Put These Lorne Waterfalls On Your Travel Agenda

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

Kalimna Falls, Lorne — The enchanting Kalimna Falls is framed by ferns. (Credit: Parks Victoria)

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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

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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.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten, the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery, a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho, José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits. At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial, which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections.

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle, ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.

8 must-see waterfalls in Lorne