Keppel Lookout and Steavenson Falls

The second weekend of June was a holiday weekend in Australia, in honour of King Charles's birthday. I planned a spontaneous adventure, which is easier to do now that Tom and I have a car! We bought a 2010 station wagon, previously owned by Tom's colleague Michael. Owning a car in Melbourne is unnecessary if you never plan to leave the city. Car hires are readily available, but they require more time and planning than having your own set of wheels. Even though winter has arrived, I am excited to explore more of Victoria - and beyond.

 

I set out on Monday morning, driving 1.5 hours northeast. Black Spur Drive is a 30-km stretch along the Maroondah Highway between Healesville and Narbethong. It cuts through the lush forest of the Yarra Ranges as it winds its way up the Great Dividing Range. The scenic drive is famous for its towering mountain ash trees, which scatter sunlight on the cool understorey of green ferns. 

 

Marysville is the first town past Black Spur Drive. I arrived at the Keppell Lookout Trail carpark just before 10 am. It was chilly, so I layered up for a 11-km circuit around Keppel Lookout and Steavenson Falls.

Navigating counterclockwise, the first section is fairly steep. The path is muddy this time of year, shaded by the stringybark and mountain ash forests. Keppel Lookout offers expansive views of the greater Yarra and Cathedral Ranges.

 

The trail flattens out to Oxley Lookout and Del La Rue Lookout.

Then it's a gradual downhill trek to Steavenson Falls, with multiple lookouts along the way. The trail becomes much busier at the falls (a short walk from the nearest carpark). 

  

Great day trip from Melbourne! Plan for three hours on foot.