Sheoak Picnic Area

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Sheoak Picnic Area

Great Otway National Park

Some of Lorne's best waterfall walks start from Sheoak Picnic Area. Trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Sheoak Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls all depart from here. If you want a break from your beachside holiday - or your Great Ocean Road drive - bring a picnic and take a hike. 

Sheoak Picnic Area has a pretty good claim to be the waterfall capital of Victoria. Walks from this clearing surrounded by tall rainforest trees lead to at least six waterfalls through some gorgeous rainforest scenery. Some of the trails are along old timber tramway routes from the days when these forests were logged. 

The waterfall walks of Sheoak Picnic Area make for a great day out in the Otway hinterland for people staying in nearby Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the coast. Alternatively, this is a fantastic break from your drive along the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Picnic Area is well-equipped for families with toilets, a picnic shelter and gas barbecues.

 

Henderson Falls - 3km return, 1 hour

The Henderson Falls Walk gently climbs from Sheoak Picnic Area, through dense wet forest shadowed by towering eucalypt trees. Finish your journey at the base of Henderson Falls, cascading over a moss-capped cliff face to a small pool below. There's also a short diversion to see Won Wondah Falls. 

 

Kalimna Falls - 8.4km return, 4 hours

See two waterfalls for the price of one on this walk along an old timber tramway used for transporting timber to Lorne Pier from the 1890s-1920s. Wind through a deep valley carved by Sheoak Creek to see Lower Kalimna Falls cascading over an undercut rock ledge before pushing on to Upper Kalimna Falls framed by lush moss-covered trees.

 

Phantom Falls - 8.6km return, 3 hours

This walk from Sheoak Picnic Area to Phantom Falls is packed with highlights. You'll see Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls and the lost world of The Canyon on your way to Phantom Falls. Turn the walk into a circuit by continuing down to Allenvale and back to Sheoak Picnic Area along the unsealed road.

 

Sheoak Falls - 3.6km one way, 2 hours

Weave your way through the tall wet forest synonymous with the beautiful Otway Ranges along Sheoak Creek. Meander through coastal woodland via waterfalls and out to the coastal vistas of the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Creek plunges into a tranquil pool at Sheoak Falls before continuing down to the ocean. If you'd prefer not to return to Sheoak Picnic Area via the same route, you can arrange to be picked up at Sheoak Falls Carpark. 

 

Castle Rock - 5km return, 3 hours

Castle Rock Walking Track is in the Great Otway National Park near the town of Lorne. The trail starts at Sheoak Picnic Area and is approximately 5km return (3 hours) weaving uphill through coastal forest to a rocky outcrop with views over Cumberland River and the coast.

Things to do

 
A couple stand and admire Sheoak Falls near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

Sheoak Falls

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.

How to get there

Sheoak Picnic Area

Sheoak Picnic Area is located just inland from Lorne on Garvey Track, just off Allenvale Road. 

Need to know

Sheoak Picnic Area

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

    Big Hill Campground seasonal closure

    Big Hill Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed over the winter season, from 1 July 2024 to 1 October 2024.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Canyon Walking Track Closure

    Due to a damaged pedestrian bridge, Canyon walking track will be temporarily closed until maintenance works can be undertaken. 

    Aire River East and West Campgrounds- temporary closure of sites due to wet conditions until September 30 2024.

    Aire River East and West Campgrounds- temporary closure of sites due to wet conditions until September 30 2024.
    Due to high rainfall the Aire East campground and sites 19- 40 at Aire West campground will be closed. Site 1-18 at Aire West are unaffected.

  • Other issues

    Sharps Campground permanently closed

    Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. 

  • 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

    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.

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.
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