Sherbrooke Falls

Sherbrooke Falls is a short bushwalking and picnic outing in the Sherbrooke Forest section of Dandenong Ranges National Park, within reach of Melbourne for a day trip. The walk begins from either Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O'Donohue Picnic Ground, with both routes to the falls clearly signposted along the Sherbrooke Track and O'Donohue Track. The picnic areas provide car parking, toilets and space to settle in before or after the walk.

The falls themselves are modest, with the cascade partly hidden by tree ferns. The more memorable feature is the surrounding rainforest: tall Mountain Ash and stringybark trees, dense ferns, gullies and the broader network of forest trails. After rain, the creek is more likely to be flowing, and the damp conditions bring out the forest's earthy aromas. Lyrebirds and other wildlife may also be easier to spot at this time, although the area remains a natural environment and sightings are not guaranteed.

This is a good fit for families looking for a manageable nature outing, as well as solo walkers and small groups wanting a quieter alternative to the nearby 1000 Steps. The forest can feel notably removed from built-up areas despite its proximity to the popular Dandenong Ranges villages. Visitors can combine the walk with a picnic, then explore nearby attractions including the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Pirianda Garden, Grants Picnic Ground or the 1000 Steps. Kallista is close by for refreshments, while the Alfred Nicholas gardens are just across the road from Sherbrooke Picnic Ground.

Sherbrooke Falls is not a formal lookout in the conventional sense, and the website describes the waterfall as small and partly obscured. Its appeal is the complete setting: a short, signposted walk through tall forest and fern gullies, with picnic facilities at either starting point. Waterfall areas can present natural hazards, so visitors should follow water-safety advice and take care on the tracks. The picnic grounds have been assessed for accessibility, with information and photos available through Parks Victoria, but conditions can change. Check the official page before travelling, particularly during severe weather or Extreme Fire Danger Rating days, and follow any signs about temporary closures or changed access.