Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 431m
Min elevation: 6m
Total Ascent: 942m
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.
Practical information
- The creek and river crossings can be very slippery, so take care.
- You could start this hike in the township.
- Remember your camera.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 431 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 942 m
Total descent: -941 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Great Otway National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.




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1 Review on “Erskine Falls Circuit Walk (23km)”
Stunning trail. V technical in some parts.
This hike is a long but incredibly rewarding day out. The waterfalls and cascades along the way really enhance the experience, and the natural surroundings are nothing short of stunning – from the misty fairy-like atmosphere to the towering ferns. We spotted plenty of mushrooms and beautiful orchids, adding to the charm of the trail. It was a bit of an adventurous and challenging hike, especially after the rain, which left the rocks slippery and tricky to navigate. It definitely made things more challenging, but the beauty of the hike more than made up for it.
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