Erskine Falls

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    Erskine Falls

    Great Otway National Park

    Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out. A short diversion from the Great Ocean Road and 15 minutes from Lorne, you can park close to the 30-metre cascade - or enjoy it as part of a longer, secluded walk through lush rainforest. 
    The Otway Ranges are infamous for their high rainfall - but on the plus side all that water means lush green fern gullies carved out by rivers and waterfalls. Erskine Falls is particularly popular among the waterfalls of the Otways, plunging (or trickling, depending on recent rainfall levels) down a 30-metre drop. 

    There's an easy walk to the first lookout or a more strenuous but rewarding climb down 230 steps to the second lookout, where you will see the waterfall in all its glory. The Erskine River Walk to Lorne continues off downstream from here if you are prepared for the 7.5km walk. 

    Erskine Falls makes a great half-day trip away from the beach if you are holidaying in Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the Great Ocean Road. Combine it with a trip to one or more of the other beautiful waterfalls near Lorne, such as Sheoak or Kalimna Falls. 

    Things to do

     
    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.
    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.
    A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

    Great Ocean Walk

    The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.

    How to get there

    Erskine Falls

    Erskine Falls is a 15 minute drive off the Great Ocean Road at Lorne. Take Erskine Falls Road. 
    Erskine Falls

    When you're there

    There are no toilets at Erskine Falls. The nearest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground.

    The Erskine Falls Walk from the carpark is short, but you'll need to descend 230 stone steps. There are places to rest on the way down.

    If you would like a longer and beautiful walk away from the crowds, you can take the Erskine River Walk (7.5km one way). Start at the Erskine Falls carpark. After seeing Erskine Falls, walk past Straw Falls, Splitter Falls and huge rock slabs that form cascades. The walk is challenging at times and involves some tricky rock hopping and river crossings. It finishes in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park. 

    For an easier and shorter walk, park your car at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and take the Lemonade Creek Walk to Erskine Falls (4.4km one way).

    You can pick up walking guides and brochures from the Visitor Information Centre in Lorne. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go. 

    Need to know

    Erskine Falls

    Accessibility

    Blanket Leaf Picnic Area has accessible picnic tables, and some shelter. There are toilet facilities near the car park, though the designated accessible facility does not meet all access criteria.

    Erskine Falls is a short drive (approx 2km) from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area. There is a walk from the car park to the falls, but no facilities at this site. The path up to the falls viewing area is quite steep with uneven steps and a loose gravel surface.

    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.

    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

      Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track closed

      Kennett-Wye Jeep Track and Bird Track will be closed until 30 June 2020 due to a landslip undermining the road.

      Wye River Campground closed

      Wye River Road Camping Area is closed until further notice due to dangerous trees

      Upper Kalimna track closed

      The Upper Kalimna Falls walking track is closed until further notice due to damage to the boardwalk and lookout. The Lower Kalimna Falls are still accessible from Sheoak Picnic Area via Kalimna Walking Track and from Garvey Track via Kalimna Link Track.

    • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Maits Rest refurbishment

      Maits Rest will be closed from Monday 8 July until November 2019 to undergo refurbishment of the full 800m loop trail. See FAQs about the Maits Rest refurbishment below. Melba Gully is the perfect alternate location to visit during the Maits Rest closure.

      Attachments: Maits-Rest-refurbishment-FAQs (348KB)

    • Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Herbert's Campground closed

      Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Jamieson Camping Area (Great Otway National Park)

      Jamieson Campground closed

      The Jamieson Campground, Jamieson Track and Godfrey Track, are closed until Easter 2020 to allow for site upgrades.  

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