Sheoak Falls

Waterfall flows into a mountain creek behind a walking visitor platform surrounded by lush tree ferns.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

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.

  • 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
    1. http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/western.shtml
    2. https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

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.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm