Sheoak Falls

Waterfall flows into a mountain creek behind a walking visitor platform surrounded by lush tree ferns.

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Sheoak Falls

Great Otway National Park

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. This is one of the most popular waterfalls near Lorne and is a perfect break from your Great Ocean Road drive.

Sheoak Falls is a place of tranquillity and beauty just off the Great Ocean Road. Here, the waters of Sheoak Creek cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees.

It's a short walk from the carpark to the falls (although there are plenty of steps), so if you fancy a longer stroll, continue up the trail to see Swallow Cave. It's quite a climb, but you'll also see some alternative views of the falls along the way. This trail also requires a river crossing, so it might be impassable in the winter. At Swallow Cave, look out for Tree Martins, which live in the grotto during spring, summer and autumn. These birds use mud from the creek to build their nests.

For a longer and more challenging hike, you could park your car at Sheoak Picnic Area and walk the 3.6km trail (one way) to Sheoak Falls. Sheoak Picnic Area has better facilities than Sheoak Falls Carpark, including toilets and picnic benches.

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

Things to do

 
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.
Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.

How to get there

Sheoak Falls

Park your car at Sheoak Falls Carpark, which is a ten-minute drive along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne. Sheoak Falls is a 600m walk from Sheoak Falls Carpark. 
Sheoak Falls

When you're there

There are no toilets at Sheoak Falls Carpark. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go.

Sheoak Falls is not to be confused with Sheoak Picnic Area, which is nearby and a popular trailhead for several waterfall walks. It is possible to walk to Sheoak Falls from Sheoak Picnic Area, but the trail is 3.6km one way and it is a challenging hike.

Need to know

Sheoak Falls

Accessibility

Sheoak Falls carpark has a good smooth surface and good circulation. The tracks nearby are not so accessible as they have steep sections and steps. There are no picnic facilities or toilets onsite. The nearest facilities are in Lorne.

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

    Great Otway National Park Flood Closures

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park. 
     
    For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:
     
    Closures included but are not limited to :
     
    Erskine falls is limited to the top viewing platform.  Access to the base of the falls and along the river track is closed.


    Roads & Tracks 
    Wye Rd
    Curtis Track
    Godfrey Track
    Jamieson Track

    Walking tracks
    St George
    Phantom falls
    Lemonade ck
    Kalimna
    Henderson
    Cumberland
    Cumberland Garvey Link
    Kalimna Garvey Link
    Cora Lynn
    Erskine Falls Walking Track 
    Won Wondah
     
    Alternative walking tracks can be found at:
    Moggs Creek picnic area
    Distillery Creek picnic area
    Ocean Track
    Castle Rock 
    Sheoak Falls to Swallow caves
     
     
    Many roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.  
    The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,
     
     
    Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.
    Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.

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

    Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure

    Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.

    What to expect:
    Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this period
    Remaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditions

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle access
    Visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.
    The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions.

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

    Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure

    Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.

    This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.

    What to expect:
    No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.
    Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.
    Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Maits Rest Carpark – Temporary Partial Closure

    Visitors are advised that maintenance works will be undertaken at the Maits Rest Carpark in Great Otway National Park from 2 June to 4 June 2026.

    These works involve repairing and resurfacing sections of the carpark affected by pothole damage.

    What to expect:
    Partial closure of the carpark during works
    Reduced parking availability
    Construction activity and machinery on site

    Access:
    The carpark will remain partially open, with approximately half of the parking area available.
    Access to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk will remain open at all times.
    Visitors are asked to follow all signage and directions from contractors to ensure safety.

    We appreciate your patience while these essential maintenance works are completed

Similar experiences

 
A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

Mackenzie Falls

An easy stroll from the Mackenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of Mackenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
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.
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