With 10 waterfalls within 10km of Lorne and over 60km of marked tracks, there is plentiful time to indulge in the quiet that comes with the soft pitter-patter of flowing water.
Filled every which way with natural beauty Lorne is the perfect place to fall in love with the great outdoors all-year-round, but especially in the cooler months when the waterfalls are spectacularly overflowing.
Be hypnotized by the roar of falling droplets pounding the depths below as Lorne and surrounding Otway’s region invites you to experience the delight of some of Australia’s most sensational waterfalls. Accessed by a range of pleasurable walking tracks, you’ll discover delightful eucalyptus trees, rocky gorges and marvellous ferns along the way.
For more information on these charming waterfalls enquire at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.
Download the Lorne Walks and Waterfalls Map to plan your experience.
One of the most popular waterfalls in the Otway’s, the Erskine Falls is famous for it’s remarkable 30 metre plunge into a lavish tree-fern gully. These falls are attractive even when there is little water tumbling into the pool below.
The easiest way to see the Falls is to drive to the Erskine Falls Car Park up Erskine Falls road behind Lorne. The first lookout is reached by a 300 metre return walk, or alternatively walk the 700 metre walk to the base of Erskine Falls (300 plus steps).
Amble along a gentle track to reach Won Wondah Falls. A short walk, just 3.6km long, the entire family can journey through the midst of a glorious fern gully, crossing paths with these spectacular natural phenomenons along the way.
A calm track with a few small dips and raises, Henderson Falls leads past Won Wondah falls and into the arms of a gigantic eucalyptus tree. Also suitable for those desiring a relaxed and atmospheric afternoon, Henderson Falls offers something special for the entire family.
After crossing the St George River and skirting around the edge of an orchard, this walk climbs on a vehicle track above the rocky bed of the St George River before descending to a pool at the base of the scenic Phantom Falls.
A moderate 3.5km walk return; Phantom Falls is one for those lazy Sunday adventurers. From above the falls there is a track leading to the Canyon and Sheoak Picnic Area for those looking to expand this walk.
The Kalimna Falls walk follows the route of a timber tramway used for transporting timber to the Lorne Pier between the 1890s and 1920s. The Lower Kalimna Falls provides the opportunity walk behind them and look out through the falling water to the large pool surrounded by mossy logs and rocks. This is an easy 6.5km return walk. Continue walking towards Upper Kalimna Falls, which are a series of cascades viewed from a platform, expanding the walk to 8.5km return.
This is a quick and easy walk directly off the Great Ocean Road. It is only 10 minutes from the car park to get the first glimpse of the falls. While they are not the largest, they’re quite beautiful as they flow down the dark rock face to the deep pool below. This is a 2.2km return walk.
One of the most beautiful river Valleys in the Otways, Cumberland Falls possesses many magnificent attributes. Experience the cool touch of peaceful pools on a hot summers day and delight in awe of dramatic cliffs and never ending views. The 6km return walk is at times tremulous, with numerous river crossing and some unsteady rocks under foot. Those with a taste for adventure will fall in love with Cumberland Falls and never look back.
Continuing walking uphill from Sheoak Falls and you’ll come across the quaint and beautiful Swallow Caves. The caves come alive from spring to autumn, when the sun is shining and nesting birds are present.
Walk through tall eucalyptus and lush tree ferns to an open area at the base of breathtaking cascades, which flow over a series of exposed shale ledges and are formed by luxuriant ferns and mosses. A 4.2km round trip, pack up your lunches and prepare to get acquainted with the glorious earthly surroundings. Start at Blanket Leaf Picnic ground.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
