Explore
Erskine River Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Follow Erskine River from Lorne to Erskine Falls and experience wet forest, huge tree ferns and three waterfalls on this challenging trail then emerge at the base of Erskine Falls. Tread quietly and be rewarded by seeing wildlife. Multiple river crossings so do not attempt when the river is high.
How to get there
Erskine River Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Need to know
Erskine River 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 bicycles
- No vehicles
- No camping
- No dogs allowed
- No horses
Warnings
-
Water hazards
- Flash flooding
-
Terrain hazards
- Slippery rocks
-
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Sharps Campground permanently closed
Permanently closed due to environmental and safety risks.
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 - 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.
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 on
SATURDAY 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
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 - 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.