Erskine Falls

Three visitors stand on a wooden viewing platform admiring the waterfall in lush temperate rainforest environment.

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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.

As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Erskine Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.

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. 

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.

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.

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 Sites

    Great Otway National Park Flood Closures

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park. 
     
    For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:
     
    Closures included but are not limited to :
     
    Erskine falls is limited to the top viewing platform.  Access to the base of the falls and along the river track is closed.


    Roads & Tracks 
    Wye Rd
    Curtis Track
    Godfrey Track
    Jamieson Track

    Walking tracks
    St George
    Phantom falls
    Lemonade ck
    Kalimna
    Henderson
    Cumberland
    Cumberland Garvey Link
    Kalimna Garvey Link
    Cora Lynn
    Erskine Falls Walking Track 
    Won Wondah
     
    Alternative walking tracks can be found at:
    Moggs Creek picnic area
    Distillery Creek picnic area
    Ocean Track
    Castle Rock 
    Sheoak Falls to Swallow caves
     
     
    Many roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.  
    The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,
     
     
    Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.
    Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.

    Hurst Road Planned Burn

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in the Great Otway National Park which will result in closure of the Eumeralla MTB tracks from the time the burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. 
     
    Ignition of the burn is scheduled from Thursday 14 May 2026 and is subject to favourable weather. 

    Local traffic only on Hurst RD

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

    Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure

    Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.

    What to expect:
    Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this period
    Remaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditions

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle access
    Visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.
    The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions.

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

    Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure

    Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.

    This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.

    What to expect:
    No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.
    Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.

    Important information:
    The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.
    Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.
    Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulations

    We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)

    Maits Rest Carpark – Temporary Partial Closure

    Visitors are advised that maintenance works will be undertaken at the Maits Rest Carpark in Great Otway National Park from 2 June to 4 June 2026.

    These works involve repairing and resurfacing sections of the carpark affected by pothole damage.

    What to expect:
    Partial closure of the carpark during works
    Reduced parking availability
    Construction activity and machinery on site

    Access:
    The carpark will remain partially open, with approximately half of the parking area available.
    Access to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk will remain open at all times.
    Visitors are asked to follow all signage and directions from contractors to ensure safety.

    We appreciate your patience while these essential maintenance works are completed

Similar experiences

 
Water cascades down the granite rockface at Eurobin Falls.

Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls

At Ladies Bath Falls, water cascades into a perfectly clear pool of water, while at Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls, Crystal Creek spills spectacularly over a formidable granite escarpment.
Two people standing on viewing platform looking at waterfall.

Best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road

Looking for awe-inspiring waterfalls in Victoria? Explore these four must-visit waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road over two days.
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