Lorne Waterfalls Circuit is a 28.2km, grade 4 hike located in the Great Otway National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 8 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
The Great Otway National Park is a spectacular area of native forest, and there are plenty of opportunities to get closer to nature with walking tracks and trails in the area, many leading to spectacular crashing waterfalls.
This Lorne Waterfalls Circuit commences at the Sheoak Falls Carpark and visits eight waterfalls within the bushland surrounding Lorne. This circuit can be taken in any direction and there are in fact a number of possible starting points for you to consider.
Note: There are no official campsites along this route so it will be a long and tiring day-hike. Ensure you leave early enough in order the complete the circuit. If planning as an overnight hike, consider your start points so that you can access nearby campsites.
Along this circuit you will visit Sheoak Falls, Swallow Cave Falls, Phantom Falls, Henderson Falls, Won Wondah Falls, Lower Kalimna Falls, Upper Kalimna Falls and Cumberland Falls before returning to the trail-head via Castle Rock (an optional 1.5km side trip).
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 284 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 1220 m
Total descent: -1220 m
Trail features
- Rough Trail
- Waterfalls
- Rainforest
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
- Overnight Campsites
Tips
- Trail can be muddy and slippery
- Expect fallen trees to scramble over
- Leeches may be present on this hike
Trail location
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Getting there
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 Sheoak Falls carpark is located 5.7km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, 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 Sheoak Falls carpark is located 5.7km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, along the Great Ocean Road.
Gallery
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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.
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Gear to consider

My 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. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
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.
0 Reviews on “Lorne Waterfalls Circuit (28.2km)”
Zita Garner here’s a challenge for us . One day!
I did this circuit as my third hike when i sgarted out, its hard work but awesome.
Claire Wood
Jenny Chant Dominique Smith Mandy Vistuer when we’re allowed out to play again 🙂
Hiked this route over two days (7.5 hours total) with my 11yo daughter, camping at Sharps Track camp site in Sept ’18. The camp site is rudimentary with no toilet or water available – fires are not permitted – and is 1.3kms along Sharps track from the junction of Sharps track and the track to Won Wondah falls . There are 6 “first in” sites, and it’s a popular car camping site – plan to get there early if you want a designated camp site and allow time for the extra 2.6kms hike in and out. The track to Upper Kalima falls is currently closed due to boardwalk damage. Plenty of water spilling over the rest of the falls at this time of year though. Portaloos are plentiful at Sheoak picnic ground. A great little hike through some beautiful National Park – the Canyon is a particularly spectacular section.