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.

  • Great Otway National Park

    Great Otway National Park sites closed due to severe flooding

    Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 has caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park. 
     
    For public safety, the following areas are closed until further notice while assessments and clean-up works are undertaken:
     
    Closures included but are not limited to :

    Erskine falls is limited to the top viewing platform.  Access to the base of the falls and along the river track is closed.


    Roads & Tracks 
    Wye Rd
    Curtis Track
    Godfrey Track
    Jamieson Track

    Walking tracks
    St George
    Phantom falls
    Lemonade ck
    Kalimna
    Henderson
    Sheoak Falls 
    Sheoak picnic ground walking Nature Loop
    Cumberland
    Cumberland Garvey Link
    Kalimna Garvey Link
    Cora Lynn
    Erskine Falls Walking Track 
    Won Wondah

    Alternative walking tracks can be found at:
    Moggs Creek picnic area
    Distillery Creek picnic area
    Ocean Track
    Castle Rock 
    Sheoak Falls to Swallow caves
     
     
    Many roads, tracks and visitor facilities are impacted by debris, flooding and unstable conditions.  
    The Great Ocean Road has been impacted,
     
     
    Always follow safety signage and directions from response crews, and do not enter any closed areas.
    Thank you for your patience and understanding as works are undertaken to make these popular areas safe to visit again.

    Planned burning in Lorne area

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the following areas being affected from the time a burn is approved for ignition, until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from 19 March 2026 and are subject to favorable weather.



    Please adhere to all closure and advice signs in the area as planned burn activity commences.



    Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     
    Areas Affected:
     
    Allenvale Campground
    Sheoak Picnic area
    Sharps Rd
    Garvey Track
    Hendersen Track
    Castle Rock Track

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River)

    Aire West Camp Ground - Campsites 24 to 40 - CLOSED

    Parks Victoria operations are closely monitoring water levels within the Aire River estuary in Great Otway National Park. 

    Please be aware of the following important information:
    Estuary Closure: The Aire River mouth is  closed. Water is slowly rising in the estuary.  Any rainfall in the Aire River catchment basin, will increase water levels.  The river mouth may open naturally at any time, or may be encouraged to do so when conditions are suitable.

    Water level can be monitored here > Aire River levels @ Horden Vale 

    Impact on Campsites: Campsites 24 to 40 at the Aire West Campground are prone to high river water levels when over 1.55m. Campers setting up in low-lying areas closest the river should expect the potential for flooding.  
    Campsites 24 - 40 are CLOSED until conditions dry out. 

    Safety First: Floodwaters can be hazardous. Visitors are advised to avoid flooded areas for their safety, and comfort.

    Actions: When conditions, including tides and swell, are safe and suitable, another attempt to open the river mouth will be made.  The river may also open naturally when conditions allow.  Ongoing river mouth blockage may result in site closures.

    Water Recession: If, and/or when the river mouth opens, water levels are expected to recede quickly.

    Thank you for your cooperation. 


  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Great Ocean Walk destination car parking at the Twelve Apostles visitor center during summer & Peak Visitation periods

    During the busy peak visitation period at the Twelve Apostles precinct (from summer through to early autumn including school holidays, public holidays, long weekends & busy peak visitation weekends concluding after Chinese New Year / Easter), due to the sheer volume of visitors onsite, a traffic management program is in place to maximize public safety & ensure visitor experience. If you are planning to park your vehicle at the Twelve Apostles before walking the Great Ocean Walk (or sections of it including section 8) during this period, please communicate this information to onsite traffic control staff at the entrance & they will do their best to accommodate your vehicle in the main carpark. This will avoid your car remaining in the overflow carpark area which needs to be cleared and locked each night. Similarly, if you arrive at the Twelve Apostles to park your car at a time when traffic control are not onsite, or setting up, please park your vehicle in the main carpark area. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! 

Similar experiences

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

Mackenzie Falls

An easy stroll from the Mackenzie 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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