Being a person that loves to be in the great outdoors I've come across many stunning natural attractions that are just waiting for you to discover.
As you will notice from this list, I am a little biased towards rainforest and waterfalls within closer proximity of the city so I'm throwing the question out there, Where's Victoria's Best Natural Attraction? Leave your response at the bottom of the page.
Tooronga Falls
located 100km east of Melbourne just outside of Noojee is a fantastic spot for a day trip into the stunning countryside. Given that the Noojee State Forest is said to be Victoria's wettest area it's not surprising that this waterfall is powerful, especially so in the spring time when the snow is melting from the nearby Mt Baw Baw. The Tooronga Falls is accessible from a well signposted trail from the picnic/carparking area. The trail to the Tooronga falls from the car park is less than 1km but you can continue to walk a larger loop that also takes in the Amphitheatre Falls. To walk the full trail it comes in at only 2.2km in total and is definitely worth the extra distance to see the Amphitheatre Falls. For my full review
click here. Also worth a look on the way is the
Noojee trestle bridge.
Black Spur
is one of the best places to see towering mountain ash within lush fern gullies without even leaving the comfort of your car.
The Black Spur Drive takes about 30 minutes from Healesville to Marrysville and both of these towns are popular with daytrippers exploring the nearby sights including the next natural attraction, Steavonson's Falls.
Steavonsons Falls
in Marrysville is one of Victoria's highest waterfalls dropping 84 metres into the valley below. Having visited these falls several times over the years I am pleased to say that the falls and facilities are currently better than ever with new and upgraded walking tracks, viewing platforms, toilet facilities and better views of the falls themselves. If you want to stretch your legs then park in the middle of town and take the scenic 3.4km return walk to the falls. For more information
click here. Some less frequented falls but no less spectacular are along the
Lady Talbot Drive. My review of these falls can be found
here. If you want to see a birds eye view over Marrysville than head up to the Keppel lookout. For more on Marrysville, Healesville and Keppel lookout
click here.
Keppel lookout Marysville
in Gippsland's Powelltown is one of the largest known flowering trees in the world according to the Department of Sustainability and Environment and yet is easily accessible by foot from the picnic area on Ada River Rd. Take the stunning 3.2km return walk through ancient rainforest to where this giant tree stands 76m tall and with a circumference of 15 metres (documented 2004) and is believed to be around 300 years old. More information can be found
here or by googling and downloading 'Forest Notes - Yarra State Forest'.
Trentham Falls
is one of the single longest waterfall drops in Victoria measuring 32m.Naturally these falls are at their best just after heavy rainfall, therefore making winter/spring a perfect time to visit. Access to the upper viewing area is an easy short walk from the sealed carpark/picnic area (roughly 100m). Unfortunately access along the track to the base of the waterfall is currently closed due to some erosion issues along the track. For more information on the falls
click here.
A bridge on the trail to Lala Falls
is a picture perfect rainforest walk through cool climate rainforest and is a photographer's delight. For my full review
click here.
Sunset at Arthurs Seat
is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula at 314 metres above sea level and offers stunning views across the bay, towards the city and across to the ranges. Walk one of the many trails, have a picnic at Seawinds or just take in the view.
View from Elephant Rock at Bushrangers Bay
The view from Elephant Rock at Bushrangers Bay is the reward for taking the short coastal walk to the secluded Bushrangers Bay. The walking trail can be accessed from either the Boneo Road car park or the Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park. Climbing the rock can be hazardous and extreme caution should be taken to avoid injuries or falls.To read my full review
click here.
This is just a taste of some of my favourite natural attractions. If you would like to add to the list please feel free to leave a message below so other readers can enjoy your favourite natural attractions.
