The MacKenzie Falls Circuit is well known for it's spectacular scenery. Commencing at Zumstein's Carpark cross the MacKenzie River on a bridge and then head up stream. Soon another bridge is crossed and the wide valley slowly begins to turn into a gorge. The track is generally not too high above the river and gently ascends for a few kilometres until Fish Falls is reached. Over several drops, the water falls 30 metres and Fish Falls has a much more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere than the falls just upstream. Take a break half way up the falls on the rocky platform beside the staircase before continuing.
By now you are definitely in a gorge and while the track is excellent, there are a few short sections where a little rock hopping is required. Before long you will round a corner and notice two things. Firstly the 40 metre high MacKenzie Falls (which are much higher and more impressive than they appear to be in photos), and secondly (unless you visit at at a particularly quiet time) the crowds of people, which can come as a bit of a shock after you have spent a couple of quiet hours walking up the valley.
After you have taken a few photos, head up the long staircase which climbs about 100 metres up to Cranage's car park. At the car park head towards the toilet block and looking north, you will see a fire break with a gravel road in the middle that heads up a fairly gentle hill. Take your time on this 1 km stretch, there is no false summit, so you will have a good idea of your progress. Looking north from the hilltop, the roads descends for a few hundred metres to a minor dip before ascending to an apparent road junction. At the dip you will see a road branching off to to the west, turn on to it and walk along the road. (The road that heads west further up the hill is only a couple of hundred metres long and leads to a power pole.)
The final section of the walk is quite different, it heads west near a minor power line along a scenic ridge through increasingly open woodland with abundant wild flowers in spring. Half way along, near the two tight bends, there are a couple of 20 metre sections where the track almost becomes steep, before it continues it's gentle descent towards Zumsteins. The ridge provides a unique view of Asses Ears and the two rocks sticking up from the summit leave you in no doubt how the mountain got it's name. 300 metres from Zumsteins you have a choice, you can either take a steep short cut down a fire break directly to the pedestrian bridge and the car park or you can stay on the more leisurely track as it swings around the hill to the same destination.
There isn't much scope for varying this walk, although the short side trip from Cranages car park to view Broken Falls is worthwhile, as is the longer path leading to the viewing platform north of MacKenzie Falls. Both side trips are well signposted and are shown on the map by yellow dots.
While you could start the walk at MacKenzie Falls, you would lose the feeling of a growing awareness of being in a scenic gorge and the mystery of discovering the falls that you get stating from Zumstein's. It's best to do the walk in an anti-clockwise direction as while descending the ridge road is quite pleasant, it would be more difficult walking up it.
Summary provided by: David Sisson | www.australianmountains.com
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Total distance: 9705 m
Max elevation: 546 m
Min elevation: 242 m
Total climbing: 396 m
Total descent: -396 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Ararat, Cavendish, Dadswells Bridge, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Horsham, Landsborough, Pomonal, Stawell, Warracknabeal, Wartook, Wartook Valley
Getting to the trailhead in Grampians National Park.
Drive to the tourist town of Halls Gap in the centre of the Grampians. At the road junction just north of the shopping centre, head west along Mount Victory Road, C 222. At first the road twists and turns as it ascends the range, but it soon settles down to a gently winding road heading generally north west. Drive past the MacKenzie Falls car park and turn off the main road to park at Zumstein’s, 21 km from Halls Gap.
Renowned for rugged mountain ranges, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenic views, the 168,000 hectare park is ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities. The many walking tracks will take you on a journey to waterfall views, ancient geological rock features and forests. There are guided tours, and with a large network of roads available, car touring is a great way to explore. Renowned as the major attraction in the region, the Grampians National Park is a must-visit destination for all travellers, backpackers and day-trippers in Victoria. The spectacular setting of the mountainous landscape boasts a wide array of attractions and activities for visitors to the region. The Grampians National Park (also Gariwerd), commonly referred to as The Grampians, is a national park in the Grampians region of Victoria, Australia. The 167,219-hectare (413,210-acre) national park is situated between Stawell and Horsham on the Western Highway and Dunkeld on the Glenelg Highway, 260 kilometres west of Melbourne and 460 kilometres east of Adelaide.
Looking for hikes and trails in Grampians National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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8 Reviews on “Mackenzie Falls Circuit Hike (9.7km)”
Great walk that explores the lower section of MacKenzie Falls. Kids really loved it
Thanks for this walk. Completed it on Wednesday in cool conditions. The return leg along the ridge is now largely regrowth eucalypt after the fires, but the trail is intact if a bit rocky in places. I suspect the westerly descent could be fairly exposed on hot afternoons.
Nicole, fair drive but looks great
This walk was amazing. My partner and I decided to start at Mackenzie falls car park rather than Zumsteins. This meant that we reached the falls at the end of the walk and made it much more rewarding!
I would highly recommend doing it this way if you’re feeling up for a dip in the falls