Trail Fast Facts
Erskine Falls Circuit is a 23km, grade 4 hike in Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 6 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Unveiling Multiple Waterfalls: The Erskine Falls Circuit Walk
Discover a hidden cascade paradise on the Erskine Falls Circuit Walk, a captivating journey through the heart of Great Otway National Park. This extended hike goes beyond the iconic Erskine Falls, treating you to a variety of stunning waterfalls.
The Erskine Falls Circuit Walk demands dedication due to its distance, but the rewards are unmatched. Lush fern gullies and cascading waters create an unforgettable adventure.
Begin your adventure at the Allenvale Mill carpark. Follow the clear trail markers across the road, leading you towards Phantom Falls. The initial path winds across a bridge and through an orchard before following the scenic Saint George River. Keep an eye out for the turnoff to Canyon Walk on your left, but stay on the main path until you reach the descent to Phantom Falls on your right. After admiring its beauty, continue downstream and cross the bridge to tackle the next leg.
The trail weaves through Cora Lynn Creek multiple times before revealing the cascading wonder of Cora Lynn. Retrace your steps, and after roughly a kilometer, you'll encounter a turnoff to the campground on your right. Stay on the main trail, and shortly after, a junction to the Lemonade Creek trail will appear on your left. Take this detour, and after approximately 750 meters, you'll reach the main road.
Cross the road and follow the vehicle track for roughly 250 meters. Here, you'll find the turnoff to Erskine Falls on your left. Enjoy a leisurely walk for a couple of kilometers until you reach the carpark for the falls. Descend the designated path to witness the majestic Erskine Falls in all its glory.
Ascend from the awe-inspiring Erskine Falls and follow the path downstream. The initial terrain might be slightly rugged, but the rewards are substantial. You'll encounter the cascading wonders of Straw Falls and Splitter Falls along the way. Keep following the path downstream until you reach the caravan park. Walk through it to reach the main road. Turn right, and at the roundabout, take Otway Street uphill. Once you reach the roundabout at the top, take Allenvale Road to return to the carpark, completing your Erskine Falls Circuit Walk adventure.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Tips
- The creek and river crossings can be very slippery, so take care.
- You could start this hike in the township.
- Remember your camera.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 431 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 942 m
Total descent: -941 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
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. At the roundabout head uphill on Otway Street. When you reach the roundabout at the top take Allenvale Road back to the carpark.
About the region
Unveil the Majesty of Great Otway National Park
Stretch along the iconic Great Ocean Road, Great Otway National Park in southern Victoria, Australia, boasts a tapestry of landscapes. Traverse windswept coastlines, encounter cascading waterfalls amidst towering mountain forests, or delve into the temperate rainforests on boardwalks at Maits Rest. Hike sections of the Great Ocean Walk, a multi-day adventure that winds through the park towards the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles rock formations.
History buffs can immerse themselves in the 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. Nature lovers will find solace by the cascading Triplet Falls or exploring the diverse range of wildlife the park protects, including koalas, echidnas, and colorful parrots.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
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Weather
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 “Erskine Falls Circuit Walk (23km)”
Tim Dare, we should run this.
Maddison Ruggiero Adeline Dickson Jessie Roder
Josh O’Hare
Kerryn.Nicole..
Looks like a good day trek. Same distance as our second day on Kumano Kodo. Fair drive tho. Junies Ben
Mark Bolger that’s a good one to do!
James Goonan
Kate Moore
Hey just wondering is there anywhere along the track to spend a night and do this over two days
Mick Edens
Jill
Sarah Jane