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
Sheoak Falls
Sheoak Picnic Area
Great Ocean Walk
How to get there
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.
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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. -
Great Otway National Park
Part closure of Gentle Annie Track
A section of Gentle Annie Track within the Great Otway National Park is closed due to track works being undertaken until 31 December.Gentle Annie Track is closed at the Old Coach Road end and at the intersection of Moggs Creek Track and Gentle Annie Track.Extension of Seasonal Track closure
Brown Town Track within the Great Otway National Park has remained closed due to ongoing wet weather for public safety and protect track and surrounding areas from damage. -
Alcoa Powerline Trail head (Anglesea Heath Alcoa Agreement Area)
Alcoa Powerline Track Closed until further notice
Alcoa Powerline Track closed until further notice due to safety concerns. -
Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)
Great Ocean Walk Section Closure
This section of the Great Ocean Walk west from Johanna Beach Campground through to Ryans Den access track (14.2km) is closed.Subsidence of sections of the rock wall cliff face have resulted in large boulders falling onto the track near Ryans Den. With recent severe weather conditions, there is potential for further landslides and rock fall in this area. It is not safe for people to walk this section of the trail.If walking from Johanna Beach Campground, you will need to arrange transport to take you to Ryans Den Access Track in order to continue the Great Ocean Walk. A Licensed Tour Operator along the Great Ocean Road may be able to assist.All campgrounds along the Great Ocean Walk remain open including Johanna Beach Campground and Ryans Den.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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls Closed
A full track closure of Philips Tk is needed to complete essential safety repair of a track surface slippage and some compromise to a retaining wall due to heavy spring rainfall events.
Phillips Track provides the only safe entry and exit into the Triplet Falls day visitor area, and the necessary repairs to this track and connected infrastructure will ensure safety is maintained over a busy summer visitation period. Access to Youngs Track and Brownstown Track (closed ongoing due to seasonal closure) is also impacted by this closure of Phillips Track.
Similar experiences
Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls
