Castle Rock Walk (Great Otway National Park)

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Castle Rock Walk (Great Otway National Park)

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.

How to get there

Castle Rock Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Need to know

Castle Rock Walk (Great Otway National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No vehicles
No dogs allowed
No bicycles

Warnings

Water hazards
Drop off
Terrain hazards
Steep track

Uneven ground
Animals and pests
Snakes
Other warnings
Limbs may fall take care

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

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.

Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa.

Triplet Falls Access Closed For Roadworks

All access tracks to Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls within the Great Otway National Park will be closed from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May 2025.

Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed during this time.

Triplet Falls Closed For Roadworks

Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls access tracks within the Great Otway National Park will be closed for roadworks from Monday 19th May-Thursday 22nd May.

Phillips Track and Youngs Creek Track will be closed for the duration of this time and there will be no access to the waterfalls.

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 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.

Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

Parks Victoria will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025. To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.

Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites. Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors. Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

Great Ocean Walk - River estuary conditions

🚶‍♀️🌊 Great Ocean Walk Update 🌊🚶‍♂️

Parks Victoria is monitoring water levels at the Aire River and Gellibrand River estuary mouths. Hikers may notice high water in these areas.

⚠️ If levels rise and pose a safety risk, track closures may be required.

🏕️ Aire River West campground is open, including lower areas near the river. However, sites 24–40 may need to close if the Aire estuary remains closed and water levels increase.

🌧️ Estuaries may open naturally at any time or be artificially opened when safe to do so. Forecast catchment rainfall may see these conditions change quickly .

🗺️ Check conditions before your walk or stay, and take extra care near river crossings.