Erskine Falls

Three visitors stand on a wooden viewing platform admiring the waterfall in lush temperate rainforest environment.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Erskine Falls

Great Otway National Park

Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out. A short diversion from the Great Ocean Road and 15 minutes from Lorne, you can park close to the 30-metre cascade - or enjoy it as part of a longer, secluded walk through lush rainforest.

The Otway Ranges are infamous for their high rainfall - but on the plus side all that water means lush green fern gullies carved out by rivers and waterfalls. Erskine Falls is particularly popular among the waterfalls of the Otways, plunging (or trickling, depending on recent rainfall levels) down a 30-metre drop.

There's an easy walk to the first lookout or a more strenuous but rewarding climb down 230 steps to the second lookout, where you will see the waterfall in all its glory. The Erskine River Walk to Lorne continues off downstream from here if you are prepared for the 7.5km walk.

Erskine Falls makes a great half-day trip away from the beach if you are holidaying in Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the Great Ocean Road. Combine it with a trip to one or more of the other beautiful waterfalls near Lorne, such as Sheoak or Kalimna Falls.

As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Erskine Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.

Things to do

 
A couple stand and admire Sheoak Falls near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

Sheoak Falls

The Sheoak Falls Walk weaves its way from the coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak Creek and through wet forest to the hidden cascades of Sheoak Falls.
Henderson Falls near Sheoak Picnic Area at Lorne in the Great Otway National Park

Sheoak Picnic Area

Sheoak Picnic Area has a pretty good claim to be the waterfall capital of Victoria. Walks from this clearing surrounded by tall trees lead to at least six waterfalls through some gorgeous scenery.
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.

How to get there

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls is a 15 minute drive off the Great Ocean Road at Lorne. Take Erskine Falls Road. 
Erskine Falls

When you're there

There are no toilets at Erskine Falls. The nearest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground.

The Erskine Falls Walk from the carpark is short, but you'll need to descend 230 stone steps. There are places to rest on the way down.

If you would like a longer and beautiful walk away from the crowds, you can take the Erskine River Walk (7.5km one way). Start at the Erskine Falls carpark. After seeing Erskine Falls, walk past Straw Falls, Splitter Falls and huge rock slabs that form cascades. The walk is challenging at times and involves some tricky rock hopping and river crossings. It finishes in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park. 

For an easier and shorter walk, park your car at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and take the Lemonade Creek Walk to Erskine Falls (4.4km one way).

You can pick up walking guides and brochures from the Visitor Information Centre in Lorne. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go. 

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Need to know

Erskine Falls

Accessibility

Blanket Leaf Picnic Area has accessible picnic tables, and some shelter. There are toilet facilities near the car park, though the designated accessible facility does not meet all access criteria.

Erskine Falls is a short drive (approx 2km) from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area. There is a walk from the car park to the falls, but no facilities at this site. The path up to the falls viewing area is quite steep with uneven steps and a loose gravel surface.

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.
    A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.
    Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.
    We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.

    Event = Great Ocean Walk - Saturday, 25 October 2025

    NOTICE TO PARK VISITORS
    A permitted trail running event will be operating on the Great Ocean Walk trail system on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

    Event: Great Ocean Trail Ultra
    Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
    Time: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (20 hours)
    Route: Apollo Bay to Princetown Recreation Reserve via Great Ocean Walk
    Participants: Up to 400 registered runners (100km and 45km events)
    ________________________________________
    AFFECTED AREAS AND TIMES
    Morning Activity (Higher Impact Period)
    • Apollo Bay vicinity: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
    • Blanket Bay Day Use Area: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    • Cape Otway Lightstation Car Park: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Aire River West Campground: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Peak Activity Period
    • Castle Cove Lookout: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Johanna Beach Day Use Area: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (includes 45km event start)
    • Parker Access Track/Great Ocean Road: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    Evening Activity
    • Princetown Recreation Reserve: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (finish line area)
    • GOW Lookout Car Park (near 12 Apostles): 1:30 PM - midnight
    ________________________________________
    WHAT TO EXPECT
    For Great Ocean Walk Users:
    • The Great Ocean Walk remains fully open to public use
    • You may encounter trail runners throughout the day
    • Participants are required to give way to walkers and be courteous
    • Event marshals positioned at key locations to assist
    Facility Access:
    • All public toilets and facilities remain available
    • Car parks accessible (brief periods of increased activity expected)
    • Campground facilities protected - event routes bypass overnight camping areas
    • Walk-in campsites not affected by event operations
    Traffic Considerations:
    • Minimal road impact - event follows walking trails
    • Brief activity at Great Ocean Road crossings with marshal supervision
    • "Event in Progress" signage displayed at key locations
    ________________________________________
    ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
    Parks Victoria confirms the following protective measures are in place:
    • Mandatory compliance with cinnamon fungus prevention protocols
    • Leave No Trace principles enforced for all participants
    • Waste management systems - all event waste removed from parks
    • Professional medical support and emergency response procedures
    • Regular monitoring by experienced event management team
    ________________________________________
    WEATHER AND CONDITIONS
    This event is subject to cancellation or modification due to:
    • South West District Fire danger ratings (Extreme or Catastrophic conditions)  
    • Severe weather warnings
    • Track closure requirements
    • Emergency service direction
    Event organisers monitor conditions closely and will cancel if necessary to ensure public and participant safety.
    ________________________________________
    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    Parks Victoria Information Centre:
    📞 13 1963
    Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA):
    📞 1300 736 533
    Event Information:

    Emergency Services: 000
    ________________________________________
    This notice will remain in effect until Monday, 27 October 2025

    Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar People as Traditional Owners of these lands and waters and recognises their ongoing connection to Country.

    Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity

    Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail Conditions
    Recent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.

    Safety Recommendations
    • Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
    • Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
    • Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards. 
    Protected Wildlife Notice
    • Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife. 
    • It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
    • Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
    • Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
    • If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
    Ecosystem Importance
    • Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
    • Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
    Reporting & Contacts
    For any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contact 
    Parks Victoria on 131963 or visit the 
    Conservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.

    Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.

    Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)

  • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire River West campground - Flood impacts

    Aire River West Campground has been impacted by flooding. Sites 17 to 40 are currently not accessible until the 29th for October. Sites 1 to 16 are unaffected at this time.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

Similar experiences

 
Water cascades down the granite rockface at Eurobin Falls.

Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls

At Ladies Bath Falls, water cascades into a perfectly clear pool of water, while at Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls, Crystal Creek spills spectacularly over a formidable granite escarpment.
Two people standing on viewing platform looking at waterfall.

Best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road

Looking for awe-inspiring waterfalls in Victoria? Explore these four must-visit waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road over two days.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm