after the surrounding land was cleared and the site has been a popular tourist attraction for over 100 years. It was declared a public purposes reserve In 1904. The reserve was maintained by the inmates of the nearby old Morwell River Prison Farm on Olsen's Road from 1951 to 1997. Remains of railings, tracks and stone steps built by them are still visible.

WALKING TRACKS
Today there are several walking tracks down to the falls and the river. You will need a moderate level of fitness for these. Parts of the tracks are narrow and unsurfaced and some have steep sections. You may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable ground, fallen branches and water crossings. Please be careful at the river, the rocks can be slippery and there may be branches under the water.

FACILITIES
Please help us to look after this special place and take your rubbish home with you. There are no toilets.

MANAGEMENT
The Falls Reserve is Crown land, which is public land provided for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of Victoria. Latrobe City Council has been appointed the Committee of Management and the site is maintained by the Friends of the Upper Morwell River Inc on behalf of Latrobe City. The Friends Group was established in 2007 to work to maintain the beauty of the Falls and other sites along the river.

Photos:

Location