Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the 20.5km Cumberland River Trail, a Grade 3 moderate hike nestled in the Otways, Australia. Begin and end your circuit at the Cumberland River Holiday Park, passing the serene Cumberland Falls and exploring Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls along the way. This trail, with its dramatic cliffs, tranquil pools, and historic timber tramway route, offers an unforgettable bushwalking experience. Make sure to bring your swimmers for a dip in Jebb's Pool and prepare for some rock scrambling along the journey.

Length:

20.5km

Duration:

6.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 269m

Min elevation: -25m

Total Ascent: 2535m

Start: Cumberland River Holiday Park

End: Cumberland River Holiday Park

Great Otway National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Lorne

From state capital: 149km

Latitude: -38.574856

Longitude: 143.94889

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Hike overview

The Cumberland River Trail hike takes in the well-known Cumberland Falls, Upper and Lower Kalimna falls. The circuit starts and ends at the Cumberland River Holiday Park and can be undertaken in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This hike takes in three of The Otway's most spectacular waterfalls.

Cumberland River and Cumberland Falls
This is one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otways, with dramatic cliffs, and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summer day. It is an easy walk to Jebb's Pool but beyond that to Cumberland Falls there are numerous river crossings and some scrambling over rocks.

Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls
The Kalimna Falls walk follows the route of a timber tramway used for transporting timber to the Lorne Pier between the 1890s and 1920s. Very few trees escaped the logging. The Lower Falls are not large, but you can get behind them and look out through the falling water to the large pool surrounded by mossy logs and rocks. The Upper Falls are a series of cascades viewed from a platform.

Tips

Hiking poles useful for river crossings
There are several low river crossings on the Cumberland River that should not be attempted at high river levels.
Slippery when wet

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Cumberland River Trail Walk (20.5km)

Total distance: 20512 m
Max elevation: 269 m
Min elevation: -25 m
Total climbing: 2535 m
Total descent: -2521 m

Thanks to Kyle Schonewille for contributing this hike

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.

From Melbourne by car
Follow the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne to Geelong, then take the Great Ocean Road (B100) through Torquay to Lorne. Or follow the Princes Highway (M1) from Melbourne to Geelong to Winchelsea (A1). Then take C151 via Deans Marsh to Lorne. The Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, along the Great Ocean Road.

Public Transport to Lorne
V-line train/coach services depart daily from Melbourne to Geelong and along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne and Apollo Bay. V-line coach services connect along the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell and Warrnambool on Friday all year (extra service during December -January). V-line enquiries – phone 136196. The Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, along the Great Ocean Road.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Small Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

About the region

Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of the Great Otway National Park. Great Otway National Park is in southern Victoria, Australia. It covers rugged coastland, beaches and the mountains of the Otway Ranges. Waterfalls dot the park, including the 3 cascades of Triplet Falls. Boardwalks lead through temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. The 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation perches on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Great Ocean Walk leads through the park to the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Great Otway National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Cumberland River Trail Walk (20.5km)

3 Reviews on “Cumberland River Trail Walk (20.5km)”

Overall rating

Adrian Hinton

This looks amazing! ??

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Josh Edwards
  
  Tim Dare we should run this
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Leesa Swanson
    
    Tracky Dax yeah I think an overnight camp could be on the cards ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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    1. Leesa Swanson
      
      Tracky Dax yeah I think an overnight camp could be on the cards ?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:23
      
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2. Sarah Illingworth
  
  Yesssss
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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3. Sarah Illingworth
  
  Yesssss
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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Simone Goodwin

Rhiannon Morgan Sarah Illingworth Emma Logan this looks like a good one!

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Michelle Shannon

Terry Shannon

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Debbie Reissmann

Peter ??

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Leesa Swanson

Suzie Sharp Tracky Dax Joelene Gordon-Cooke for when the weather warms up a bit? I don’t feel like getting my feet wet in this weather lol

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Jess Boyle

Stede Nyland lucky we didn’t stop here and just wing it

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Natalie Jane Birt

Tania SmithSmithCass Fitzgerald

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Kathleen Lau

Debbie Joyce de Belle

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Lauren Allen
  
  Eliza Shannon
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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  1. Megan Martinuzzo
    
    Jac Quie it’d be awesome to do! I’ll make sure I get to the lookout one day
    
    24/03/2022, 05:22
    
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    1. Megan Martinuzzo
      
      Jac Quie is thjs the one?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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      1. Stede Nyland
        
        Jess Boyle was going to tag you earlier. But didnt want a hunger to go down there again. Only so many weeks left haha
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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      2. Mollie Elms
        
        Kyle Olinga we could do this!!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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    2. Muhammad Naim
      
      Jay Daluz one day we do this gradually…
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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    3. Tammee Mitchell
      
      Josh Mitchell let’s do this one
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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    4. Krysta Beckenham
      
      Julie Schier when you get back and the weather is nicer
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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      1. Zoe Cant
        
        Lana Mae
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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    5. Tanya Blacker
      
      Kat Hutton Trace soft!!! ??
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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    6. Tanya Blacker
      
      Kat Hutton Trace We should stay down at Lorne one weekend and do this hike. ? ????
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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  2. Sarah Frew
    
    Josh Frew
    
    24/03/2022, 05:22
    
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2. Renai Crowe
  
  Joanna Jo-anna ZMel
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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  1. Rebekka Fairweather
    
    Katrina Haley ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:22
    
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3. Tim Dare
  
  Josh Edwards yes Josh let’s do that it looks great?.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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Matt Peter

Aimee Keays

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Robin Robin

Chelsie Sinkins well do this after a few starter hikes

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Cumberland River Trail Walk (20.5km)