News Morwell River Falls: a hidden gem
Discover an off-the-beaten-track delight, featuring a fern-filled valley and cascading water.
A short drive from Boolarra, deep into the heart of native bushland, is the Morwell River Falls Reserve. Take a short walk upstream, passing a series of cascades, and ending with the largest fall where water plummets to a scenic, wide pool beneath. With green shrubs and warbling birds, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a fairy wonderland.
Morwell River Falls is located south of the Latrobe Valley, about 2:20 hours’ drive from Melbourne. Take the M1/Princes Hwy to Morwell, and duck south to Boolarra. Tucked away on a windy gravel road, this hidden gem is certainly off the beaten track, but the way is well signed.
Morwell River Falls
The scenic drive to this lesser-known treasure is certainly part of Morwell River Fall’s charm. Wind your way along an unsuspecting gravel road that follows the contours of the Morwell River, between hills laced with occasional pine groves and nonchalant cows.
Park your car and take the short walk into the fragrant patch of bushland. If you’ve brought your lunch, you can tuck in at the picnic tables. From here, it’s just a 5-10 minute walk along the upper reaches of the Morwell River. You’ll pass by a series of falls from a high vantage point with scenic views over the river.
The end of the walk culminates in the largest of the cascades. Marvel at the gentle rush of the water. There are rocks to clamber on, or you can dip your toes in the wide pool at the base of the falls, listen for birds or relax on the riverbank. Fair warning – you may never want to leave this peaceful oasis.
Things to do nearby
- Visit the Latrobe Regional Gallery (Morwell) with a swag of gallery spaces, and a dynamic program of events and exhibitions. Don’t skip the gift shop, filled with dazzling arts and crafts.
- Immigration Park in Morwell is a serene escape where Kernot Lake shimmers at the heart of winding paths, gardens, and striking cultural monuments. Stroll by the water’s edge and take in sculptures and landscapes that honour the region’s rich migrant heritage, combining cultural reflection with relaxation.
- Walk through sky-high grey gums and dry eucalypt forests in the sweeping expanse of Morwell National Park. This park is perfect for picnics, walks and orchid-spotting.
- In nearby Yinnar, walk down the main street and you will discover an incredible range of permanent sculptures, giving this sweet town an artsy edge. Pop into arcYinnar, housed in the charm of the old butter building, for a rewarding potter through displays and gifts by local artists.
YOUR GETAWAY ITINERARY AWAITS
DAY 1
Set off from Melbourne, stopping in Old Gippstown as you pass through Moe, for a quick trip back in time. Discover this charming outdoor museum housing heritage buildings and artefacts. Have lunch at Twenty20, where you can tuck into a plate of pasta or a steak sandwich, among other delicious dishes, then walk off lunch with a stroll along the Moe – Yallourn Rail Trail. Go hunting for murals in Moe where street art adorns half the buildings in town.
Finish up your day with a fragrant dinner at Moe Thai, then afterwards sip some vino at Penny Lane Wine Bar. Stay overnight at the charming Brigadoon Cottages, straight out of a country escape dream.
DAY 2
Start the day with a decadent breakfast at The Daily in Morwell, before stopping in at Mavros Deli to stock up on goods to create the picnic lunch of your dreams. With your charcuterie and cheese on board, drive south through lush forest and along a winding river to Morwell River Falls.
Eat your lunch at one of the picnic tables, listening to the gurgling river and birdsong, before meandering past the series of cascades to the final three-tier waterfall.
Spend the afternoon exploring Morwell National Park. This extraordinary land is home to vivid green ferns, towering blackwood trees and sprawling hyacinth orchids. The circuit trail, Fosters Gully Nature Walk (2.3km, 1 hour), is a stand-out.
Round out your day of natural exploits with dinner at Qu Bah in Morwell, where you can enjoy mouth-watering meals such as squid salad, lamb and pistachio meatballs, or a succulent open souvlaki. Head back to your home away from home at Brigadoon Cottages.
DAY 3
Begin with a classic breakfast at Tommy Brock, Moe – think eggs benedict with a freshly made latte. Next, hit the bike track at Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park, where you can put your skills to the test on the berms, jumps and technical features, or test your agility on the pump track.
If you fancy a more relaxed morning, head to Lake Narracan, and wander along the boardwalk enjoying serene views of the sky reflected on the water. Next, pop into the Old Brown Coal Mine Museum, where you can learn more about the fascinating history of the industry.
Before heading back to Melbourne, stop in for a classic pub lunch at Turfside Bistro at the Moe Racing Club. A hearty meal is the perfect way to end this mini getaway.
Towns To Visit Nearby
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Published on under: Nature & Outdoor