Sheoak Falls
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    Sheoak Falls

    Great Otway National Park

    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. This is one of the most popular waterfalls near Lorne and is a perfect break from your Great Ocean Road drive. 

    Sheoak Falls is a place of tranquillity and beauty just off the Great Ocean Road. Here, the waters of Sheoak Creek cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees.

    It's a short walk from the carpark to the falls (although there are plenty of steps), so if you fancy a longer stroll, continue up the trail to see Swallow Cave. It's quite a climb, but you'll also see some alternative views of the falls along the way. This trail also requires a river crossing, so it might be impassable in the winter. At Swallow Cave, look out for Tree Martins, which live in the grotto during spring, summer and autumn. These birds use mud from the creek to build their nests.

    For a longer and more challenging hike, you could park your car at Sheoak Picnic Area and walk the 3.6km trail (one way) to Sheoak Falls. Sheoak Picnic Area has better facilities than Sheoak Falls Carpark, including toilets and picnic benches.

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

    Things to do

     
    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.
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Erskine Falls

    Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.

    How to get there

    Sheoak Falls

    Park your car at Sheoak Falls Carpark, which is a ten-minute drive along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne. Sheoak Falls is a 600m walk from Sheoak Falls Carpark. 
    Sheoak Falls

    When you're there

    There are no toilets at Sheoak Falls Carpark. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go.

    Sheoak Falls is not to be confused with Sheoak Picnic Area, which is nearby and a popular trailhead for several waterfall walks. It is possible to walk to Sheoak Falls from Sheoak Picnic Area, but the trail is 3.6km one way and it is a challenging hike.

    Need to know

    Sheoak Falls

    Accessibility

    Sheoak Falls carpark has a good smooth surface and good circulation. The tracks nearby are not so accessible as they have steep sections and steps. There are no picnic facilities or toilets onsite. The nearest facilities are in Lorne.

    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.

    • Great Otway National Park

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from 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.

      Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

      A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
       
      For Great Otway National Park this includes:
      • Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
      • The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
      This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
       
      Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
       
      To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

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

      Aire River West campground- winter site closures

      Due to wet conditions sites 17 to 40 (known as "the flats") at the Aire river West campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. 

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

      Aire River East Campground - winter closure

      Due to unseasonably wet weather the Aire River East campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. Site are available at the Aire west campground

    • Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Kalimna Tramline Trail Closed

      This walking track 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 Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

      Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

      Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

      Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed

      Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open.

    • Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

      Cora Lynn Campground Closure

      This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • 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.

    • 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

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Slippery wet conditions & Hooded Plover breeding season

      Please be aware that due to above average rainfall over successive seasons (due to La nina), conditions on some sections of the Great Ocean Walk are wetter, muddier & more slippery than usual (particularly under closed canopy within rainforest, areas vulnerable to run off & subject to waterlogged soils). 

      Walkers are advised to wear footwear appropriate for the anticipated conditions, note weather & tidal variations, take care when hiking and allow additional time to reach their destinations.
       
      Upgrading sections of the walk is ongoing (raised boardwalks, track and drainage works), with areas of planned works having been completed, others are ongoing and some have been post-poned due to the wet conditions. 
       
      Apologies for the inconvenience caused.

      Additionally, with the commencement of the breeding season of the critically endangered Hooded Plover, walkers may encounter individuals or pairs of these small ground nesting birds, chicks & eggs on beaches along the Great Ocean Walk.

      Please take care to avoid disturbing or harming Hooded Plovers by being observant, walking below the previous high tide line and noting relevant signage & temporary fencing when encountered.

    Similar experiences

     
    A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

    MacKenzie Falls

    An easy stroll from the MackKenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of MacKenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Erskine Falls

    Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.
    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 hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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