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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Canyon Walking Track Closure
Due to a damaged pedestrian bridge, Canyon walking track will be temporarily closed until maintenance works can be undertaken. -
Great Otway National Park
Big Hill Campground seasonal closure
Big Hill Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed over the winter season, from 1 July 2024 to 1 October 2024.Great Otway National Park > Otway Coast - Wind Warning
Wind Warning- Tree risk in the landscape remains enhanced following recent high velocity wind events.
- Trees and limbs will fall in windy conditions in heavy forest and National Park environments.
South West forecast > 18 to 22 September 2024- Cold fronts embedded in W’ly
airflow maintaining windy conditions with locally damaging gusts.
- Widespread W to NW’ly wind gusts
50-70km/h, locally 80km/h in the south.
- Damaging wind gusts 90-100km/h possible near the southwest and central coasts.
- Showers mostly southern and mountain areas with totals 1-5mm, isolated falls 10-20mm
- Small hail possible with showers in the south. Snow level lowering to 1200 metres.
- Stay aware of conditions, warnings and incidents
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Other issues
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. -
Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire East - CLOSED
- Following ongoing wet conditions the the Aire East drive in camp ground is CLOSED until 31 October 2024.
- Soft ground in the camp ground can not safely hold vehicles until it dries out.
- Do not enter a closed area of National Park.
- Regulations apply.
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Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire West Campground - Reduced capacity - Sites Closed
- Following recent estuary flooding all sites from #17 and above are CLOSED at the Aire West campground
- Sites 1-16 are OPEN for booked, permit holder campers
- The Aire West Great Ocean Walk hiker camp is fully OPEN
- Camping in areas without a permit, or in areas that are not open, will attract a penalty under National Park Regulations 2013
- Under reg.83 the infringement value penalty is currently $395 per camper
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Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Melba Gully - Large bus access
Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site -
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)
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.
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