Summary

Get a taste of the regenerating forest of Kinglake National Park while taking in Masons Falls and the pools along Running Creek.

Description

Kinglake is the largest national park close to Melbourne and is home to more than 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species. This walk gives you a very pleasant taste of what the park has to offer, taking in a waterfall, forest pools and picnic areas.

Masons Falls are visible from a high viewing platform. You can't get close to the falls or view them from the bottom. Often there isn't a lot of water, but it's a high and dramatic waterfall, especially when there has been a lot of rain.

Masons Falls are actually just a short stroll from the car park, which is fine for tourists, but why not turn it into a decent walk?

The forest on this walk was largely burnt in the Black Saturday fires of 2009, which gives it a somewhat different character. If anything though, the forest is even greener than a normal one, with dense forest regrowth. It also makes for some interesting contrasts between blackened tree trunks and the abundance of green rejuvenation.

Halfway round this walk is Blackwood Picnic Area, which is fairly flat, with a grass area to throw a ball etc. There's also a picnic area next to the Masons Falls car park, pleasantly set amongst high trees, which has more facilities but no grass area.

The falls are probably the star of the show here, but if anything we prefer the beautiful forest pools and cascades above the falls. They make for a great place to explore and paddle around or just sit and relax. Call it 'forest bathing' if you like (yes, it's a thing).

If you follow this walk clockwise, as we've suggested, then the falls and cascades provide a nice reward at the end of the walk (not that it's particularly strenuous, to be honest, but the first half of the walk is largely up hill).

Notes:
- This walk is not well sign-posted so you may need to navigate yourself a bit, but the tracks are all on google maps.
- Sorry, no dogs allowed on this one. Dogs are allowed (on-lead) at nearby Frank Thomson Reserve.
- A walk in a shady forest can be a welcome escape from the heat, but be aware of the risk of bushfires on hot summer days.

50142 Views

Points of Interest

1. A walk in the forest

The forest on this walk is at varying stages of regeneration. In some places very lush and green with dense regrowth.

2. New life

This plant growing in a burnt out tree stump is a nice symbol of the regeneration of this forest.

3. Blackwood Picnic Area

If you like a patch of grass with your picnic, this is the place to stop.

4. Tall forest

The forest along the Wallaby Trail is taller, with bigger trees than the first part of this walk. Some of the trees died during the fires - leaving an interesting contrast between live and dead.

5. Grass plants

On the dry, north-facing slopes in this area, look for beautiful grass plants by the side of the track.

6. Masons Falls

There is a viewing platform overlooking Masons Falls. Often there isn't a lot of water, but it's a high and dramatic waterfall, especially when there has been a lot of rain.

7. Another view

Thanks to Sue Dagg for this photo of Mason Falls.

8. Running Creek

While Masons Falls is theoretically the star of the show, our favourite part of this walk is the series of cascading pools above the Falls. Great place to hang out and kids will love it.

9. Cascades

Running creek cascades down the hill in a beautiful series of pools and miniature waterfalls.

10. Picnic Area

There is a large and pleasant picnic area beneath the trees near the car park. Plenty of facilities, like BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, shelters and information about the park.

Find out more

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Historical interest

Nature trail