Trail summary

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Quick overview: Experience the best of Victoria's Great Otway National Park with the challenging Lorne Waterfalls Loop. This Grade 4, 35km circuit hike takes two days, immersing experienced hikers in stunning rainforest terrain and iconic waterfalls. Starting from the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, the trail offers memorable stops at Erskine Falls, Phantom Falls, and Henderson Falls Loop before returning to Lorne. Remember to secure a camping permit for the Allenvale Campground and treat available water sources with caution.

Length: 35km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

End: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Location: Great Otway National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Lorne

From state capital: 140km

Latitude: -38.53346733502005

Longitude: 143.9713561534882

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike overview

The Lorne Waterfalls Loop is a demanding two-day hike covering approximately 35 kilometres within the Great Otway National Park, Victoria. This grade 4 hike leads to many of the region's iconic waterfalls and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Day One: Lorne to Allenvale Mill
Commencing at the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, the initial stage involves following the Erskine River track towards Erskine Falls. Along the way, hikers encounter Splitter Falls and Straw Falls before reaching the main destination. From Erskine Falls, the journey continues along the Lemonade Creek Track to Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, a suitable location for a lunch break. The afternoon's itinerary includes a trek to Phantom Falls via Corra Lyn Cascade, culminating at Allenvale Campground for an overnight stay.

Day Two: Henderson Falls Loop and Return to Lorne
Day two commences with a return to Phantom Falls before turning towards The Canyon, Henderson Falls, and Won Wondah Falls. The route then leads back to Allenvale carpark and follows the St George River track to its estuary. Hikers can choose to ascend to Teddy's Lookout for panoramic views, take a shortcut via Charles Street, or follow the coastal path back to Lorne.

Additional Options and Considerations
For those seeking a more extensive adventure, the itinerary can be extended to include Upper and Lower Kalimina Falls, Cumberland Falls, and a detour to Cumberland River. The park offers several swimming spots, including Cumberland River, Jebb's Pool, Phantom Falls, the St George estuary, and Lorne Surf Beach.

Camping permits are required for Allenvale Campground and can be obtained through Parks Victoria. Water sources are available throughout the hike, though filtration is recommended. Rainwater tanks at Allenvale Campground, Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, and Sheoak Picnic Area are present but should be treated with caution.

This demanding hike rewards experienced hikers with breathtaking waterfalls, lush rainforest, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Great Otway National Park.

Want to find the best trails in the Great Otway National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia offers a comprehensive guide to walking, hiking, and running routes across the country.

This an alternative to the Lorne Waterfalls Circuit.

Details provided by Hamish Edwards

Tips

This hike involves numerous river crossings, which can become challenging after rainfall.
The trail can also be muddy in sections, even during dry periods.
Due to the potential for snake encounters, it is advisable to wear long pants and ensure your first aid kit includes compression bandages.
Familiarising yourself with the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) for snakebite treatment is recommended.

Trail features

Well Marked Trail
Beach & Coastal
Waterfalls
Rivers
Rainforest
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water
Swimming Spots

Map and GPX file

Lorne Waterfalls: Loop Hike (35km)

Total distance: 33809 m
Max elevation: 433 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1413 m
Total descent: -1423 m

Download file: Lorne%20Waterfalls%20Loop.gpx

Getting there

Lorne Waterfalls: Loop Hike (35km)

Lorne is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne. To reach the trailhead, follow the Great Ocean Road from Geelong. The trailhead is located near the Foodworks supermarket on the northern side of Lorne. Parking is available at the rear of the supermarket where there are no time restrictions. Alternatively, public transport options are available. A bus service operates four times daily between Geelong and Apollo Bay. However, the earliest departure from Geelong is at 10:00 AM, arriving in Lorne at 12:00 PM. To maximise your hiking time, consider spending the night in Lorne if undertaking this hike on a weekend.

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Access conditions

2WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Camping Area

Photo gallery

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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.

About the region

Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. This mountain range acts as a barrier which lifts up the cool moist air coming off Bass Straight and causing significant rainfall. This supplies the cold, dense rain forests that the Otway's around Lorne are known for and also leads to large network of rivers with abundant waterfalls.

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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Looking for things to do in Great Otway National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Lorne Waterfalls: Loop Hike (35km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

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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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Tips

Trail features

Map and GPX file

Lorne Waterfalls: Loop Hike (35km)