Trentham Falls

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

The towering basalt columns provided an amazing backdrop for this former swimming hole at Trentham Falls. When the falls were flowing gently, you could float in the middle of the pool and watch the spray streaming down from the sky. According to information boards at the falls, they are the tallest single drop waterfalls in Victoria. Above: Swimmers at the edge of the pool at Trentham Falls, prior to the track closure (Order this image)

For swimmers the view did not however compensate for an otherwise average swimming experience. The pool at the base of the falls was surprisingly cold, murky, and lots of angular rocks under the water tested your balance when getting in and out of the water.

As of late 2015, the track down to the base of the falls was closed, so access to the billabong is no longer permitted. According to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Ballarat, Siobhan Rogan (13/1/2017):

"The access to the base of the waterfall is closed due to hazards on the former walking track, in part due to the fact it hugs the side of a ravine, erosion that is occurring from weathering and the number of people using it over time. While we recognise this then negates swimming, this is the unfortunate outcome. It is our intent, if suitable funding were to come available then the experience offered could be reviewed. It is not however, a quick and cheap fix and is not in its immediate future." Above: The small pool at the base of Trentham Falls, prior to the track closure (Order this image)

The falls themselves are a 32 m high rock formation with a small pool at the base, roughly 15 m long and 15 m wide. When swimming there prior to the track closure, I found the rocks to be sharp and slippery, and sandals were required, particularly as visibility was poor. Last time I swam there it was painfully cold and a sizeable fish brushed my thigh, obviously surprised to have a visitor in its pool, but the pool tended to warm up in summer after the falls had stopped flowing.

The falls are a popular stopover with day trippers. According to information boards at the falls, they are the tallest single drop waterfalls in Victoria. Without the swimming experience, most people have a look at the falls, and then keep moving. There are picnic tables at the car park, but they are without a view of the falls.

In summer, the stream of water over the waterfall is gentle and thin, despite its height. You could previously walk behind the water underneath the rock overhang, which also provided shade during the day. Whenever I had visited on hot days prior to the track closure, there was usually someone in the water. The falls themselves are at their most spectacular after heavy rainfall, and whilst this was never a good time to swim here, it is probably the best time for sightseers to visit now that access to the water is no longer permitted. Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park at the falls. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map If you would like to leave a comment about your experiences of previously swimming at this swimming hole, please fill in the comment box below. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

Your name:

Your email:

From (city, country):

Your zipcode:

Your comment:

I consent to having these comments published on this website (note: your email address is not published).

← Back stroke

Next swim →

Victoria	Western VIC
Water Safety	Map
List of Lists	Suggest a Swim
Links	Your Support
Media	Order the Book