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.

    • Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Herbert's Campground closed

      Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Beauchamp Falls Reserve

      Beauchamp Falls Reserve Closure

      Beauchamp Falls campground, road and waterfall are closed to visitors until further notice due to upgrade works. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Lorne walking track closures due to planned burning; Lorne - Saint George Fuel Reduction Burn

      Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in The following tracks being closed; Canyon Loop, Phantom falls walk, Cora Lynn cascades walk, Green Break track, Wonwondah falls, Henderson Falls from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from 17/2/21 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

      Lorne Area Closures Due to Planned Burning

      Due to a planned burn occurring in the Lorne area, a number of Parks Victoria visitor sites and walking tracks will be closed for safety reasons between the 24 February and 14 March 2021 while the burn occurs.
      Visitor sites that are closed:
       
      Allenvale Mill Campground
      Sheoak Picnic Area
      Sheaok Falls
       
      Walking tracks that are closed :
       
      Cora Lynn
      Phantom Falls
      Canyon
      Henderson Falls/Won Wondah Falls
      Kalimna Falls
      Sheoak Creek
      Castle Rock
      Cumberland Garvey Link

      Lorne Area Closures Due to Planned Burning

      Due to a planned burn occurring in the Lorne area, a number of Parks Victoria visitor sites and walking tracks will be closed for safety reasons between the 24 February and 14 March 2021 while the burn occurs.
      Visitor sites that are closed:
       
      Allenvale Mill Campground
      Sheoak Picnic Area
      Sheaok Falls
       
      Walking tracks that are closed :
       
      Cora Lynn
      Phantom Falls
      Canyon
      Henderson Falls/Won Wondah Falls
      Kalimna Falls
      Sheoak Creek
      Castle Rock
      Cumberland Garvey Link

    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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