Erskine Falls

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    Erskine Falls

    Great Otway National Park

    Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out. A short diversion from the Great Ocean Road and 15 minutes from Lorne, you can park close to the 30-metre cascade - or enjoy it as part of a longer, secluded walk through lush rainforest. 

    The Otway Ranges are infamous for their high rainfall - but on the plus side all that water means lush green fern gullies carved out by rivers and waterfalls. Erskine Falls is particularly popular among the waterfalls of the Otways, plunging (or trickling, depending on recent rainfall levels) down a 30-metre drop.

    There's an easy walk to the first lookout or a more strenuous but rewarding climb down 230 steps to the second lookout, where you will see the waterfall in all its glory. The Erskine River Walk to Lorne continues off downstream from here if you are prepared for the 7.5km walk.

    Erskine Falls makes a great half-day trip away from the beach if you are holidaying in Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the Great Ocean Road. Combine it with a trip to one or more of the other beautiful waterfalls near Lorne, such as Sheoak or Kalimna Falls.

    As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Erskine Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do

     
    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.
    Henderson Falls near Sheoak Picnic Area at Lorne in the Great Otway National Park

    Sheoak Picnic Area

    Sheoak Picnic Area has a pretty good claim to be the waterfall capital of Victoria. Walks from this clearing surrounded by tall trees lead to at least six waterfalls through some gorgeous scenery.
    A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

    Great Ocean Walk

    The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.

    How to get there

    Erskine Falls

    Erskine Falls is a 15 minute drive off the Great Ocean Road at Lorne. Take Erskine Falls Road. 
    Erskine Falls

    When you're there

    There are no toilets at Erskine Falls. The nearest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground.

    The Erskine Falls Walk from the carpark is short, but you'll need to descend 230 stone steps. There are places to rest on the way down.

    If you would like a longer and beautiful walk away from the crowds, you can take the Erskine River Walk (7.5km one way). Start at the Erskine Falls carpark. After seeing Erskine Falls, walk past Straw Falls, Splitter Falls and huge rock slabs that form cascades. The walk is challenging at times and involves some tricky rock hopping and river crossings. It finishes in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park. 

    For an easier and shorter walk, park your car at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and take the Lemonade Creek Walk to Erskine Falls (4.4km one way).

    You can pick up walking guides and brochures from the Visitor Information Centre in Lorne. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go. 

    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.

    Need to know

    Erskine Falls

    Accessibility

    Blanket Leaf Picnic Area has accessible picnic tables, and some shelter. There are toilet facilities near the car park, though the designated accessible facility does not meet all access criteria.

    Erskine Falls is a short drive (approx 2km) from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area. There is a walk from the car park to the falls, but no facilities at this site. The path up to the falls viewing area is quite steep with uneven steps and a loose gravel surface.

    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.

    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.

    Similar experiences

     
    Water cascades down the granite rockface at Eurobin Falls.

    Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls

    At Ladies Bath Falls, water cascades into a perfectly clear pool of water, while at Upper and Lower Eurobin Falls, Crystal Creek spills spectacularly over a formidable granite escarpment.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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