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

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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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna 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. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

    Parks Victoria  will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025.  To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.
    Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites.  Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors.  Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

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

    Aire River West campground - Sites 24 - 40 - CLOSED

    • Aire River West Camp ground - camp sites CLOSED
    • Sites 24  to 40 at  the Aire West Campground are CLOSED due to potential for flooding.
    • Due to ongoing river mouth closures these sites are prone to inundation and not suitable for camping. 
    • Sites will require time to dry out once any river opening occurs.
    • Sites 24 to 40 are advised as closed until at least 30 April 2025
    • Sites 1 -23 are not impacted > at this point.
    • The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp sites are not impacted.
    • Closed areas can not be booked nor camped in.
    • National Park Regulations apply. 
    • Flood water can be hazardous.
    • Visitors and campers should avoid flood water.

  • 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.
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 people standing on viewing platform looking at waterfall.

Best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road

Looking for awe-inspiring waterfalls in Victoria? Explore these four must-visit waterfalls just off the Great Ocean Road over two days.
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