Hike at a glance

8,966

Quick overview: Experience the natural beauty of Kinglake National Park, just 65km from Melbourne, with a moderate 16km circuit hike that starts and ends at Masons Falls Picnic Area. This trail offers a rewarding exploration of the park's regenerating bushland, showcasing the resilience of the landscape after the Black Saturday fires. The highlight of the hike is Masons Falls, an impressive sight set amidst lush forest and rock formations. Keep an eye out for the park's rich wildlife diversity, making this trail a perfect half-day adventure near the town of Kinglake, Victoria.

Length

16km

Duration

4.5 hrs

Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Trail type

Circuit

Route details

Max elevation: 581m
Min elevation: 269m
Total Ascent: 729m

Start: Masons Falls Picnic Area

End: Masons Falls Picnic Area

Location: Kinglake National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Kinglake

State capital distance: 65km

Latitude: -37.49323889527846

Longitude: 145.2507859657288

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

About this trail

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Photos

Weather

About this trail

This circuit offers a rewarding introduction to Kinglake National Park, bringing together a dramatic waterfall, quiet forest pools and well placed picnic areas. It is the kind of walk that gives a genuine sense of the park’s character without feeling rushed or overwhelming, making it a great option for those wanting a solid half day hike close to Melbourne.

The Masons Falls Circuit is a 16 kilometre, Grade 3 walk in Kinglake National Park, Victoria, and usually takes around four and a half hours to complete. The track passes through regenerating bushland that clearly reflects the impact of the Black Saturday fires, with striking contrasts between areas that were heavily affected and others that appear to have escaped. This mix of recovery and resilience adds depth to the walk and gives a real appreciation of the landscape’s ongoing renewal.

Masons Falls is the standout feature and well worth the visit. The falls plunge from a rocky escarpment and are viewed from a raised platform near the top. While you cannot access the base, the height and setting make it an impressive sight, particularly after good rainfall. At drier times the flow can be modest, but the surrounding forest and rock formations still make it a memorable stop.

Kinglake National Park is the largest national park close to Melbourne and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including more than 40 native mammal species and around 90 bird species. Keep an eye out along the track, especially in quieter sections where the forest feels more enclosed and alive with birdsong.

This version of the circuit begins at the Masons Falls Picnic Area. From here, follow the clearly marked trail to the falls, which are only a short distance away. After taking in the views, continue on towards Running Creek, where the track follows the water before climbing steeply up Mount Sugarloaf. At the junction with Sugarloaf Ridge Track, a short detour to the summit is worthwhile and makes an excellent spot for a lunch break.

From the summit, retrace your steps to the junction and then descend via Sugarloaf Track towards the lower car park near the park entrance. The loop continues by following Wallaby Track to rejoin the Masons Falls track and return to the picnic area. An alternative option is to take Boundary Track, depending on conditions and personal preference.

As with any waterfall walk, natural hazards can be present, including slippery surfaces and sudden changes in water flow. Take care near creeks and lookouts, and follow water safety advice to ensure your visit to Masons Falls is safe, enjoyable and memorable.

Trail difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning information

Preparation matters: Plan your day hike well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this day hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

Map and GPX file

Masons Falls Circuit Hike (16km)

Total distance: 14685 m
Max elevation: 582 m
Min elevation: 267 m
Total climbing: 637 m
Total descent: -637 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators are designed to help you identify and close those gaps before you leave home. Work through the Interactive Safety Scenarios to see how incidents unfold, then use the tools to build your plan and make sure a trusted contact has your trip details before you head out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes.

Let someone know your plans →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there and where to stay

Kinglake National Park

The walk can be started from either the main park entrance or from the top of Mount Sugarloaf, depending on how you choose to tackle the circuit. Most walkers begin at the Masons Falls Picnic Area, which provides clear signage and easy access to the track.

From Melbourne, travel to Whittlesea, then follow Yea Road for around 13 kilometres to Kinglake West. Turn right onto Whittlesea–Kinglake Road and continue for about 4 kilometres. From here, turn right onto National Park Road, which is signposted to Masons Falls, and follow it for roughly 4 kilometres to the park entrance. Once inside the park, turn right and continue along the road to reach the Masons Falls Picnic Area, where parking and facilities are available.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Accommodation →

Or search accommodation in nearby towns: Flowerdale, Glenburn, Hurstbridge, Kinglake, St Andrews, Whittlesea, Yarra Glen, Yea

Explore the region

About the region

Kinglake National Park sits on the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri Peoples, whose connection to this landscape stretches back thousands of years. Visiting the park offers not only time in nature, but also an opportunity to acknowledge and respect the long history of people who have cared for this country.

