Summary

Follow the fast-flowing Taggerty River upstream, over mossy logs and around boulders to reach Keppel Falls. Admire the rushing torrent from a viewing platform.

Description

Since the Black Saturday bush fires in 2009, Lady Talbot Drive has changed a great deal. The regrowth is startling and there are open views of the valley, that would once have been dense bush land.

This walk meanders deep into the forest, following the thunderous sound of the falls from above, for most of the way.

Lady Talbot Drive was named after the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, Governor of Victoria from 1903 to 1908; while Keppel Falls was named after the Keppel brothers who discovered the falls in the early 1880s.

This scenic route follows the Taggerty River up under the western side of Lake Mountain.

DIRECTIONS: The nearest town is Marysville, which is located 100km north-east of Melbourne, a 90 minute drive or so through Lilydale, Healesville and the picturesque Yarra Valley.

From Marysville drive 500 metres along Woods Point Road and turn left into Lady Talbot Drive. Drive a further 11km through the Marysville State Forest before entering Yarra Ranges National Park. The road is partially sealed, then largely unsealed and corrugated, with several pot holes along the way.

HAZARDS: In wet weather, Lady Talbot Drive becomes inaccessible for two-wheel drive vehicles from The Beeches onwards. You can still reach this walk but be careful if the road is boggy. There are a few fallen logs on the path and wooden stairs to navigate closer to the falls. This is an undulating walk, with short steep sections at times.

Please check the Parks Victoria webpage for the latest updates and alerts including road closures.

30635 Views

Points of Interest

1. The trailhead

Here's the start of the 2km trail, it's hidden on the left with a small car park attached. There's a Keppel Falls Lookout 350 metres further along Lady Talbot Drive, not to be confused with this walk.

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2. Roaring river

As you walk, the river will be beside you. Chances are, you'll hear it the minute you start walking on the track. It's a great view from up high on the path.

3. Afternoon frost

Even if it's sunny, there's a chance you could still see frost on logs and boulders that are closer to the river. This photograph was taken at 3pm on a sunny autumn day. Brrr!

4. Fallen Manna gums

Many trees have been felled in the area, but there's a healthy undergrowth that keeps this walk lush and cool in temperature. Admire these once proud Manna gums, tall enough to cross the river twice!

5. Signs of regrowth

After the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the national parks have needed to regenerate themselves. Everywhere you look there are signs of the past and future, in the towering trees and vivid ferns.

6. Keppel Falls

The falls were discovered by the Keppel brothers in the early 1800s. After the rains and the snow melt, the falls drain the nearby mountains into the Taggerty River.

7. Leave before dusk

This walk takes you down into a valley, so it quickly becomes dark the minute the sun sets behind the mountains. Be sure to head back to the car park before dusk.

Features

Picnic spot

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river