Last Visited: 10/03/2012
Length (km): 2 km
Time (hrs/min): 1 hour
Grade: Easy
Return / Circuit / One-Way / Partial Circuit: Return
Region: North-East Victoria
Park: Alpine National Park
Closest Town: Bogong Village
Maximum Elevation: approx. 827 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Total Ascent: approx. 76 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Car Access: From Mount Beauty, drive towards Falls Creek. The trailhead is approximately 2 km beyond the turn-off for Bogong Village, opposite a large car-parking area. Look for the big brown and white sign, just before the car-park. Total distance from Mount Beauty is 17 km.
Like most people, I love a good waterfall. This is especially true at a time when it’s been raining like the clappers, as it has in north-east Victoria over the last couple of weeks. Having arrived in Mount Beauty earlier than expected on the eve of Mount Bogong Conquestathon, I had enough daylight left to go and check out Fainter Falls. This had been on my to-do list for a few years.
Kiewa River (with Fainter Falls in the distance)
The walk is very short at only 2 km return, but it offers views of the Kiewa River and the Falls for much of the way. There are three lookouts along the trail, each with interpretive signs. The third of these is accessed via stairs so it may not be suitable for those with less mobility, but it is quite close to the base of the falls and makes for the best way to really take them in.
Fainter Falls
Fainter Falls does flow all year round but due to recent rains, the flow was extremely high at the time of my visit. The sheer force of the water was captivating and I stood staring for ages, before being interrupted by a busload of tourists. I was glad to have the place all to myself for as long as I did.
Kiewa River
Keep an eye out for Black Cockatoos. I don’t spot them very often but there were several hanging out around at the falls. If you are bothered by mosquitoes, you may want to wear repellent. I barely noticed them during the walk but I realised that I was covered in bites when I got back to the car.
Have you visited Fainter Falls? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.
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