Murrindindi - Wilhelmina Falls
Wilhelmina Falls is accessible via Water Gauge Day Visitor Area or SEC Camp Ground located along the gravel Murrindindi Road. Access is also available via Jackson's Road via a short ten minute walk.
Walk Details
Grade of Walk: Grade 4
Distance: Return 6 km
Time: 2 hours
Gradient: Very steep
Quality of Path: Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Many steps
Experience required: Experienced bushwalkers
Start and finish at Water Gauge suspension bridge located at the Water Gauge camping site. By following the Murrindindi River Walk in a northern direction you will arrive at the junction of Wilhelmina Falls Track.
Alternatively Start and finish at SEC Camp Ground (which is a bit shorter). By following the Murrindindi River Walk in a southern direction you will arrive at the junction of Wilhelmina Falls Track.
From this track intersection, the track climbs gradually to the base of the falls which flow all year round. These spectacular falls drop 75 metres down a steep granite rock face.
The hand railed viewing point is a great place to take a photo or two. Continue up the stairs to the top of the falls, here a new viewing platform is located providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range.
The track is fairly uneven and steep in places, and walkers need to be self sufficient with food and water and wear sturdy footwear.
Access to the top of the Falls can be obtained via Jacksons Road carpark. Take a drive along Falls Creek Road for 5.5km before turning left into Jacksons Road. Park the car at the carpark provided and meander through the gates following the signed trail to the top of the falls.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not allowed.
Review:
Wilhelmina Falls is a spectacular waterfall with water running down huge granite slabs.
We used SEC Camp Ground as our starting point. The visitor area has two unshaded tables and firepit. A bridge over Murrindindi River leads to a camping area (fees apply for camp sites) where there are toilets and plenty more tables and firepits. The track southwards is part of the Murrindindi River Walk and is easy and pleasant.
A key point is when the Murrindindi River Walk (from the SEC Camp Ground and from the Water Gauge Day Visitor Area in the other direction) connects to the Wilhelmina Track.
Take the Wilhelmina Track to the falls. The track goes steadily uphill and passes a side track to a picnic table. The track then becomes a lot steeper and rocky with sections having chains to help people navigate the rocky sections. The sound of water can be heard from a long distance away.
At the bottom of the falls there is a "viewing platform" with stairs leading upwards to another viewing platform near the top of the falls. There are obstructed views of the waterfall from the lower platform and most people seem to take a track which leads to the base of the falls with great views. Depending on the flow of water, it seems fairly safe to scramble around in this area.
There are a lot of steps, 85 metal stair steps and lots more rock steps (some sections with chains) to get to a viewing platform at the top of the falls. It's very hard work to get to the top and in our opinion, not worth it.
From the platform there are views of the surrounding forested hills and gully but there are NO VIEWS of the waterfall due to a row of trees.
We also investigated travelling by car along Jacksons Road and taking the walking track down to the falls. However, the road was very rough and steep and we didn't feel comfortable taking our 2WD car along this road. Probable damage likely to any cars which are not high off the ground.
In general most people could handle this adventurous walk but care needs to be take because the upper parts of the track can be slippery in both wet and dry conditions.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Murrindindi Road and Wilhelmina Falls Walk, Murrindindi 3717 View Map
Web Links
→ Murrindindi Scenic Reserve - Walking Tracks
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
→ www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/walking-in-victoria/wilhelmina-falls
