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
Jamieson Creek Campground
Sheoak Falls
Allenvale Campground
Erskine Falls
Big Hill Campground
Cumberland Falls Walk
How to get there
Lorne
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.
When you're there
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.
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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.Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work
Parks Victoria will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025. To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites. Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors. Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63. -
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 East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire East campground- Temporary Closure
The Aire River East campground will be temporarily closed from June 1st until October 30th 2025 due to wet conditions.Alternative camping is available at the Aire west campground or Johanna Beach campground.Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025Aire 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. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground
Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park. -
Aire Crossing Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Halls Ridge Rd - Seasonally CLOSED
- Halls Ridge Rd in the Great Otway National Park is seasonally closed from late May 2025 until re-opening in Spring 2025.
- Aire Crossing camp ground can be accessed via Phillips Tk and Aire Crossing Tk to the north.
- Closed areas of the National Park are subject to National Park Regulations.
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Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Maits Rest walk closure
Maits Rest is temporarily closed due to tree fall damage to the track. Alternative walking is available at Melba Gully near Lavers Hill.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.