Go chasing waterfalls in Lorne and its surrounding areas.

The high rainfall, verdant rainforests and rocky terrain of the Great Otway National Park have led to an abundance of waterfalls in the region. Lorne is home to some of the best – both well-known and hidden gems – and seeing them is one of the best things to do in the area.

Pack your hiking shoes, a sense of adventure and get ready to experience a level of natural beauty that will knock your socks off at these stunning Lorne waterfalls.

Note: Check the Parks Victoria website for updates before visiting, as conditions can change quickly. Water flow will depend on the season and recent rainfall.

In short

If you’re only stopping by one waterfall in Lorne, make it Erskine Falls. The 30-metre waterfall is the most significant in the area and is framed by a gorgeous rainforest setting.

Upper & Lower Kalimna Falls

Out of the two waterfalls along the Kalimna Falls Track, the Lower Kalimna Falls are more popular. Although they’re not tall, the cave-like formation behind the falls lets you stand underneath the flow of water, offering a magical perspective from where you can soak up the scenery.

The track to get there starts at Sheoak Falls Picnic Area and follows an old timber tramway (once used for transporting timber to Lorne) through fern gullies and past towering eucalypts. If you have the time, it’s worth continuing to the Upper Falls, where you’ll see the 15-metre waterfall emerge through the trees. The return trip will take about three hours.

Distance from Lorne: 10-minute drive
Parking: Yes, at Sheoak Falls Picnic Area
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: Yes, at Lower Kalimna Falls

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls near Lorne for a reason. Nestled within the Great Otway National Park, along the Erskine River, the 30-metre cascade plunges – or trickles, depending on rainfall – down a rock wall framed by lush greenery. Choose your level: walk about 80 metes, or five minutes, to the upper lookout for a pretty fabulous view of the falls; or take another 200 steps down to the base platform to feel the spray on your face (just make sure you’re prepared for the walk back up!). The path has railing and some benches if you need a break along the way.

In peak season we recommend coming early as the car park is small. There are no picnic tables or toilets (the closest facilities are at the Blanket Leaf picnic area), so once you’ve done the walk there’s no reason to linger – unless you’re feeling adventurous and want to tackle the 7.5 kilometre bushwalk downstream to Lorne beach, which starts at the base of the falls. Carry water, have sturdy footwear, and don’t attempt it if the river is high.

Distance from Lorne: 15-minute drive
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Swimming: No

Straw Falls

Straw Falls is more challenging to get to, and its flow is dependent on recent rainfall – but as it’s close to Erskine Falls, it can be worth the detour. To reach this rocky cascade, you’ll need to follow the Erskine Falls Track from the lower platform at Erskine Falls for about ten minutes (Straw Falls is on a creek that feeds into the river). The narrow path there includes a river crossing, so if it’s too high you’ll have to turn back; and make sure you’re wearing the right footwear, as it can be slippery and muddy. Once you arrive, snap a photo of these lesser-known falls and enjoy the satisfaction of having made it away from the crowds.

Distance from Lorne: 15-minute drive
Parking: Yes, at Erskine Falls
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Swimming: No

Phantom Falls

These postcard-pretty falls can be reached by a scenic 3.5-kilometre return hike past an apple orchard, gorgeous bushland and the St George River. To get there, look for the Allenvale Road Carpark on Google Maps. Part of this track crosses private property, so keep an eye out for the wooden signs directing the way (also look out for wildlife – you may spot some kangaroos through the trees!). There is a steep gravel ascent near the end of the track, and steps down to the base, but the effort is worth it when you see the stunning 15-metre waterfall plunging into a deep pool. In warmer weather, consider bringing bathers to take a dip.

Distance from Lorne: 5-minute drive
Parking: Yes, at Allenvale Road Carpark
Difficulty: Moderate
Swimming: Yes

Henderson Falls

One of our favourite things about this 10-metre cascade is how close you can get to its base and feel the spray bouncing off the moss-coated rocks. We also love the beautiful rainforest walk that’s worth the trip alone, lush with ferns and complete with picturesque wooden bridges. It’s an easy, flat trail from the Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, taking about 1.5 hours return. The track can be quite muddy – wear sturdy shoes and leave the white sneakers at home!

On the way you can take a quick pitstop at Won Wondah Falls, but as you can’t see much from the viewing platform, we don’t rate this as a must-see. Experienced hiker? You might want to check out the Lorne Waterfall Circuit Walk, covering Phantom, Henderson, and Won Wondah Falls, plus The Canyon, an impressive gorge with large boulders.

Distance from Lorne: 10-minute drive
Parking: Yes, at Sheoak Falls Picnic Area
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: No

Cumberland Falls

The phrase “it’s the journey and not the destination" is fitting for Cumberland Falls. While the two cascades flowing into a large pool are picturesque, there is plenty to see and do on the way there, with four river crossings, swimming holes and a rock scramble to finish off. Starting from the Cumberland River Holiday Park, follow the track along the river alongside the dramatic cliff walls of the gorge, and into the forest.

Jebb’s Pool is the first swimming hole you’ll come to, and it’s perfect for a lazy dip on a warm day. All up the scenic 6-kilometre return journey takes about three hours, and is best attempted during dry weather to avoid the slippery rocks.

Distance from Lorne: 10-minute drive
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Swimming: Yes

Sheoak Falls

If you’re just driving along the Great Ocean Road and looking for a quick pitstop, Sheoak Falls makes a great little break to stretch your legs and still see one of the region’s beautiful waterfalls. It’s a short 15 to 20-minute walk from the small car park through coastal woodland, although there are quite a few steps. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot an echidna on the way! When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a 15-metre fall flowing down a steep rock face surrounded by greenery.

Distance from Lorne: 7-minute drive
Parking: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Swimming: Yes, but only when water isn’t stagnant.