Trail summary

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Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Mount Disappointment State Forest with the 14km Strath Creek and Tunnel Falls circuit. Starting at the Strath Creek Falls car park, this Grade 4 hike takes you through stunning waterfalls, cascades, and gullies. Marvel at the impressive Strath Creek Falls, scramble rocks to reach Tunnel Falls, and ascend steep ridges for panoramic views. This hard circuit trail, just a short drive from the closest town, is a must-visit for seasoned bushwalkers seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Length: 14km

Duration: 6 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Strath Creek Falls Carpark

End: Strath Creek Falls Carpark

Location: Mount Disappointment State Forest

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Waterford Park

From state capital: 95km

Latitude: -37.305677

Longitude: 145.189116

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Safety advice

DELWP do not recommend this walk as it is is both remote and dangerous. Search and Rescue Police have requested that this trail be closed due to the numerous rescue operations to extract (at tax payers expense) inexperienced hikers who have either been injured or lost on the hike. As with all hikes, you need to ensure that you have the necessary gear, navigation skills and the experience to navigate the trail and return safety under your own steam. If you are uncertain about any hike then do not undertake it and never overestimate your abilities.

Hike overview

This Strath Creek and Tunnel Falls circuit explores a series of waterfalls, cascade and gullies in the Mount Disappointment State Forest. The remote and challenging hike commences at the Strath Creek Falls car park. Follow the signs from the car park along a well-formed track to the first lookout over Strath Falls.

The falls, formed by the Strath Creek, emerge at the top of a vast gorge, with a vertical drop of about 50 metres, then pass over a series of cascades, large boulders, and rocks. There are rugged cliffs and huge rock formations.

Continue to the lookout next to the falls and leave the trail upstream of the vertical drop. After crossing the creek continue east and commence your ascent of a steep open ridge, keeping between two shallow gullies. After approximately 500m you will intersect with McMahons Road. Turn left at this point and follow the road for approximately 600m until you reach the junction of Diggers Gully Road on your right. Follow Diggers Gully Road for 2.5km. At this point you should be close to or standing on a ridge between two gullies. One to your east and the other to the north. If you reach the junction of Diggers Link No 2 Road you have walked to far.

Leave the road at this point and head off trail in a north-easterly direction. Follow the top of the ridge as explores a series of knolls before turning slightly towards the east then plunges deeply into Diggers Gully below. Locate a steep spur to your north then descend along its length towards Diggers Gully Falls and the creek below.

Turn to the north-west and follow Diggers Gully for approximately 3km. At this point the gully widens and you should be able to easily locate Tunnel Creek to your left. A visit to Tunnel Falls is well worth the effort, with lots of rock scrambling, and should take you about an hour return. After viewing the falls retrace your steps back to Digger Gully.

On reaching Diggers Gully turn immediately left and ascent the steep but broad spur. As you near the top of the spur you will locate McMahons Track. Turn right at this point and walk approximately 200m to the junction of Gully Road. Turn left and walk for around 300m to a gate. At the gate, turn left and follow the top of the ridge line, off trail as it descends into the gully of Strath Creek.

Follow the creek upstream through the narrow gorge to explore Little Strath Falls and the lower sections of Strath Creek Falls. After approximately 1km you should be able to locate gullies on both the left and right of the gorge. If you look to your right at this point you will see the large black cliffs of Rebecca Falls.

Immediately after passing the gully to your right, leave the creek bed and commence the steep ascent along the wide grassy ridge to Strath Creek Falls Road. Turn left and walk a short distance back to the start point at the Strath Creek Falls Car park.

Tips

This hike should be undertaken by experienced hikers only as a large portion of the route is off trail and follows unmarked ridges and rocky creek beds. It is best to avoid this hike following heavy rain and waterfalls and creeks may be in flood. Ensure you carry adequate water and hiking poles.

