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

     
    Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in 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 couple prepare a meal at their camp ground at Lakeside in Fraser Camping Area in the Lake Eildon 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.

    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.

    • Alcoa Powerline Trail head (Anglesea Heath Alcoa Agreement Area)

      Alcoa Powerline Track Closed until further notice

      Alcoa Powerline Track closed until further notice due to safety concerns.

    • Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)

      Walking Track Closed-Great Ocean Walk - Johanna to Ryans Den

      Please note: Day 6 section - Johanna Beach Campground to Ryans Den is closed. All campgrounds along the Great Ocean Walk are open however walkers cannot continue along the trail from Johanna Beach Campground to Ryans Den.
      A section of natural rock wall cliff face has subsided to the east of Ryans Den. 
      With recent severe weather conditions, there is potential for further landslides and rock falls in this area. It is not safe for walkers and it will be closed at least until 26th January 2022, pending further essential works to make this area safe.
      If walking from Johanna Beach Campground, arrange transport to take you to Ryans Den Access Track in order to continue the Great Ocean Walk. A Licensed Tour Operator along the Great Ocean Road may be able to assist. All campgrounds along the Great Ocean Walk remain open including Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den. Visitor safety is our top priority and we are working to re-open this section of the walk as soon as it is safe.

      A map of the Great Ocean Walk

    • Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Kalimna Tramline link Walk 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. 

    • Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Upper Kalimna Falls are Closed

      The Upper Kalimna Falls viewing platform and access track are closed due to damage to the platform. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Garvey Track is Closed

      Garvey Track is closed due to damage. Sharps Track is a suitable detour if required. 

    • Great Otway National Park

      Access restricted at Jarosite Headlands between Point Addis and Southside Beach

      • A 450m section of beach at Jarosite Headlands, between Point Addis and Southside, has had access restricted.
      • Do not enter exclusion zone 10m from base of cliff.
      • Do not stay stationary within 10m - 30m from base of cliff.
      • Visitors must take note of signage in place. 
      • Landslips and rockfalls are unpredictable and can occur without warning. Like all coastal environments, these cliffs are subject to dynamic weather events and prone to cracking, erosion, landslips and rockfall.

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