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
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.
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.
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.
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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Great Otway National Park
Colac Tree Road Open, Skinners Track Closed
Colac Tree Road within the Great Otway National Park will re-open at 5pm on Monday 2nd December with a 40kph restriction.Skinners Creek Track, within the Great Otway National Park, will remain closed until further notice.These restrictions will be in place due to fire impacting the area. -
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.Large Haulage Trucks Carting Timber Within the Aire Valley
Visitors to the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park will need to be aware that large Haulage Trucks will be using the Aire Valley area to harvest plantation timber.Hopetoun Falls, Aire Valley Reserve (The Redwoods) within the Great Otway National Park and Beauchamp Falls within the Otway Forest Park will be affected.Trucks will be using Binns Road, Beauchamp Falls Road and Seaview Ridge Road. Traffic Management signage and speed reductions will be implemented.Please take care when driving and visiting these areas.Aire River - East and West campgrounds - Tanks dry
- All water tanks at both the Aire East and Aire west campgrounds are reported as EMPTY.
- Dry conditions, vandalised infrastructure and inappropriate use has combined to fully drain all tanks.
- Empty tanks hold no water. Smashing an empty tank open will not make any water suddenly appear.
- Visitors are advised to fully self manage all water requirements at these sites.
- Aire River water must be fully and suitable treated if under consideration for any form of use.
Great Ocean Walk - Estuary closures
- Due to coastal environmental conditions both the Aire River and the Gellibrand River mouths are closed.
- Minor localised river flooding is being observed in tthese areas.
- The Aire River on approach to the Aire West campground is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- The Gellibrand River 500m south east of the Princetown Recreation Reserve is over the Great Ocean Walk.
- Hikers may need to walk through ankle/knee deep water in these sections of the walk.
- Estuaries may open naturally, or Parks Victoria may attempt an artificial opening if and when safe to do so.
- Campsites are not impacted.
- If the situation becomes a safety hazard closures will be required.
Great Ocean Walk Water Tanks Low or Empty
Due to the recent warm and dry weather, drinking water in the rainwater tanks along the Great Ocean Walk have become low and in some cases empty, such as at the Blanket Bay walk in campsite.Due to the remote nature of the campsites, Parks Victoria, DOES NOT guarantee rainwater availability at each campsite.Hikers are responsible for their own water requirements. Tank-rainwater, when present, can be treated in severalways such as filtering and boiling or adding sterilisation tablets.Further information about the Great Ocean Walk can be found here: www.greatoceanwalk.com.auPlan for a safe, unforgettable experience on the Great Ocean Walk -
Johanna Beach Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)
Toilet Issue at Johanna beach visitor area.
Toilets at Johanna Beach visitor area are out of order until further notice, due to blocked pipe. To use toilet facilities at campground, which are 200 meters west. -
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. -
Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire River Estuary Closure – Aire West Campground
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 has been closed since 10 December 2024. Water is slowly rising in the estuary. Any rainfall in the Aire River catchment basin, will increase water levels.
- 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 1.65m. Campers setting up in low-lying areas closest the river should expect the potential for flooding.
- Safety First: Floodwaters can be hazardous. Visitors are advised to avoid flooded areas for their safety, and comfort.
- Future 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.
All visitors should plan ahead and choose campsites on higher ground to minimise the risk of water intrusion.Despite high water in the river all tanks at this campsite are reported as dry.Thank you for your cooperation.
Similar experiences
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.
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.
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.