Shiprock Falls, Kurth Kiln Regional Park, VIC

Waterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide

Shiprock Falls is a partly obscured but noisy little cascade running over large boulders, not far from where the giant Ship Rock ran aground. There is a viewing platform from which you can get a glimpse of the falls, safely from the side. For a closer look, the track down to the creek itself is eroding away in parts, with a steep drop down one side if you lose your footing. After some scrambling, up close the vivid whites of the falls and the bright greens of the moss covered boulders stand out in contrast to the surrounding forest and the dark, wet rocks in the creek. Above: Moss covered boulders in the upper section of Shiprock Falls (Order this image)

The waterfalls are probably the number two attraction at this spot, with the giant Ship Rock being the main drawcard. You pass the Ship Rock on the way to the falls. The rock is around 5-10 metres high, depending on which side you view it from, with a cave running through it. The cave is really more of a rock shelter that runs for a few metres from one side of the rock to the other. It is not fully enclosed, with plenty of light coming in from both ends, and is quite fun to quickly explore. Above: Cascades in the lower section of Shiprock Falls (Order this image)

Back at the car park there are toilets, some picnic tables and a fire pit. For a nicer view, more open space and better facilities, I suggest heading back down the road towards Gembrook for a few kilometres to the Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground, from which several other bushwalks start. Overall, Shiprock Falls is a neat addition to a day trip to Kurth Kiln and Ship Rock that makes for a nature escape close to Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.

Here is a video of the falls, taken on a sunny winter morning, when the creek was running well, but not in flood:

Best Time of Year to Visit:	Best Time of Day to Visit:
Visit during winter and spring to see the falls at their fiercest	Visit in the late afternoon when more light reaches through to the falls

Before you head out, make sure to read the waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. The marker indicates the location of the car park at the falls. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply refresh this web page.
View Larger Map If you would like to leave a comment about this waterfall, please fill in the comment box below. I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.

Your name:

Your email:

From (city, country):

Your zipcode:

Your comment:

I consent to having these comments published on this website (Note: your email address is not published).

← Back

Next Falls →

Victoria	Melbourne
Safety Info	Map
List of Lists	Your Support
Feedback	Media