Pack up your car with all the necessities needed for a day trip (sunscreen, water, snacks and some proficient walking shoes - the humble Aussie thong not included) and head for
Trentham Falls. Located North West of Melbourne, on a spur of the
Great Dividing Range,
Trentham Falls is the secret you will never want to share with anyone...so consider yourself lucky to be privy to the following information!
Tucked deep in forest just before
Daylesford,
Trentham Falls is Victoria's highest single-drop waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and truly breathtaking surroundings. Formed some 5 million years ago by molten lava rapidly cooling as it flowed along the river valley,
Trentham Falls plunges 32 metres over a rock shelf and into a large pool. Lying in a cluster of heavily forested trees, the Falls can be seen from a lookout point or if you're feeling more adventurous, a short descent to the base will give you an even greater view. At the base you will hear the roar of this impressive cascade as it declares its arrival, surrounded by native trees and shrouded by a deep enchanting mist. At the base you are likely enjoy the salty spray from the lush falls as you trail through the walking tracks that are easily accessible to visitors but not so much that they detract from the natural beauty of the spot. Settle down with a picnic with the most idyllic backdrop and grab your camera to try and capture the surroundings that dance before your very eyes.
Once you're done with the falls, don't pack your muddied shoes back in the car just yet, instead extend your day trip with a visit to the nearby township of rural
Trentham. Rich on history the town of Trentham was in its heyday renowned for its substantial traces of gold. These days however it is perhaps the Trentham Pub and its goldmine of quality food that will tickle a visitors fancy. For a great meal head here and indulge in a jug of beer that by no means follows standard jug regulation sizes (oh the charm of a small town!). Following your meal, wander around the town and pick up some local produce, however make sure you choose according to season to get the best out of your cooking experiences back home. Autumn is forest mushroom season, winter is a time for root vegetables (perfect for a thick broth soup), spring will see you indulging in lamb, whilst summer will please lovers of fresh picked Morello cherries, the perfect topping to a melting ice-cream.
However if stocking up your belly is not high on your list of priorities perhaps you should consider indulging in some more adventurous activities. Wander over to the
Trentham Golf Course for a leisurely putt or try your hand at a spot of fishing where you are likely to be rewarded with some dinner (or so I am told) along the banks of the
Coliban River.
You can visit the Falls anytime of the day however with the warmer months approaching a morning visit seems like your best option followed by a more relaxed walk around the town of
Trentham as the day heats up.
Despite the recent years of beleaguering draught this region has been largely fortunate so the Falls are in full force and eagerly awaiting your arrival. So why not go rural for an adventure packed day and revel in the delights of Mother Nature - just a short drive from the big smoke.
