I still remember the first time I set out for La La Falls, boots squelching from the morning dew – of course, the forest was alive with the sound of currawongs at that time of day. Tucked just outside Warburton in the Yarra Ranges, it’s a place that really does feel a world away from the city, to be honest – a place where ferns curl over the track, all that amazing wet earth smell, and the sound of all that rushing water. Tell you a thing or two that you’re not far from the falls before you even lay eyes on them.
You get a real grounding feeling just walking through the bush when the smell of wet earth and the hum of the rain is in the air. La La Falls isn’t exactly the most show-stopping waterfall – more of a gentle cascade slipping down a mossy rock face, surrounded by tree ferns and the pale trunks of some really old Mountain Ash. The track feels timeless, tucked away behind Old Warburton Road where the bitumen ends and its just forest anywhere.
ive done the La La walking track loads of different times of year – on a drizzly autumn day, when the spring fungi was bursting out, and even on those sticky summer days when you can hear Lyrebirds calling up the gullies near Donna Buang. Every time i go – no matter the weather – its a reminder why people get so hooked on the Warburton Valley.
History
La La Falls has got a bit of a story to tell – back in the 1880s, when Warburton was just starting to boom thanks to the gold rush and timber trade. There is a local legend that says the name came from a guest house called La La; they had a place nearby, and this was one of the walks they showed the visitors.
These days, the falls are part of the Yarra Ranges National Park, which is cared for by the Wurundjeri People – that’s the Traditional Owners of the land. Visiting the falls is all about being respectful – taking nothing but photos and leaving the forest exactly the same way you found it, basically. The track is still one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks in the region; the climb up is very gentle, and the track is shaded, so it’s perfect for families and casual walkers.
Location And Access
La La Falls is a short drive south of Warburton, about 70 km down the road from Melbourne. The path starts at the end of a little road called Iowa Road, which is just off the Warburton Highway – a quiet residential lane that’s easy enough to miss if you’re not looking for it. There’s not a lot of parking at the start of the track, so if you’re planning on visiting on a Sunday, it’s worth getting there early – the locals tend to get a move on once the cafes open up in town.
You won’t find any signs or a ticket booth here – just a little wooden marker, a map board, and a gravel track leading off into the trees. That’s part of the charm of this place. From the start, you’re walking through a forest of towering mountain ash trees, with the sound of the Yarra River echoing up from the valley below.
Hidden Waterfall Walk in Victoria
The La La Falls Walk is a moderate grade 3.2 km return hike with a bit of a climb – around 100 metres of elevation gain. You follow Four Mile Creek through some dense forest and then into a series of cool gullies filled with Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree ferns) and Bootlace Bush. The track crosses the creek a few times on some old stone arch bridges, which were built when Hermon’s tramway was still running.
Here’s the quick rundown on this walk:
- Distance: 3.2 km return
- Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes – give or take a bit
- Grade: Moderate – not too bad, but you’ll get a bit of a workout
- Surface: Compacted gravel, and then a shaded forest track
- Access: You need to get to Old Warburton Road and then turn off onto Iowa Road
As you’re walking, you can see remnants of where the early timber cutters used to be, and you might even see where the Backstairs Track branches off – that was used by the guys hauling timber down from Big Pats Creek. Towards the end, the trees close in, and you’ll start to hear the sound of water before you turn a final bend and then come out into the sunlight at the falls.
No swimming here – the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning says it’s best to steer clear of the pool because the rocks are slippery and it’s also a sensitive area for conservation reasons. If you’re looking for some waterfall safety information, the guys at the visitor centre are always happy to help out.
Flora And Fauna On The Track
The vegetation here is a classic mix of what you’d find in a Yarra State Forest environment. Towering Mountain Ash trees dominate the skyline, and there are all sorts of things like tree ferns, mosses, and fungi growing in the underbrush – especially after it’s been raining. In the spring, you might catch a glimpse of some native orchids, and in the wet months, the gullies are often lit up with all sorts of green, so the photographers love it here.
The wildlife on this track is pretty cool too – you might see:
- Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, and Lyrebirds, which are always up for a bit of a show-off.
- Leadbeater’s Possum, which is a critically endangered species that lives in some of the nearby creeks like Cement Creek and Donna Buang.
- Echidnas, which like to snuff around in the leaf litter, and wallabies, which are always on the go just before dusk.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Pink Robin or hear the strange call of a Sooty Owl. Bring a camera, some insect repellent, and a bit of luck.
Seasonal Climate
The Waterfall Seasons of the Yarra Ranges can transform this walk. After autumn rain, the La La Falls run strong, tumbling across slick rock like silver threads. By late summer, the flow eases to a whisper, revealing moss patterns on the cliff.
| Season | Avg Temp (°C) | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Trail Condition | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | 12–27 | 60–80 | Dry, shaded canopy | Cool forest refuge |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | 9–22 | 70–100 | Steady flows, crisp air | Ideal balance |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | 5–14 | 90–130 | Wet, misty, magical | Fungi & solitude |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | 8–23 | 80–100 | Fresh growth | Wildflowers & full falls |
Plan around the UV Index too — canopy shade helps, but bring sunscreen and a hat for the open sections near the trailhead.
Seasonal Climate
From Melbourne, drive east via the Maroondah Hwy to Lilydale, then follow the Warburton Highway through Yarra Junction. Continue until you reach Warburton Main Street, then turn right onto Old Warburton Road, and left again onto Iowa Road (sometimes listed on Google Maps as Irruka Road).
You’ll find the carpark near Four Mile Creek, at the base of the La La Falls track. For those without wheels, Avis Car Rental operates nearby at Lilydale, or you can catch the train and bus combo from the city.
Public transport route:
- Train: Lilydale Line from Melbourne.
- Bus: Martyrs Bus Service to Warburton.
- Walk: 2 km from the Warburton Waterwheel to the trailhead.
All bitumen roads until the final short gravel stretch — easy for any standard vehicle.
Local Tips And Travel Hacks
A few quick things I’ve learned the hard way over the years:
- Bring a rain jacket. Even in summer, the Yarra Ranges love a surprise shower.
- Stay on the path. It helps protect fragile undergrowth and keeps you safe from slippery creek banks.
- No bins on site. Pack out your rubbish.
- Avoid visiting right after heavy storms. The track can be temporarily closed for safety.
- Grab a coffee in Warburton. Riverview Café and Little Joe are my go-tos before hitting the track.
If you’re keen to make a day of it, pair La La Falls with a drive up Mount Donna Buang — the views from the summit are unreal on a clear day, and you can often spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring over the valley.
FAQ
How long is the walk?
The La La Falls Walk is 3.2 km return, graded moderate with gentle elevation gain — about an hour round trip.
Can dogs join?
No. The area is within Yarra Ranges National Park, and domestic pets aren’t allowed.
Is it safe after heavy rain?
Yes, if the Victorian Department of Environment hasn’t issued a closure. Always check local weather forecasts and obey signage.### Are there toilets?
No — head back to Warburton Main Street or the Cog Bike Café.
Best time to see the falls?
Late autumn to spring, when Four Mile Creek is flowing from mountain runoff around Donna Buang.
