Lorne

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

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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.   

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.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Delayneys Track Closed

    Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.

    Wye Road Closure

    Wye Road is temporarily closed for grading and landslip repair.  

    Temporary park closures Great Otway National Park

    Sections of the Great Otway National Park will be temporarily closed at night from Monday 15th April 2024 through to June 1st 2024 to allow for the safe delivery of park conservation work.  Temporary closed areas will be clearly sign posted.  All campgrounds will remain open during this operation.  For further information please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 or email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au

  • Other issues

    Sharps Campground permanently closed

    Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. 

  • Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure

    Due to multiple unsafe bridges the Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed indeffinately 

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

    Youngs Creek Track Closed Great Otway National Park

    Following recent rainfall and current conditions, Youngs Creek track within the Great Otway National Park is currently closed.

    Safety for our visitors and protection of the environment has led to this decision. The nearby Triplet Falls and Aire Crossing visitor sites remain open along with the tracks leading to them. 

  • Jamieson Creek (Great Otway National Park)

    Wye Road Temporary Closure

    Wye Road will be closed temporarily for grading and landslip repair.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Please take your rubbish home

    Reminder to campers and visitors to please take your rubbish home. Please do not put rubbish in toilets. Visitors have been placing rubbish in the pit toilets making human waste removal difficult. Parks appreciates your assistance in looking after the Park.

  • Blanket Bay Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Blanket Bay Campground- water supply

    Blanket Bay campground in Great Otway National Park water supply is very low. Campers are advised to bring their own water. 

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