The Mount Defiance - Jamieson Creek walk is a 22 km circuit trail near Lorne, Victoria, that utilises 4WD tracks of varying condition, width, use (seasonly closed to vehicles), a well formed unsealed road and the Great Ocean Road.
Starting at the Cumberland River Camping Ground carpark on the Great Ocean Road, the walk circumnavigates the Jamieson Creek Catchment. The 4WD Cumberland Track commences behind the Camping ground office and after an initial steep climb is a steady climb along the ridge line for 9 km to Curtis Track. The Cumberland River catchment is on the right side.
The track narrows on progress up the ridge line. Nice views of Castle Rock across the Cumberland River valley early on in the hike. The tracks becomes muddy near Curtis Track. Turn left into Curtis Track. Curtis Track was very muddy with big ponds of water. Turn left from Curtis Track into Wye Road which is a well formed unsealed road. Forest scenery is beautiful in this area.
Continue down Wye Road and turn left into the sign posted 4WD Jamieson Track. Spectacular views of the Great Ocean Road as you progress down Jamieson Track to the Jamieson Camping ground. Continue to the Great Ocean Road and either walk the last 4km section along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy the coastal views or if the tide is suitable along the beach (lots of rock scrambling). The other option would be to arrange a car shuffle to avoid this last section.
A challenging walk due to distance, muddy sections and some steep climbs but well worth it for the magnificent scenery, both forest and coast.
Details and images by Gregg Campbell
- Navigation is easy as you basically keep turning left.
- No river or creek crossings.
- Upper end of Cumberland Track and Curtis Track muddy during the wetter times of the year.
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Total distance: 21961 m
Max elevation: 478 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 1044 m
Total descent: -1044 m
Getting to the trailhead: Great Otway National Park.
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 Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, 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 Cumberland River Holiday Park is located 7.8km past the Lorne Visitors Information Centre, west of Lorne, along the Great Ocean Road.
Closest towns to this walk: Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, Colac, Forrest, Lavers Hill, Lorne, Skenes Creek, Wye River
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Accessible Parking
- Picnic Table
- Camping Area
The 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
Looking for more walks in or near Great Otway National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
/Wye-Road.jpg "Mount Defiance - Jamieson Creek Circuit Hike (22km)")
/Coast-View.jpg "Mount Defiance - Jamieson Creek Circuit Hike (22km)")
