Lorne

Lorne

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    Lorne

    Great Otway National Park

    The coastal town of Lorne is where the bush meets the beach. Expect white sandy beaches, clifftops and incredible coastal vistas, numerous waterfall walks and picnic areas fringed by lush fern gullies. Walkers are spoilt for choice in this pocket of the Great Otway National Park, with Sheoak Falls and the longer Canyon Walk standing out.

    With over 10 waterfall walks within 10 minutes of Lorne, enter the waterfall capital of Australia and experience a lost world of emerald green gullies.

    Discover the magnificent Erskine Falls which flows year-round and only a short drive from town. A short walk down more than 270 steps leads to a lookout at the base of the falls. Admire one of the highest drops in the Otways as you watch the water cascade over the moss-laden cliff face and plunge into the gully below.

    The pleasant Blanket Leaf Picnic Area is nestled among tall eucalyptus trees and has everything you need for a peaceful day out, including accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelter. Stroll to Cora Lynn Cascade or follow Lemonade Creek Walk to approach Erskine Falls from a different angle.

    Sheoak Picnic Area is a hub for those wanting to chase waterfalls, with walks leading to Kalimna, Sheoak, Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls. The tranquil picnic ground contains accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelters - perfect if you want to make a day of your visit!

    Also starting at Sheoak Picnic Area, the Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls Walk requires preparation. The 8km trail follows the old timber tramway through shady fern gullies and tall, open eucalypt forest.

    Camping options include walk-in Allenvale Campground, nestled on the banks of St George River. Big Hill Campground set in an open, grassy area surrounded by tall forest and Jamieson Creek Campground offers panoramic views just meters from the campground.

    As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lorne is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do

     
    Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

    Jamieson Creek Campground

    Set among coastal woodland and tall eucalypts, a short distance from Wye River, Jamieson Creek Campground is perfectly positioned to explore 4WD trails, Jamieson Creek walking track and nearby Cumberland River and Lorne trailheads. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from the campground looking out over the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
    A couple stand and admire Sheoak Falls near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

    Sheoak Falls

    The Sheoak Falls Walk weaves its way from the coastal woodland at the mouth of the Sheoak Creek and through wet forest to the hidden cascades of Sheoak Falls.
    A couple prepare a meal at their camp ground at Lakeside in Fraser Camping Area in the Lake Eildon National Park.

    Allenvale Campground

    Nestled on the banks of St George River just beyond the outskirts of Lorne, Allenvale Campground is perfectly positioned to explore the coast and the bush. This is a walk-in camping area, although it's only a short walk to the campground (approximately 230 meters).
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Erskine Falls

    Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.

    Big Hill Campground

    Set in an open, easily accessible grassy area surrounded by tall forest, Bill Hill Campground is ideally positioned for mountain biking, four-wheel driving or relaxing in nature.
    Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

    Cumberland Falls Walk

    Explore the feeling of remoteness in one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otway Ranges. Memories of dramatic cliffs, gentle streams and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summer day will stay with you long after your visit.

    How to get there

    Lorne

    If you are travelling from Melbourne, Lorne is easily accessible via the Princes Freeway. Follow the freeway to Waurn Ponds and turn onto Anglesea Road which merges with the Great Ocean Road at Bellbrae.

    A bus service runs between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay, connecting with regional train services train services to Melbourne. Visit the PTV website for more information on buses and trains that connect to this part of the Great Otway National Park.
    Lorne

    When you're there

    The Lorne Visitor Information Centre proves a valuable stop with free brochures, maps and helpful volunteers to assist with travel advice. Download the Great Otway National Park - Lorne visitor guide for more information about this part of the park.

    When to go

    The beaches are ideal to visit during summer to escape the heat. Lemonade Walk and Cora Lyn Cascade are beautiful fern gully walks. If you want to walk your dog, take the the St George River walking track.

    Need to know

    Lorne

    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.

    The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.

    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.

    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.

    • Beauchamp Falls Reserve (OTWAY FOREST PARK)

      Beauchamp Falls is currently closed for upgrades.

      Beauchamp Falls walk and campground are closed for upgrades.  This location is scheduled to re-open November 2021.

    • Triplet Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure

      A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible. 


      The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls. 

      The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.


      Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure

      A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible. 


      The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls. 

      The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.


    • Lemonade Creek Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Lemonade Creek Walking Track Closure

      Due to an unsafe pedestrian bridge, Lemonade Creek Walking Track will be closed for the foreseeable future. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2021

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

    • Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

      Aire River West Campground site closures- sites 16 to 40

      Aire River West campground sites 16 to 40 will be closed until November 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 15 remain available.

    • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

      Aire River East Campground site closures- sites 10 to 20

      Aire River East campground sites 10 to 20 will be closed until November 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 9 remain available.

    • Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)

      Melanesia Track damage- walkers take care

      Melanesia Track and the Great Ocean Walk between Johanna and Ryans Den have been damaged by 4WD activity. Walkers are advised to take care while accessing Melanesia Beach as the track is very slippery and rutted. 

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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