Map and GPX file

Strath Creek & Tunnel Falls Hike (14km)

Total distance: 12731 m
Max elevation: 569 m
Min elevation: 307 m
Total climbing: 783 m
Total descent: -782 m

Download file: Strath-Creek-and-Tunnel-Falls.gpx

Getting there

Strath Creek & Tunnel Falls Hike (14km)

Take the Citylink Tollway towards Melbourne Airport, exit onto the Western Ring Rd to the Hume Freeway. Proceed out the Hume Freeway to Broadford. Turn right onto the Broadford/Flowerdale Road. Proceed along this road until Murchison Spur Road is reached on the right and then take this road. The road is gravel and can be difficult for a 2WD. After about 9Km turn left into Falls Road. There is a car park and picnic tables here but the final descent to the car park needs to be taken carefully.

Get directions

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Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

About the region

Mount Disappointment State Forest provides a beautiful haven for wildlife, visitors and associated recreation activities. With its many accessible camping areas, it provides opportunities to to enjoy bushwalking, horse riding, four-wheel driving and trail bike riding. Popular camping spots include Regular Camp, Andersons Garden and No. 1 Camp. Most visitor and camping areas have picnic tables, fireplaces and toilets.

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Strath Creek & Tunnel Falls Hike (14km)

3 Reviews on “Strath Creek & Tunnel Falls Hike (14km)”

Overall rating

Brian Sheedy

Steven Anderson Bec Morris

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Truong Nguyen

Richie Vn Clinton Seto Nhuc Liu David Wu Lien Ha
Glenn Lee Neil Kupo Sunday…

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Ritchie Collins

Nevada huebeueueueu

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Tammee Mitchell

One time we should have a date weekend and do this together Josh Mitchell

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Brad Atkinson

Stephanie Brosnan

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Colin McEwan

Andrew Monti

24/03/2022, 05:18

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1. Tim Gu
  
  Anny #ChallengeAccepted
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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  1. Shamie Przemek Bialous
    
    Barney Ellard
    
    24/03/2022, 05:18
    
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    1. Kirby Ansett
      
      Briony Browne.. is this THAT wall?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:18
      
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    2. Tammee Mitchell
      
      Dave McDonnell why not? ?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:18
      
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    3. M L
      
      Did the track today in 4.5h, saw a lot of waterfalls, burned and flooded car carcasses, old gold mine diggings, skeletons of dead animals, weird geocaches with wombat skulls. It is a pleasant but demanding hike, don’t forget your decent shoes, gloves, hiking poles, and above all be fit to finish it. Last but not least thing you need either GPS tracker or be good in navigating in the bush.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:18
      
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    4. Carolyn Bennett
      
      Donna, lets get the girls down there in spring?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:18
      
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      1. Achalinda De Alwis
        
        Great hike. I would say it’s a Grade 5 hike. Apart from the main roads the rest is all bush. No trail at all. Rapid steep ascends.
        Plenty to see. 4 waterfalls and heaps wild life. If you are up for a good challenge this is a must!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      2. Jessica Basterfield
        
        I loved this hike. It took us 9 hours as we went after rain which made following the streams and creeks extra difficult.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      3. Dave McDonnell
        
        I might plan this one. But not on your date weekend ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      4. Naomi Fry
        
        Jess Robertson
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      5. Richie Vn
        
        Let’s go
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      6. Melissa Braund
        
        Lets go!!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      7. Josh Mitchell
        
        Looks amazing
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      8. Jess Buss
        
        Lorey Smith Jody Cee
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      9. Sharon Nelson
        
        Lucia Zelesco
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      10. Taryn Affleck
        
        Melissa Braund have to get back into it
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      11. Jason Baird
        
        Laurence Brown
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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  2. Rebecca Zadolinnyj
    
    Brendan Kolehmainen
    
    24/03/2022, 05:18
    
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  3. Kenan Hudaverdi
    
    Brendan Williams
    
    24/03/2022, 05:18
    
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Anny Au

#makeithappen you realise this is the one with the waterfall crossing right?

16/02/2022, 11:22

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Trail summary

Safety advice

Hike overview

Tips

Map and GPX file

Strath Creek & Tunnel Falls Hike (14km)