The staircase had been closed since May 2015 when floodwater damaged the existing concrete staircase. 

Parks Victoria district manager Tony English said the new staircase was a “vast improvement”. 

“We understand people had to be patient to get to this point but it has been worth the wait,” he said. 

The new 130-step staircase provides easy entry to the base of the waterfall and allows wheelchair access to the first viewing platform.  

Goldfields Track Incorporated committee member Bill Casey said it was great to have the staircase open as it could be used as an entry or stopping point to the Goldfields Track. 

“The parking and toilet facilities mean it is an ideal place to start the walk from,” he said. 

Parks Victoria awarded the contract for the $400,000 staircase project to Campbellfield group Infracon late last year.

Tomkinsons Engineering’s John Guise designed the new staircase. He said it has been engineered to withstand flood and fire while allowing the best access possible to the falls. 

“The design was based around trying to get the best access possible to the top viewing area so more people could get a view. There was no viewing point on the old staircase,” he said. “Next was to replace the unsafe stairs. It should now be a much easier journey up and down.” 

Parks Victoria and the Victorian Mineral Water Committee funded the project. Construction commenced in January.

Obtaining funding, checking cultural sensitivity and gaining permits caused delays prior to construction. 

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was important to reflect on the important role mineral springs play in the district. “There is a bright future for our mineral springs ahead,” she said. 

Local resident Stefan Nechwatal’s property borders the falls. He had been closely following the progress of the new staircase. 

“This is our special place. I can enjoy it when people aren’t here,” he said. 

“Over the last couple of years visitation has dropped away dramatically. This will be huge for the region, especially local business. It will really get on the map.”

Mr Nechwatal said he was once again expecting to see tourist buses stopping at the site on their way through to Daylesford from Melbourne.