Set along the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Kinglake National Park is an easy drive from Melbourne yet feels a world away once you are among the forested ridgelines. The park is known for its mix of tall eucalypt forest, fern gullies and open ridges, with many walking tracks and picnic areas scattered throughout. On clear days, elevated points within the park offer sweeping outlooks across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and even as far as the You Yangs.

Wildlife is a constant presence here, especially birdlife. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are often heard before they are seen, while patient walkers may spot Superb Lyrebirds scratching through the leaf litter. King Parrots and colourful rosellas are also common, adding movement and colour to the forest. For those who enjoy riding, Bowden Spur is a popular mountain biking destination, with a challenging downhill trail that features rock gardens, dirt jumps, flowing berms and off camber sections that reward confident riders.

Mount Sugarloaf is another highlight and easily reached by car. From the top, the surrounding forest drops away to reveal broad views back towards the city skyline, offering a striking contrast between bushland and suburbia. It is a good place to pause, take photos or enjoy a quiet moment before heading back into the trees.

Picnic and barbecue areas are dotted throughout the park, often set among tall eucalypts that provide welcome shade. Masons Falls is a short walk from its nearby picnic area and is one of the park’s most popular stops. Here, water spills over sheer mudstone walls formed from ancient fossilised sea beds, creating a dramatic drop into the gully below, particularly after rain.

For those wanting to stay longer, The Gums Camping Area offers a peaceful base within tall eucalypt forest beside a gentle mountain stream. It is suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers, making it a comfortable option for an overnight stay or a relaxed weekend exploring the many tracks and attractions of Kinglake National Park.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

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Weather on the trail

Kinglake National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

2 Reviews on “Masons Falls Circuit Hike (16km)”

Overall rating

Joseph Tafra

Hiked this with some friends yesterday, absolutely beautiful starting the walk in rain and ending it in beautiful sunshine with a BBQ. Mostly quite mild but a couple of ascents that got us sweating. Shame the peak is a carpark! Still a great walk though, we took it very leisurely and finished in about 5.5 hours.

10/11/2025, 07:58

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Bev Johnston

Helen Panayi This looks good!

24/03/2022, 05:20

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1. Stephen Pickering
  
  I did this hike on 20th January this year and learned a lot about walking in Australia. I am from Scotland and a week earlier was climbing our 10th highest mountain in -ve deg temperatures. The heat really took it out of me. However that said I managed the trail in just under three hours and was amazed at the scenery that I hiked through. There are some tough ascents, especially in the heat but this was a tremendous walk. The path is well marked and trodden so little chance of getting lost and filling you hat with water from the waterfall at the end was amazing and really refreshing
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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2. Ben Liston
  
  James Harris
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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3. Amanda De Santis
  
  Janeta Marton we should do this!!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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4. Jemimah Scale
  
  Joshua Gerrard Atherton this the place you were talking about?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:20
  
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  1. Holly Gemmell
    
    Lara Cowan have you heard of this hike? It sounds good. I’d be keen to do it at some stage ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:20
    
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    1. Tasma Oude Meilink
      
      Liv Oudemeilink I miss you more xx
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    2. Tasma Oude Meilink
      
      Liv Oudemeilink you and me it’s a date!! ¸
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    3. Joshua Gerrard Atherton
      
      Nah, but it’s close
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    4. Kyle James Martin Werner
      
      Robert Marcak
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    5. Shani Kirby
      
      Ryan Payne this is a good site. It has some good hikes on it ?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    6. Jenny Chant
      
      Sally Kenny absolutely! ??
      Start racking ’em up!
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    7. Liv Oudemeilink
      
      Tasma Oude Meilink I bloody miss you
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    8. Liv Oudemeilink
      
      Tasma Oude Meilink I need a hiking buddy for this !!!
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    9. Brian E
      
      We walked this last Saturday. Walking in forest most of way on OK vehicle tracks. Sheltered from wind. Bit steep ascending to ridge but nice walk.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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    10. Darren Edwards
      
      What a great little circuit
      
      24/03/2022, 05:20
      
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Acknowledgement of Country

Masons falls circuit hike (16km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

December 15, 2025

Hike at a glance

Route details

About this trail

Hike summary

Trail difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Planning information

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there and where to stay

Access conditions

Accommodation nearby

Explore the region

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Mount Everard Circuit – Kinglake Hike (20km)

Silver Creek Circuit Kinglake Hike (13.5km)

Yea River Walk (2.1km)

Toolangi Sculpture Trail Walk (2km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

2 Reviews on “Masons Falls Circuit Hike (16km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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