Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 269m
Min elevation: -25m
Total Ascent: 2535m
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
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 269 m
Min elevation: -25 m
Total climbing: 2535 m
Total descent: -2521 m
Thanks to Kyle Schonewille for contributing this hike
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Great Otway National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
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.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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.
3 Reviews on “Cumberland River Trail Walk (20.5km)”
This looks amazing! ??
Tim Dare we should run this
Tracky Dax yeah I think an overnight camp could be on the cards ?
Tracky Dax yeah I think an overnight camp could be on the cards ?
Yesssss
Yesssss
Rhiannon Morgan Sarah Illingworth Emma Logan this looks like a good one!
Terry Shannon
Peter ??
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
Stede Nyland lucky we didn’t stop here and just wing it
Tania SmithSmithCass Fitzgerald
Debbie Joyce de Belle
Eliza Shannon
Jac Quie it’d be awesome to do! I’ll make sure I get to the lookout one day
Jac Quie is thjs the one?
Jess Boyle was going to tag you earlier. But didnt want a hunger to go down there again. Only so many weeks left haha
Kyle Olinga we could do this!!
Jay Daluz one day we do this gradually…
Josh Mitchell let’s do this one
Julie Schier when you get back and the weather is nicer
Lana Mae
Kat Hutton Trace soft!!! ??
Kat Hutton Trace We should stay down at Lorne one weekend and do this hike. ? ????
Josh Frew
Joanna Jo-anna ZMel
Katrina Haley ?
Josh Edwards yes Josh let’s do that it looks great?.
Aimee Keays
Chelsie Sinkins well do this after a few starter hikes