Remember John Steavenson. He lends his name to these falls. Steavenson Falls is one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls. Its waters plunge a total of 122 metres.
In 1862, John Steavenson surveyed this area. He sought a new road to the Woods Point goldfields. Today, we admire the falls named in his honour.
In 1866, residents forged a track to Steavenson Falls. This opened the natural wonder to eager tourists. Since then, Steavenson Falls has drawn countless visitors. They come to witness its cascading beauty.
The Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve was established in 1959. It protects the falls and surrounding nature. The Department of Primary Industry and a local committee jointly manage the reserve.
There are several walking tracks here. They range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. These trails let you explore the diverse beauty around Steavenson Falls.
In 1972, Steavenson Falls was floodlit. A turbine uses water from the weir at the base of the falls. It generates power for the floodlights. Murray Byrne, then Minister for Tourism, formally turned on the lights.
The forest here shows nature’s resilience. After the devastating 1939 bushfires, Mountain Ash trees regenerated. Other trees include Mountain Grey Gum and Narrow-leafed Peppermint. Myrtle Beech and Blackwood also thrive here.
Keep an eye out for lyrebirds. These birds often search for food after rain. Look for their scratch marks in the leaves.
Steavenson Falls is a major attraction. About 180,000 people visit each year. They come to see one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls.
In 2009, bushfires caused extensive damage. The fires destroyed infrastructure and harmed the forest. But the hydroelectric generator survived. It once lit up the falls at night.
Major works restored the area after the fires. Workers removed dead trees. The native forest has shown extensive natural regeneration.
The Steavenson River’s flow is vital. It drains about 16 square kilometres. The river originates at the Great Dividing Range.
The river’s reliable flow powers the turbine. This turbine generates power for the floodlights. They illuminate the falls from dusk until midnight.
The easy 350m track leads to Steavenson Falls. A lookout offers views of most of the falls’ drop. The full 122 meters can be admired from there. From the base, only the final 21m can be seen.
The town of Marysville suffered during the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009. But like the firestorms in Yellowstone National Park, fire is part of the forest’s life cycle. The recovery around Steavenson Falls is well underway.
Remember that a small parking fee supports this reserve. Take the time to appreciate the beauty and history. Enjoy the Steavenson Falls.