Hike at a glance
Hike length
Average duration
Trail Difficulty
Hike Type
Technical details
Max elevation: 446m
Min elevation: 189m
Total Ascent: 451m
Trail details
Hike summary
Track difficulty
Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.
Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.
Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.
Planning essentials
Map and GPX file
Safety and preparation
Planning this hike?
Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Let someone know
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.
Free 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
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →
Accommodation nearby
Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.
Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River
Discover more
About the region
Explore nearby hikes
Photo gallery
Do you have any photos from this hike?
Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
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Weather on the trail
The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.
Trail Reviews
Notice something different about this trail?
Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
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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.
8 Reviews on “Horseshoe Falls Otways (12km)”
Walked this from the Big Hill Campground along Big Hill Track. This is a challenging hike with some off-trail sections, so be sure to wear proper footwear and be comfortable navigating with a map and compass. Coming from this direction there are a couple of tracks flagged Big Hill Track so make sure you’ve located the right one. There’s some flagging tape on the off trail section but it is still difficult to follow. I lost it, picked it up and lost it again only to find it again at the creek. If you can’t find the tape, make sure you are on the right spur and you can’t go wrong, just head down to Reedy Creek. Pretty falls and well worth the walk, noting there are easier waterfalls to access in the Otways.