Nigretta Falls, Victoria; The Complete Guide

Nigretta Falls is an outstanding waterfall in Victoria. Located just south of the Grampians National Park, it’s an easy trip to make when exploring this exceptional part of Australia. What version you see of Nigretta Falls is very dependent on the weather. So, this really is a waterfall to keep coming back to, as it’s ever-changing. Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit Nigretta Falls, Victoria.

Check out 12 Must-See Grampians Waterfalls: The Complete Guide

Table of Contents

About Nigretta Falls, Victoria

Nigretta Falls is a spectacular waterfall on the Wannon River in the state of Victoria, Australia. The waterfall lies just south of the Grampians National Park, in the Southern Grampians Shire, just 16km north of Hamilton.

The craggy surface the waterfall tumbles down means it has to branch off in many directions to find its way to the pool below. So, rather than seeing one cascade, you’ll actually see many drops as the Wannon River fights to find its path downstream.

Indeed, after rainfall, Nigretta Falls is thundering. But, if there hasn’t been much rain, then Nigretta Falls can often look like more of a trickle down the colourful rock wall. So, visiting at different times of the year can result in a very different-looking waterfall each time!

The orange-tinged rocks surrounding the impressive waterfall are volcanic in nature. A nod to the region’s pre-history and geology. Before being called Nigretta Falls, the waterfall was known as Upper Wannon Falls. Presumably, because it sat higher up the river than Wannon Falls itself.

Where Is Nigretta Falls?

Nigretta Falls is located just north of Hamilton in western Victoria, Australia. To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area on Google Maps.

Visiting Nigretta Falls

So, now you know a little about Nigretta Falls and where it’s located, let’s look at what to expect during a visit, including how to get there and the short walk to the waterfall.

How to Get to Nigretta Falls

Nigretta Falls is located along the Wannon-Nigretta Falls Road, which links it with neighbouring waterfall – Wannon Falls. The journey to Nigretta Falls from Hamilton takes around 15 minutes to drive, first heading north along Glenelg Highway, before turning right onto Nigretta Road. At the end of Nigretta Road, you’ll make a left turn onto Wannon-Nigretta Road, before arriving at the Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve.

If you want to visit Nigretta Falls from your trip to the central Grampians and Halls Gap, the waterfall is around a 1.5 hour drive away.

If travelling directly from Melbourne, you’re looking at almost a 4 hour drive to get to Nigretta Falls. There’s no direct transport from Melbourne to the waterfall itself, but, you can take public transport to Hamilton. If public transport is your only option for getting to Nigretta Falls and the southern Grampians, then we recommend using Google Maps, V/Line Train and V/Line Coach.

But, if possible, it’s much easier to reach Nigretta Falls, with your own set of wheels. If you need a car, we recommend using DiscoverCars.com. It’s a fantastic search engine for finding the cheapest car hire. Search for cheap car hire in Melbourne today.

Car Hire

If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

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Getting to Melbourne

If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll first need to fly to Melbourne to visit the Grampians. We recommend using Skyscanner to search for the cheapest flights. When flying abroad, we always get the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. Check out cheap flights to Melbourne today!

Nigretta Falls Walk

Type: Out & Back
Distance: 100m
Time: 5 minutes
Accumulated elevation gain: 20m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve

After parking at the Nigretta Falls Scenic Reserve Car Park, you’ll find the waterfall viewing platform just a short walk ahead. The viewing platform provides a great vantage point to see the waterfall, as it tumbles down the rocky cliff face.

As well as the viewing observation deck, there’s a wooden staircase that descends to the pool at the base of Nigretta Falls. The rocky outcrop surrounding the pool provides some great vantage points for this excellent waterfall. Nigretta Falls might not be the tallest waterfall, but it does pack a punch, especially after some rain.

Unbelievably, Dan and I enjoyed the waterfall entirely to ourselves during our visit.

Facilities at Nigretta Falls

At the Nigretta Falls Car Park, you’ll find a large scenic reserve with an undercover BBQ area, plus picnic tables and toilet facilities. We imagine on a much sunnier day than we experienced, the reserve would be a great spot to relax, unwind and socialise. Certainly, in the summer months, this secluded spot must be bustling.

