Best Waterfalls Along the Great Ocean Road – Your 2-Day Itinerary

The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s most iconic coastal drives, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views just a few hours from Melbourne. But beyond the coastline, did you know you can also discover some of Victoria’s best waterfalls here?

Nestled in lush rainforests on the beautiful lands of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Peoples, these waterfalls are often surrounded by idyllic walking tracks, each offering a unique perspective when captured in photographs. As the faint roar of cascading water grows louder with each step, you’ll know the journey was worth it. The hardest part is leaving behind the magnificent views.

We’ve put together this itinerary to help you spend two unforgettable days chasing waterfalls and exploring the region’s natural beauty.


Day 1 – Sheoak and Erskine Falls

Your waterfall journey begins just outside of Lorne, two hours southwest of Melbourne.

In Great Otway National Park (The Otways), you’ll start by visiting two waterfalls that embody the magic of this lush region, Sheoak and Erskine Falls, only a 20-minute drive apart.


Sheoak Falls and Picnic Area

Sheoak Picnic Area could easily be called ‘the waterfall capital of Victoria’. Just nine minutes from Lorne, several walking trails lead to at least six nearby waterfalls, allowing you to choose your own adventure.

The picnic area is well-equipped with parking and bathrooms, making it the perfect spot to begin your day.

A great walk to kick things off is the Sheoak Falls Walk. This trail winds through tall coastal woodlands along Sheoak Creek. Keep an eye out for yellow-tailed black cockatoos and golden whistlers in the trees above as you walk. When you reach Sheoak Creek, be cautious when crossing the stepping stones, if the water is high, the stones may be slippery.

Follow the creek until you reach the base of Sheoak Falls, where the water tumbles down beautifully. If recent rainfall makes crossing the creek difficult, you can still visit via a quick 10-minute walk from the nearby Sheoak Falls Carpark. You might even spot a Southern Right Whale from the boardwalk along the way!

Waterfall flowing into river.

Sheoak Falls, Great Otway National Park


Erskine Falls

Just 20 minutes from Sheoak Falls, you’ll find Erskine Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Otways. From the carpark, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the first lookout, where you can view the cascades from above.

For the more adventurous, descend 230 stairs to the lower viewing platform, where the falls plunge 30 meters into the Erskine River. While you can explore the base, be mindful that the rocks are slippery.

Ranger tip: It's best to grab that perfect selfie from the viewing platform!

Person standing on viewing platform looking towards waterfall.

Erskine Falls, Great Otway National Park

Day 2 – Hopetoun and Triplet Falls

Hopetoun and Triplet Falls are approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Lorne, so start your day early if you’re travelling from town to get ahead of the Melbourne crowds. These two stunning waterfalls, just a 25-minute drive apart, are equally as impressive as those from your day one adventure.


Hopetoun Falls

Venture inland to the misty paths of Hopetoun Falls. This trail, alive with vibrant moss, ferns, and colorful fungi, is especially stunning in winter and spring when the water flows more abundantly.

Prepare for a bit of a workout, as you’ll need to descend 200 stairs to reach the base of the falls. But the reward is well worth it! Watch as water plummets 30 meters into the Aire River.

Ranger tip: The best view is from the designated viewing platform, and staying on the trail helps protect this precious ecosystem.

Two people standing on viewing platform looking at waterfall.

Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park


Triplet Falls

Triplet Falls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Great Otway National Park. Located about 30 minutes from Hopetoun Falls, this serene one-hour loop trail takes you through ancient myrtle beech trees and unfurling ferns.

Along the way, multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the falls, so take your time to fully soak in the beauty. As you continue the loop, follow the sounds of the streams until you reach the top viewpoint, where three streams cascade down in unison.

Before you finish your walk, keep an eye out for remnants of an old timber mill, including log carts and other artifacts from the area’s logging history.

Cascading waterfall among bright green ferns.

Triplet Falls, Great Otway National Park


Get ready to go chasing waterfalls

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your friends, and escape the crowds to explore the hidden gems of the Great Ocean Road, including some of Victoria’s best waterfalls.

Before you head out, be sure to check the Parks Victoria website for current conditions and updates.

Watch the video below for more tips and insights on the best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road.

Did you know that hidden just off the Great Ocean Road outside of Melbourne, you can see some of Victoria's Best Waterfalls? Join us in The Otways to explore beautiful, easy walks to Sheaok Falls, Erskine Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls.

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