Hopetoun Falls — Attraction in Beech Forest

Hopetoun Falls: A Hidden Gem in Nature

Hopetoun Falls, located in the heart of Victoria’s Otway National Park, is a breathtaking destination for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush ferns and towering trees, this waterfall offers a serene escape into the beauty of Australia’s wilderness.

The falls plunge dramatically from a height of 30 meters into a picturesque pool below, creating a mesmerizing sight. The sound of cascading water and the cool mist in the air add to the immersive experience. A well-maintained viewing platform near the car park offers a great vantage point for those who prefer an easier option.

For the more adventurous, a 10-minute stair walk takes you to the base of the falls. While the descent can be steep, the effort is well worth it. At the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with a close-up view of the falls and the opportunity to capture stunning photos. The trail is surrounded by vibrant greenery, making the walk an experience in itself.

Whether you’re a casual traveler or a photography enthusiast, Hopetoun Falls is a must-visit. Its combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and tranquility makes it one of the most enchanting waterfalls in Australia. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes and take your time to soak...

We arrived at around noon and the car park was almost full. The road in is unsealed so be ready for a very dusty ride and a dusty car during summer months.There was only 1 picnic table beside the car park and no running water nor toilet facilities here. The upper viewing platform is a mere 20 metres from the car park and gives you a "drone" view of the water fall. Take a picture here and your friends may even think you own a drone :). The walk down is not that far, distance wise, but watch out for the 202 steps you will need to navigate on your way back up. The viewing platform at the bottom provides a view of Hopetoun Fall, but at a bit of distance. You will need to circumnavigate the area around the viewing platform to get better locations for your photos. This was ok when we were there but I suspect it may not be during the really wet season. We found a few spots to chill and absorb the surrounding ambience. We will definitely be back during the wet season as I am looking forward to seeing the huge volumes of water cascading down....

A thoroughly good workout for the legs both going down and coming up. On this occasion, I found the flow to be very disappointing, and nothing like that from my last very distant visit in 2003 (photograph for historical comparison). Back then, the track was of rotting steps, slippery slopes, battalions of leeches waiting to feast on exposed flesh, tall trees creaked and groaned and there was no viewing platform to speak of. Amidst it all, tree ferns bobbed and nodded with each tentative step. How times have very, very much changed! The environment here is evidently very degraded through excess visitation — a problem that is not exclusive to Hopetoun Falls, or many other places in the Great Otway National Park. Still, it's a great walk for the energetic, but take your time coming back up — the steps are very muddy and slippery! • Photograph 'Window to the falls: Hopetoun Falls', © Gary Higgins/SILENT STREET • ORIGINAL REVIEW + PHOTOS 2003. RE-VISITED...