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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Great Otway National Park
Delayneys Track Closed
Delayneys Track is closed until further notice.
Bird Track and Kennett-Wye Jeep Track Closed Due to Landslip
Bird Track and Kennett-Wye Jeep Track are closed for public safety due to a landslip undermining part of the track. Repairs are planned and due to be completed in early 2024.Intermittent night park closures Great Otway National Park
Parks Victoria will recommence invasive species control in the Great Otway National Park from Sunday night, 24/3/24 through to Friday morning 29/3/24. During this time, intermittent park closures will be in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.No campgrounds or visitor areas will be impacted by these night closures. Areas that may be impacted by intermittent closures includeKarwarren, Carlisle, Wonga, Kennedy's Creek, Cannans Tk/ Calder Ridge area, Olangalah area.For more information, please call 13 19 63 or email the West Region Deer Control Program westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.auCurtis Track is closed.
Curtis Track is closed due to unsafe conditions. -
Other issues
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks. -
Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure
Due to multiple unsafe bridges the Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed indeffinately -
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. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Please take your rubbish home
Reminder to campers and visitors to please take your rubbish home. Please do not put rubbish in toilets. Visitors have been placing rubbish in the pit toilets making human waste removal difficult. Parks appreciates your assistance in looking after the Park.