Lorne

Lorne

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    Lorne

    Great Otway National Park

    The coastal town of Lorne is where the bush meets the beach. Expect white sandy beaches, clifftops and incredible coastal vistas, numerous waterfall walks and picnic areas fringed by lush fern gullies. Walkers are spoilt for choice in this pocket of the Great Otway National Park, with Sheoak Falls and the longer Canyon Walk standing out.

    With over 10 waterfall walks within 10 minutes of Lorne, enter the waterfall capital of Australia and experience a lost world of emerald green gullies.

    Discover the magnificent Erskine Falls which flows year-round and only a short drive from town. A short walk down more than 270 steps leads to a lookout at the base of the falls. Admire one of the highest drops in the Otways as you watch the water cascade over the moss-laden cliff face and plunge into the gully below.

    The pleasant Blanket Leaf Picnic Area is nestled among tall eucalyptus trees and has everything you need for a peaceful day out, including accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelter. Stroll to Cora Lynn Cascade or follow Lemonade Creek Walk to approach Erskine Falls from a different angle.

    Sheoak Picnic Area is a hub for those wanting to chase waterfalls, with walks leading to Kalimna, Sheoak, Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls. The tranquil picnic ground contains accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelters - perfect if you want to make a day of your visit!

    Also starting at Sheoak Picnic Area, the Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls Walk requires preparation. The 8km trail follows the old timber tramway through shady fern gullies and tall, open eucalypt forest.

    Choose from a range of camping opportunities in the area. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from Jamieson Creek Campground, relax on the banks of St George River at Allenvale Campground or unwind at Big Hill Campground after a day of mountain biking or four-wheel driving.   

    Alternatively, Sharps Campground offers basic camping with no facilities. Only a short distance from Lorne, this campground is ideally positioned to explore walking tracks, waterfalls, and coastline. Campsites are available on a first in first served basis (no bookings, no fees), and with only six campsites available early arrival is advisable to secure a site.                

    As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lorne is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do

     
    The ocean views from Jamieson Creek Campground at the Great Otway National Park

    Jamieson Creek Campground

    Set among coastal woodland and tall eucalypts, a short distance from Wye River, Jamieson Creek Campground is perfectly positioned to explore 4WD trails, Jamieson Creek walking track and nearby Cumberland River and Lorne trailheads. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from the campground looking out over the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
    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.
    A man relaxes reading a book next to his tent at Allenvale Mill Campground in the Great Otway National Park

    Allenvale Campground

    Nestled on the banks of St George River just beyond the outskirts of Lorne, Allenvale Campground is perfectly positioned to explore the coast and the bush. This is a walk-in camping area, although it's only a short walk to the campground (approximately 230 meters).
    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.
    Tents and ferns at Big Hill Campground in the Great Otway National Park

    Big Hill Campground

    Set in an open, easily accessible grassy area surrounded by tall forest, Bill Hill Campground is ideally positioned for mountain biking, four-wheel driving or relaxing in nature.
    Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

    Cumberland Falls Walk

    Explore the feeling of remoteness in one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otway Ranges. Memories of dramatic cliffs, gentle streams and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summer day will stay with you long after your visit.

    How to get there

    Lorne

    If you are travelling from Melbourne, Lorne is easily accessible via the Princes Freeway. Follow the freeway to Waurn Ponds and turn onto Anglesea Road which merges with the Great Ocean Road at Bellbrae.

    A bus service runs between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay, connecting with regional train services train services to Melbourne. Visit the PTV website for more information on buses and trains that connect to this part of the Great Otway National Park.
    Lorne

    When you're there

    The Lorne Visitor Information Centre proves a valuable stop with free brochures, maps and helpful volunteers to assist with travel advice. Download the Great Otway National Park - Lorne visitor guide for more information about this part of the park.

    When to go

    The beaches are ideal to visit during summer to escape the heat. Lemonade Walk and Cora Lyn Cascade are beautiful fern gully walks. If you want to walk your dog, take the the St George River walking track.

    Need to know

    Lorne

    Accessibility

    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.

    The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.

    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 Parks

      Garvey Track Closed until further notice.

      Garvey track will remain closed until further notice. Major road works are due to occur when conditions are suitable. 

    • Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

    • Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Kalimna Tramline Trail Closed

      This walking track 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.

    • Great Otway National Park

      This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events

      This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.

      Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

      A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
       
      For Great Otway National Park this includes:
      • Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
      • The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
      This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
       
      Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
       
      To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

    • 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.

    • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

    • Wye to Kennett River Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Wye River to Kennett River walking track detour

      Wye River - Kennett River walking track is closed between Wye River and Bird Track. Detour is available via Bird track which loops back with the walking track. Please allow additional time to complete this section (approximately 2.5km)

      Attachments: Wye to Kennett Walk_Map (1,246KB)

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Great Ocean Walk - conditions

      Walking Track -
      The Great Ocean Walk is experiencing wet and muddy conditions.  A wet winter and spring have seen conditions along most areas of the track maintain high levels of moisture, tending to mud in heavily tracked areas.  Walkers should not expect a dry walking track which will be slippery in areas. Some sections of track are prone to land slippage and rock fall.  Only attempt to cross these areas if safe to do so and report any slips to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.
       
      Camp sites -
      All sites are high in dampness.  More rainfall will see these conditions maintained.  Camp site water tanks are all fall as a positive.
       
      Tree Risk in Windy Conditions -
      Given high National Park soil moisture levels tree fall in windy conditions are probable.  Walkers and campers should be on heightened alert in windy conditions and avoid prolonged periods under tree canopy.  Wind forecasts of 30+kph should trigger a walker and camper alert level. Report tree fall over track and in camp sites to 13 1963 when within phone signal range.

      Great Ocean Walk - Helicopter operations

      Helicopter operations
      Subject to final approvals, some western sections of the Great Ocean Walk will be closed and access restricted on Tuesday 13 December 2022 between 0900hrs -1600hrs (conditions permitting).
      This is for sling load helicopter operations to improve camp site and walking track infrastructure.   Licenced Tour Operators and walkers should be aware of activity on this day and restrictions that will be in place via authorised Parks Victoria Rangers.
      Camp sites impacted – Ryans Den and Devils Kitchen
      Walking Track sections – Section 7 and 8

      Attachments: Restricted Area Map (105KB)

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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