Victorian Waterfalls With Wheelchair Access
Victoria has many beautiful waterfalls, some of which are accessible to wheelchair users. We have created a list of waterfalls can be accessed by a person in a wheelchair. The best time to visit Victoria's waterfalls is during winter when rainfall is higher or spring when you get increased flows from snow melt in some areas. The number of waterfalls which can be explored is increased by the use of all-terrain wheelchairs.
All-terrain Wheelchairs
TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs are available in a number of Victoria's parks enabling visitors with mobility limitations to explore the great outdoors. The TrailRider allows visitors to access more rugged walking trails not otherwise accessible with conventional wheelchairs.
Local staff can provide expert advice on the best routes for chairs, so with the help of chair operators you can experience Victoria's parks like never before. A minimum of two chair operators are required to operate the chair.
TrailRiders have adjustable seating and supports, making them suitable for adults and children with varying abilities. Motorised chairs are available at some locations allowing visitors to explore steeper and longer trails.
The TrailRiders are free to use, but please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Users are required to bring a helmet and undertake a chair induction. The chairs easily disassemble and fit in the back of most medium sized SUVs.
TrailRiders are available at selected parks and also at community locations near parks. Motorised TrailRider chairs are available to book at the following park locations:
- Grampians National Park on (03) 8427 3541 or volunteer@parks.vic.gov.au
- Dandenong Ranges National Park, Grants on Sherbrooke Restaurant at Grants Picnic Area, on (03) 9755 2888
- Wilsons Promontory National Park Information Centre on (03) 8427 2122
The service is free of charge however please book a week in advance. To book a volunteer contact:
Phone: (03) 8427 3541
Email: volunteer@parks.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Region
Mason Falls in Kinglake National Park flows down a big hill in a series of cascades. The falls are viewed from a viewing platform and it is not possible to walk to the base or top of the falls. Masons Falls Picnic Area has BBQs, tables, shelter and toilets.
It is 700m over a well formed path from the Masons Falls Picnic Area which could be done in a wheelchair but would be quite physical.
Dights Falls in Abbotsford is Melbourne's oldest industrial site, Dight's Ceres Mill. These are the only falls in inner Melbourne and they are not exactly spectacular, only being about two metres high. These falls are easily accessible in a wheelchair - there is a bit of an incline but it is paved all the way.
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Central Region
Sailors Falls at Sailors Falls, near Daylesford, can be viewed from the picnic area located near the road. The steps to the waterfall have been upgraded with a non-slip walking strip which allows wheelchair access to the first viewing platform. The falls can be dry at certain times of the year and are best viewed in winter.
Lal Lal Falls at Lal Lal are about 30m high are best after heavy rain. During prolonged dry periods the falls may not be flowing. A viewing platform provides clear views of the fall but there is no access to the bottom of the falls. There is a shortish gravel path from the car park to the viewing platform.
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West & South Gippsland region
Hilda Falls is located 2.3km up the rail trail from Loch Village. The path is flat to gently inclining with no steps or steep hills and follows the Allsop Creek past picturesque rolling hills. Park near the skate park at Loch for easy access.
Narracan Falls near Trafalgar is about 8m tall. The falls can be accessed by an uneven 50m path from the car park across a paddock which is often used by cows.
The Albert River drops down a near vertical 5m high rock face into a pool below at Minnehaha Falls near Yarram. The water generally flows all year round. The falls are visible from both the road and carpark and even though there are no defined tracks to the falls across a gently sloping area, it should be possible for a person in a wheelchair to reach the area beside the falls.
North Central Victoria
Steavenson Falls in Marysville is one of the tallest waterfalls in Victoria, with 5 cascades, a total descent of 122 metres, the last having a clear drop of more than 21 metres. The steep walk to the top of the falls and back takes approximately 40 minutes and there is a lower viewing platform which is an easier 350m walk. There are toilets near the car park.
This is one of the best waterfalls for wheelchair users. There are stairs to the first lookout point which makes them inaccessible but the lookout point at the bottom of the falls is accessible.
South West Victoria
In the west of the state, in the Hamilton area, Nigretta Falls at Wannon has a multi-channel cascade of small drops and is next to a car park. The amount of water varies with the time of year. The best time to view the falls is between June and October. There are viewpoints above the falls but the base of the falls is inaccessible for wheelchair users. There are picnic facilities including toilets.
Wannon Falls at Wannon has a 30 metre single plunge into a deep pool below. There is a viewing platform which offers spectacular views and is accessible with a wheelchair. The amount of water varies with the time of year. The best time to view the falls is between June and October. These falls are close to Nigretta Falls.
MacKenzie Falls at Zumsteins is an ionic waterfall in the Grampians which flows all year. There are two viewpoints, one at the base of the falls (750m via a steep path) where water cascades over huge cliffs into a deep pool or a top viewing platform at the Bluff, which is wheelchair accessible and offers great views of the Falls (1km on level ground). At the car park area there are toilets and some tables. You can hire free all terrain wheelchairs with volunteers to assist so you can visit other falls there.
Silverband Falls is a nice ribbon type waterfall in the Grampians which is accessed by a 700m track through a shady, ferny forest. The track is unsealed but wide and graded and has a few ups and downs. Access is possible for a wheelchair.
The Hopkins Falls at Wangoom plunges down a rocky escarpment. There is a viewing platform which offers fantastic viewing opportunities from a wheelchair. The track down to the bottom of the falls is inaccessible for wheelchairs. The Falls are most spectacular in winter and spring when rainfall is usually at its peak. In summer the water flows over the falls at a much slower pace.
Map of the Waterfall Locations:
Photo Credit: Thanks to Annie Basel for the photos of Wannon Falls and Nigretta Falls flowing.
Web Links
→ All-terrain Wheelchairs (Parks Victoria)
→ 50 Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Families
