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.

    Choose from a range of camping opportunities in the area. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from Jamieson Creek Campground, relax on the banks of St George River at Allenvale Campground or unwind at Big Hill Campground after a day of mountain biking or four-wheel driving.   

    Alternatively, Sharps Campground offers basic camping with no facilities. Only a short distance from Lorne, this campground is ideally positioned to explore walking tracks, waterfalls, and coastline. Campsites are available on a first in first served basis (no bookings, no fees), and with only six campsites available early arrival is advisable to secure a site.                

    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

     
    The ocean views from Jamieson Creek Campground at 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 man relaxes reading a book next to his tent at Allenvale Mill Campground in the Great Otway 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.
    Tents and ferns at Big Hill Campground in the Great Otway National Park

    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.

    • Great Otway National Park

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from 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.

      Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

      A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
       
      For Great Otway National Park this includes:
      • Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
      • The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne
      This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
       
      Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
       
      To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

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

      Aire River West campground- winter site closures

      Due to wet conditions sites 17 to 40 (known as "the flats") at the Aire river West campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. 

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

      Aire River East Campground - winter closure

      Due to unseasonably wet weather the Aire River East campground will be closed until November 1st 2022. Site are available at the Aire west campground

    • Red Rocks (Great Otway National Park)

      Red Rocks Carpark Closure

      Red Rocks Carpark and Hurst Road will be closed to vehicle access to allow for safe road maintenance works on Tuesday the 4th of October. Road signage will be in place. 

      Red Rocks Carpark Closure

      Red Rocks Carpark and Hurst Road will be closed to vehicle access to allow for safe road maintenance works on Tuesday the 4th of October. Road signage will be in place. 

      Red Rocks Carpark Closure

      Red Rocks Carpark and Hurst Road will be closed to vehicle access to allow for safe road maintenance works on Tuesday the 4th of October. Road signage will be in place. 

    • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      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.

    • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

      Melba Gully - Large bus access

      Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Slippery wet conditions & Hooded Plover breeding season

      Please be aware that due to above average rainfall over successive seasons (due to La nina), conditions on some sections of the Great Ocean Walk are wetter, muddier & more slippery than usual (particularly under closed canopy within rainforest, areas vulnerable to run off & subject to waterlogged soils). 

      Walkers are advised to wear footwear appropriate for the anticipated conditions, note weather & tidal variations, take care when hiking and allow additional time to reach their destinations.
       
      Upgrading sections of the walk is ongoing (raised boardwalks, track and drainage works), with areas of planned works having been completed, others are ongoing and some have been post-poned due to the wet conditions. 
       
      Apologies for the inconvenience caused.

      Additionally, with the commencement of the breeding season of the critically endangered Hooded Plover, walkers may encounter individuals or pairs of these small ground nesting birds, chicks & eggs on beaches along the Great Ocean Walk.

      Please take care to avoid disturbing or harming Hooded Plovers by being observant, walking below the previous high tide line and noting relevant signage & temporary fencing when encountered.

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