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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Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure
Due to an unsafe pedestrian bridge, Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed for the foreseeable future. -
Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Aire River East Campground site closures- sites 10 to 20
Aire River East campground sites 10 to 20 will be closed until September 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 9 remain available -
Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Aire West Campground site closures- sites 20 to 40
Aire River West sites 20 to 40 (the flats) will be closed until September 30th 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 19 remain available -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2021
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.
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Blanket Bay Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Blanket Bay campground, sites closed
Blanket bay campground- sites unavailable due to drainage and campsite maintenance works until August 31, 2021
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Beauchamp Falls Reserve
Beauchamp Falls is currently closed for upgrades.
Beauchamp Falls walk and campground are closed for upgrades. This location is scheduled to re-open November 2021. -
Triplet Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure
A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible.
The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls.The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure
A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible.
The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls.The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)
Melanesia Track damage- walkers take care
Melanesia Track and the Great Ocean Walk between Johanna and Ryans Den have been damaged by 4WD activity. Walkers are advised to take care while accessing Melanesia Beach as the track is very slippery and rutted.
Similar experiences
Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls
