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
Sheoak Falls
Sheoak Picnic Area
Great Ocean Walk
How to get there
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.
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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.
Great Ocean Walk- walking track remediation construction works at Ryans Den
To ensure the safety of walkers on the Ryans Den section of the Great Ocean Walk, contractors have commenced remediation works to repair the walking track and address the potential for further serious rock slippage and falls. Please be aware that the walking track between Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den will remain closed for the duration of the critical safety work being carried out and that the contractors are operating machinery in this area, which is now a building site. Completion and the reopening of the track is anticipated before the 26th of January 2022 (depending on weather & site conditions).
Great Ocean Walk- walking track remediation construction works at Ryans Den
To ensure the safety of walkers on the Ryans Den section of the Great Ocean Walk, contractors have commenced remediation works to repair the walking track and address the potential for further serious rock slippage and falls. Please be aware that the walking track between Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den will remain closed for the duration of the critical safety work being carried out and that the contractors are operating machinery in this area, which is now a building site. Completion and the reopening of the track is anticipated before the 26th of January 2022 (depending on weather & site conditions).
Great Ocean Walk- walking track remediation construction works at Ryans Den
To ensure the safety of walkers on the Ryans Den section of the Great Ocean Walk, contractors have commenced remediation works to repair the walking track and address the potential for further serious rock slippage and falls. Please be aware that the walking track between Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den will remain closed for the duration of the critical safety work being carried out and that the contractors are operating machinery in this area, which is now a building site. Completion and the reopening of the track is anticipated before the 26th of January 2022 (depending on weather & site conditions).
Great Ocean Walk- walking track remediation construction works at Ryans Den
To ensure the safety of walkers on the Ryans Den section of the Great Ocean Walk, contractors have commenced remediation works to repair the walking track and address the potential for further serious rock slippage and falls. Please be aware that the walking track between Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den will remain closed for the duration of the critical safety work being carried out and that the contractors are operating machinery in this area, which is now a building site. Completion and the reopening of the track is anticipated before the 26th of January 2022 (depending on weather & site conditions).
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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.
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