Sheoak Falls

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

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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.


    Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.
    A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.
    Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.
    We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.

    Event = Great Ocean Walk - Saturday, 25 October 2025

    NOTICE TO PARK VISITORS
    A permitted trail running event will be operating on the Great Ocean Walk trail system on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

    Event: Great Ocean Trail Ultra
    Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
    Time: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (20 hours)
    Route: Apollo Bay to Princetown Recreation Reserve via Great Ocean Walk
    Participants: Up to 400 registered runners (100km and 45km events)
    ________________________________________
    AFFECTED AREAS AND TIMES
    Morning Activity (Higher Impact Period)
    • Apollo Bay vicinity: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
    • Blanket Bay Day Use Area: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    • Cape Otway Lightstation Car Park: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Aire River West Campground: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Peak Activity Period
    • Castle Cove Lookout: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Johanna Beach Day Use Area: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (includes 45km event start)
    • Parker Access Track/Great Ocean Road: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    Evening Activity
    • Princetown Recreation Reserve: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (finish line area)
    • GOW Lookout Car Park (near 12 Apostles): 1:30 PM - midnight
    ________________________________________
    WHAT TO EXPECT
    For Great Ocean Walk Users:
    • The Great Ocean Walk remains fully open to public use
    • You may encounter trail runners throughout the day
    • Participants are required to give way to walkers and be courteous
    • Event marshals positioned at key locations to assist
    Facility Access:
    • All public toilets and facilities remain available
    • Car parks accessible (brief periods of increased activity expected)
    • Campground facilities protected - event routes bypass overnight camping areas
    • Walk-in campsites not affected by event operations
    Traffic Considerations:
    • Minimal road impact - event follows walking trails
    • Brief activity at Great Ocean Road crossings with marshal supervision
    • "Event in Progress" signage displayed at key locations
    ________________________________________
    ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
    Parks Victoria confirms the following protective measures are in place:
    • Mandatory compliance with cinnamon fungus prevention protocols
    • Leave No Trace principles enforced for all participants
    • Waste management systems - all event waste removed from parks
    • Professional medical support and emergency response procedures
    • Regular monitoring by experienced event management team
    ________________________________________
    WEATHER AND CONDITIONS
    This event is subject to cancellation or modification due to:
    • South West District Fire danger ratings (Extreme or Catastrophic conditions)  
    • Severe weather warnings
    • Track closure requirements
    • Emergency service direction
    Event organisers monitor conditions closely and will cancel if necessary to ensure public and participant safety.
    ________________________________________
    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    Parks Victoria Information Centre:
    📞 13 1963
    Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA):
    📞 1300 736 533
    Event Information:

    Emergency Services: 000
    ________________________________________
    This notice will remain in effect until Monday, 27 October 2025

    Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar People as Traditional Owners of these lands and waters and recognises their ongoing connection to Country.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Big Hill Campground Temporarily Closed

    Due to upgrade works the Big Hill Campground will be closed to visitors until October 1st 2025. Works are being undertaken to improve camp pad surfaces and to establish grass cover in several areas of the campground. The campground will be closed while these works are completed and the surfaces are establishing to prevent damage to the new surfaces to improve the future camping experience at this site.

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

    Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025

    Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.

    Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.

    Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.

    These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.

    We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.

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

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • 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. 

  • 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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