The Lorne Waterfalls Circuit is a spectacular 28.2km, grade 4 hike located in The Great Otway National Park, Victoria. The hike should take approximately 8hrs to complete.

Summary

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).

About the Falls

Sheoak Falls

While not falling for a great distance, the water passes over a dark rock face within a natural amphitheatre, making for spectacular viewing.

Swallow Cave Falls
Often referred to as Upper Sheoak Falls as it is really just the Upper part of Sheoak and not a separate waterfall.

Phantom Falls
Spectacular 15m falls along the St Georges River from the Allenvale Road car park.

Henderson Falls
Picturesque, 8- to 10-meter cascade located in a tranquil fern gully.

Won Wondah Falls
Picturesque, 8- to 10-meter cascade located in a tranquil fern gully.

Lower Kalimna Falls
Water trickles from an overhanging rock ledge leaving a large cave behind the falls. A large plunge pool surrounded by rich ferns and mossy rock completes this natural gem.

Upper Kalimna Falls
The falls plunge over an undercut rock ledge into a tranquil fern-fringed pool.

Cumberland Falls
One of the most beautiful river Valleys in the Otways, Cumberland Falls possesses many magnificent attributes.

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.

Tips

• Trail can be muddy and slippery
• Expect fallen trees to scramble over
• Leeches may be present on this hike