Famous waterfalls often come with two irritants, large car parks crammed with cars and tourist coaches, hence hoards of people, and a gruelling climb back from the viewing spot.
We prefer a waterfall that is a hidden gem, where there are few visitors because it is in a remote place, and a pleasant walk to the fall. Of course, the waterfall itself should be worth the visit!
Agnes falls is perfect on all three counts.
How to get to Agnes Falls?
It is located about 200 kilometers from Melbourne, approximately half-way between Lakes Entrance and Phillip Island, a perfect stopping point for us on our way southwards along the south-east coast of Australia, near a town called Toora. It lies within the Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve.
From the nearly deserted, and small, parking lot we took a gentle sloping path towards the river, amid tall trees populated by several different species of birds. In just a little bit we reached the river and could hear the sound of the waterfall downstream. It was a great spot to just chill for a while, taking in the majestic trees and hearing the birds.
Walk along the river on a nearly level path, and you reach the wondrous view.
At 59 meters, Agnes Falls are the highest single span falls in Victoria cascading over rocks into a deep gorge in the Strzelecki Ranges. It is a multi-level waterfall, that is to say the river drops from ledge to ledge on its downward path creating swirls and eddies, with lots of spray on which the sunlight glimmers and flashes. If you crane to look down you can see the water falling a long way along the gorge which is lined with trees and multi-coloured undergrowth.
Things to do at Agnes Falls
It is such a lovely spot that one feels like just staying there, looking. You could take a short stroll through the Blue Gum Forest to a viewing area overlooking the falls or relax and have a picnic under the shade of the tall blue gums on the grassy banks of the Agnes river.
If you are a bird lover, you may be able to see Honeyeaters, the Eastern yellow robin and the Grey fantail. Horticulturists will find tall Southern blue gums, Blackwood and Silver wattles, Hazel Pomaderris, Blanket leaf, Dogwood, Prickly Moses and several. other species of plants.
On your way back you can take in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, or ‘The Prom’, as it is affectionately known, which is the southernmost point of mainland Australia. It offers great views of the coastal scenery, lovely woods and lots of local wildlife. It is a popular holilday destination.
If you have time to roam around for a while, get to the Silcocks Hill lookout for excellent views over Corner Inlet towards the Prom, the Toora township and surrounding farmland. There is the Toora wind farm too, if you would like to see gigantic windmills from close up. Please note, there are no formal viewing areas for the wind farms so please drive/park safely.
A day out in the midst of nature, with a lovely waterfall to admire, lots of trees and birds, easy walks – such a pleasant place that you will have to force yourself to leave.
Check it out if you can !!
As you said, I would not mind just staying there for a while. Having a seat, maybe a picnic, with that amazing view!
I know its off-topic, but I just want to say that I really enjoy the layout of the blog 🙂
I love visiting waterfalls, just so powerful. It’s great to find a nice walk to get to one and then just sit and enjoy the view.
I’m not to enthusiastic about hiking unless there’s a goal or destination to head for, and waterfalls are the ideal motivation to go on a hike. That multi-level waterfall sounds like it’s well worth the hike.
I love the scenery along the drive! Green rolling hills, how lovely. I like ones that take a bit of effort to get to as well, makes it worth it!
This is a gorgeous waterfall indeed! I love seeking out waterfalls wherever we go: it’s great to see the power of flowing water. Your photos are beautiful!
I have to agree that hoards of people take a lot away from a relaxing waterfall view. Love when we find hidden gems. Good to know that Agnes Falls offers both low crowds. And am easy walk to the viewing spot! I do love multi-level falls. A great day out!
Agree with the same three qualities of a great waterfall. Congratulations on finding another one!
Really hard to beat a nice hidden waterfall. When we are traveling here in the US, I look for a lot of the same qualities for a great waterfall. Plus, we keep an eye on weather because that can have a big effect on how the falls look when you arrive.
I couldn’t agree more, I love offbeat places and hidden gems for the same reason, you get to avoid the crowds but like you say, the place should be worth visiting too of course. Agnes Falls looks really nice, its nice to know that its a nice offneat waterfall to visit which isn’t too far from Melbourne. I’d certainly want to head to Silcocks Hill lookout for those gorgeous views!
This looks like an interesting and useful itinerary for the day, especially the way you described the water falling a long way along the gorge, which has many trees and multi-colored undergrowth. It would be a wonderful and worthwhile day spent out in nature, with so many options on hand.
What a gorgeous location, and how wonderful that you had it all to yourself! I love finding remote waterfalls when I’m hiking. It’s so peaceful to just sit and listen to the water and the birds, and appreciate nature.
This looks like a beautiful stop to make as part of a longer road trip. I love anywhere that has waterfalls, no matter what size they are, so I’ll make sure to add this to my list when I visit Australia!
What a beautiful waterfall! I love finding lovely waterfalls like this. Thanks for the great guide!
I love waterfalls and being outdoors. This looks like the perfect place for a day out. Great read, thank you!
This looks like such a beautiful waterfall, and a great trip. Such a nice looking area. I agree, finding somewhere that is not necessarily the most popular and busy place is always a good thing. And with the chance of seeing some amazing wildlife, that makes this even more appealing
Wow this waterfall is stunning. I’ve never seen a waterfall in Australia but I’d love to!
We are always down to see a beautiful waterfall. Something about the flow and sound is just soo soothing. You dont even need to “do” anything to enjoy it. Like you said a great picnic or stroll would do the trick. Now to get over to Australia to enjoy it first hand 🙂