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  2. Lorne Waterfalls Circuit (28.2km)

  • Length: 28.2km

  • Duration: 8hrs

  • Grade: 4

  • Style: Circuit

  • Start: Sheoak Falls Carpark

  • End: Sheoak Falls Carpark

  • Location: The Great Otway National Park

  • Closest Town: Lorne

  • Distance from CBD: 146km

  • State: VIC

  • Latitude: -38.568846

  • Longitude: 143.964677

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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.

Hike 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

Total distance: 28200 m
Max elevation: 284 m
Min elevation: 15 m
Total climbing: 1220 m
Total descent: -1220 m
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16 thoughts on “Lorne Waterfalls Circuit (28.2km)”

  1. 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.

    4. Sally Kenny yeah love it – really want to do the Otways now – but 28kms Grade 4 (that’s 8 hours) would be epic. Plus may be leeches!!!

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