MacKenzie River Walk

2 h 30 min to 4 h

7.9 km
return

↑ 298 m
↓ -298 m

Hard track
Enjoy this walk in the Grampians that winds its way along the river through young eucalypt forest, going past the Cranages Lookout, the thunderous MacKenzie Falls, and the terraced cascades of Fish Falls. Get to the base of MacKenzie Falls and see the waterfall up close. Enjoy the cascades and the rock pools as well as the escarpments around. Keep an eye out for the impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle circling above. The walk finally reaches the Zumsteins Historic Area, with remnants of a historic settlement to be discovered before heading back. Best tackled by fit walkers, this walk involves water crossings, rock hopping and rock scrambling. Take care as steps and rocks can be very slippery. This is a very popular walk, so come early to beat the crowds. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-37.1092895,142.4120368)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Ararat Road, A8
  • Turn on to Grampians Road, C216 then drive for 24.6 km
  • Turn right onto Mount Victory Road, C222 and drive for another 2.3 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Mount Victory Road, C222 and drive for another 14.6 km
  • Turn right onto Wartook Road, C228 and drive for another 370 m
  • Turn left onto MacKenzie Falls Road and drive for another 600 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
McKenzie Falls Car Park (about 15 m back from the start).
After another 35 m turn right.
After another 40 m pass the "McKenzie Falls Car Park" (15 m on your left).
After another 30 m turn left.
After another 35 m pass the toilet (30 m on your right).
This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 85 m turn right.
After another 30 m come to the "Cranages Lookout" (20 m on your left).
After another 45 m head down the steps (about 195 m long)
Turn right.
After another 105 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 1.1 km come to the viewpoint (10 m on your right).
After another 180 m come to the viewpoint (10 m on your right).
After another 1.6 km cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
Continue another 390 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 4 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

MacKenzie River Walk


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 7.9 km
Time 2 h 30 min to 4 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 140 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
140 m[toilet]
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Articles
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| www.parks.vic.gov.au
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