Access to the viewing platform is both wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

Nigretta Falls Camping

The nearest camping to Nigretta Falls is Wannon Falls Campground. It’s a basic site, but lends itself as a great pit stop if you’re on a longer road trip, perhaps even heading into the Grampians National Park. Sites are unpowered with no shower facilities. But, there are communal toilets to use. The campground is also free to stay at and shouldn’t be used for long-term use.

Swimming at Nigretta Falls

By all accounts, it’s possible to swim in the pools at the base of Nigretta Falls. Dan and I visited on a wet day in winter, so we weren’t up for it. But, it’s said to be a great place to cool off in the hot summer months, with the steps down to the water’s edge being a convenient place to enter from.

Of course, judge conditions for yourself. But, I imagine a day when there hasn’t been much rainfall in the preceding days, that this is a safer time to swim.

Best Time to Visit Nigretta Falls

Undoubtedly, the best time to see Nigretta Falls is after a heavy bout of rain. Indeed, this waterfall can look markedly different depending on how much rainfall there’s been. To see a more powerful and impressive waterfall likely means visiting in winter or early spring.

In terms of crowds, you’ll rarely find Nigretta Falls overrun with visitors, so enjoy a lovely peaceful visit to this wonderful waterfall.

More Grampians Waterfalls

Of course, being just a stone’s throw from the Grampians, there’s plenty more in the way of waterfalls to see in the area. Below, are a handful you might like to consider.

Mackenzie Falls: visit the biggest waterfall in the Grampians National Park.
Beehive Falls: this excellent waterfall is made even better by hiking to Briggs Bluff too.
Clematis Falls: an easy-to-reach waterfall from Halls Gap.
Splitters Falls: visit this underrated waterfall on a walk to the Pinnacle.
Turret Falls: a quiet waterfall found along Silverband Road.
Burrong Falls: a hidden waterfall that at some times of year may require a 4WD to get to.
Bridal Veil Falls: as seasonal as they come, keep your eyes peeled for this cascade on the Pinnacle Walk.
Silverband Falls: a thin, silver plunge that disappears into the ground below.
Wannon Falls: next to Nigretta Falls is this picturesque waterfall.

Where to Stay Near Nigretta Falls

As Hamilton is one of the closest towns to Nigretta Falls, it makes sense to stay there. Otherwise, we recommend heading straight into the Grampians and staying in Halls Gaps. Below, we’ve put together the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options to help plan your trip, for both Hamilton and Halls Gap.

Accommodation in Hamilton

Budget – Comfort Inn Botanical: guests love the access to the neighbouring botanical gardens as well as the onsite restaurant and bar at Comfort Inn Botanical.
Mid-range – Hamilton Lonsdale Motel: the clean and quiet Hamilton Lonsdale Motel is in a fantastic location.
Luxury – MacPherson House: rent an entire house for a home away from home feel at MacPherson House.

Accommodation in Halls Gap

Budget – Grampians Eco YHA: the main hostel in town is the Grampians Eco YHA. Enjoy the super clean facilities and spacious common rooms.
Mid-range – Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park: relax in the pool and admire the brilliant mountain views at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park.
Luxury – Grampians Chalets: lake views, friendly kangaroos and a fantastic location are ready to be enjoyed at the Grampians Chalets. Also, try the Marwood Villas for more quality Grampians accommodation.

More Grampians Accommodation

Camping in Halls Gap: 8 Epic Campgrounds In Central Grampians
Camping In The Grampians: The Complete Guide
Grampians Caravan Parks: 5 Best Caravan Parks in Halls Gap
Halls Gap Accommodation: Best Hotel, Camping & Caravan Parks
Grampians Accommodation: Where To Stay & What To Book

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

Wannon Falls: be sure to head to Wannon Falls too, which is only a 10 minute drive away.
Head to Dunkeld: the nearby town of Dunkeld is a great starting point for some of the Grampian’s best hikes, including Mount Sturgeon, Mount Abrupt and The Piccaninny
More of Victoria: some of our favourite places in Victoria include exploring along the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and of course, Wilsons Prom.

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