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
Sheoak Picnic Area
Erskine Falls
How to get there
Sheoak Falls
When you're there
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.
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Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Kalimna Tramline link Walk 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. -
Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Upper Kalimna Falls are Closed
The Upper Kalimna Falls viewing platform and access track are closed due to damage to the platform. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Garvey Track is Closed
Garvey Track is closed due to damage. Sharps Track is a suitable detour if required. -
Great Otway National Park
Gentle Annie Track Closure
Gentle Annie track is closed to vehicles between Moggs Creek Track and Old Coach Road while road upgrades are taking place. This closure will be in place until June 2022. As works progress, more targeted closures will also include restricting access to walkers, bike riders and horse riders to ensure public safety is maintained. Further closures will be communicated through the Parks Victoria website. These closures are flexible based on local conditions and contractor movements.Early seasonal road closures 2022
The following roads in the Great Otway National Park are subject to early seasonal road closures from 1 June 2022: Halls Ridge Road (Maps 18A and 18B). See Map 18A: Great Otway National Park (West) and Map 18B: Great Otway National Park (Central) for locations of the closure. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022
A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.For Great Otway National Park this includes:- Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
- The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority -
Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Walk-in Campsite closed due to hazardous trees.
Cora Lynn Walk-in Campsite is closed due to hazardous trees. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 1 - Apollo Bay to Elliot Ridge (Elliot River - Addis Bay Coastal Reserve, Great Otway National Park)
Great Ocean Walk Track Improvement Works Marengo to Shelly Beach
Contractors will commence Great Ocean Walk track improvement works on the first section of the walk (i.e. Marengo to Shelly Beach which commences to the west of Apollo Bay) on Monday the 24th of May until approximately the Friday the 24th of June, depending on weather and conditions.The walk will not close during the the works and walkers will still be able to continue their hike through this area during the specified period.There will be a small number of workers and minor plant & equipment in use. Work locations will be well sign posted to ensure walkers are aware of contractor activity and a spotter (i.e. worker employed specifically to manage pedestrian safety), on the track to ensure pedestrian safety during machine use. -
Devils Kitchen (Great Otway National Park)
Great Ocean Walk track works east of Devils Kitchen
Contractors will commence track works on the Great Ocean Walk to the east of the Devils Kitchen campground commencing on the 16th of May until approximately the start of June, depending on weather and conditions.
The walk will not close during the works and it is anticipated that they will cause little disruption to hikers walking in the area. There will be a small number of workers and minor plant and equipment in use. Signage will mark the area so that walkers are aware that track works being conducted.
Similar experiences
MacKenzie Falls
Erskine Falls
Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls
