Steavenson Falls

Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve is located in Victoria, Australia, about 4 kilometres southeast of Marysville.

It is known for being one of the tallest waterfalls in Victoria, with a total descent of 122 metres and five cascades. The falls were named after John Steavenson, who was Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges in the area. The reserve was established in 1959 and is managed jointly by the Department of Primary Industry and a Voluntary Committee of Management.

The reserve offers a variety of trails for visitors, ranging from easy to challenging. These trails provide stunning views of the falls and allow visitors to experience the surrounding woodland. The reserve also features a turbine powered by water from the weir at the base of the falls, which generates power for floodlights and lighting along the paths. The reserve is mainly covered by dense forest, including stands of Mountain Ash and other eucalyptus species. It is also home to diverse wildlife, with lyrebirds often seen searching for food in the mornings and after rainfall.

In 2009, the area was severely damaged by a major bushfire. Most of the man-made infrastructure was destroyed, but the hydro-electric generator used for lighting the falls at night was salvageable. Restoration works were carried out to reconstruct the road and visitor facilities, as well as remove dead trees that posed a danger. The native forest has regrown impressively since the fire, although remnants of the fire can still be seen. Steavenson Falls attracts around 180,000 visitors per year.