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
Sheoak Falls
How to get there
Sheoak Picnic Area
When you're there
Need to know
Sheoak Picnic Area
Accessibility
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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Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire East - CLOSED
- Following ongoing wet conditions the the Aire East drive in camp ground is CLOSED until 31 October 2024.
- Soft ground in the camp ground can not safely hold vehicles until it dries out.
- Do not enter a closed area of National Park.
- Regulations apply.
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Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire West Campground - Reduced capacity - Sites Closed
- Following recent estuary flooding all sites from #17 and above are CLOSED at the Aire West campground
- Sites 1-16 are OPEN for booked, permit holder campers
- The Aire West Great Ocean Walk hiker camp is fully OPEN
- Camping in areas without a permit, or in areas that are not open, will attract a penalty under National Park Regulations 2013
- Under reg.83 the infringement value penalty is currently $395 per camper
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Sheoak Picnic Area to Phantom Falls Walk (The Canyon) (Great Otway National Park)
Canyon Walking Track Closure
The Canyon walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. This closure will affect walkers trying to complete the "loop" from Phantom falls to Sheoak Picnic ground. Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls are all still open and accessible via alternate routes. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Erskine Falls Access Road Closed from Monday 7 to 25 October
Parks Victoria advises that due to roadworks on Erskine Falls Access Road and in the carpark, vehicle access to Erskine Falls will be closed to visitors from Monday 7 to 25 October.Pedestrian access or vehicle access down Erskine Falls Access Road is not available during this time.Pedestrian access is still be available during this time via the Lemonade Creek walking track. This track starts from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and is a 8.8km return walk. The track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. It has short steep sections, a rough surface and steps.During this temporary closure, visitors can enjoy other nearby waterfalls, accessed from the Sheoak Picnic Area. See this short video for information on waterfalls to enjoy from Sheoak Picnic Area and elsewhere in the Great Otway National Park.Great Ocean Walk - permitted event - 26 OCT 2024
Hikers on the Great Ocean Walk be aware that a permitted activity is scheduled to take place onSATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024• The event is subject to weather conditions and the GOW being open fully.• The event is not anticipated to impact on any GOW campsites.• Event participants are obligated to give way to hikers.For more information or to report concerns call 131963 -
Other issues
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 8 - Devils Kitchen to Twelve Apostles (Great Otway National Park)
Gale Storm Damage - Great Ocean Walk - Day 8
• Parks Victoria are aware of reports of new gale/wind storm damage on the Great Ocean Walk between Devils Kitchen and the Twelve Apostles.• Trees and wind-blown vegetation obstacles are being assessed and will be treated by crews when safe to do so.• A section > 1.5kms from Devils Kitchen to the Twelve Apostles on the GOW has been impacted by a recent storm and is “challenging to get through.”• Extra time and precautions should be taken in this area.• If the area is assessed as unsafe by Parks Victoria rangers; a closure may need to be implemented at short notice.• This message is effective Monday 7 OCT 2024 -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 5 - Aire River to Johanna Beach (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Great Ocean Walk - Beach Access - Tidal & Swell hazard
- Hikers and walkers on the Great Ocean Walk (GOW) should be aware of hazardous access points particularly @ Johanna Beach.
- Following recent storms, high tides and swells > sand levels on the Johanna Beach access points are currently diminished.
- Access from the GOW onto Johanna Beach during high tides and swell conditions may be extra challenging during these times.
- A dynamic risk assessment should be undertaking when accessing the beach.
- Access to this beach, and all other coastal areas of the GOW, is recommended as far less challenging during times of low swell and low tide.
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Great Otway National Park
Reduced Capacity of Big Hill Campground Due to Unfavorable Conditions
Campsites at Big Hill Campground will be reduced over October and November while we wait for campsites to dry out. Only two tent sites (sites 5 and 7) will be available in this time. Graveled caravan and van sites (sites 8-13) remain open and in good condition. Other sites suitable for tents are available nearby at Allenvale Mill Camping Area and Jamieson Creek Campground. -
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.
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MacKenzie Falls
