Sheoak Falls
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    Sheoak Falls

    Great Otway National Park

    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. This is one of the most popular waterfalls near Lorne and is a perfect break from your Great Ocean Road drive. 
    Sheoak Falls is a place of tranquillity and beauty just off the Great Ocean Road. Here, the waters of Sheoak Creek cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees. 

    It's a short walk from the carpark to the falls (although there are plenty of steps), so if you fancy a longer stroll, continue up the trail to see Swallow Cave. It's quite a climb, but you'll also see some alternative views of the falls along the way. This trail also requires a river crossing, so it might be impassable in the winter. At Swallow Cave, look out for Tree Martins, which live in the grotto during spring, summer and autumn. These birds use mud from the creek to build their nests.

    For a longer and more challenging hike, you could park your car at Sheoak Picnic Area and walk the 3.6km trail (one way) to Sheoak Falls. Sheoak Picnic Area has better facilities than Sheoak Falls Carpark, including toilets and picnic benches. 




    Things to do

     
    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.
    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.

    How to get there

    Sheoak Falls

    Park your car at Sheoak Falls Carpark, which is a ten-minute drive along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne. Sheoak Falls is a 600m walk from Sheoak Falls Carpark. 
    Sheoak Falls

    When you're there

    There are no toilets at Sheoak Falls Carpark. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go.

    Sheoak Falls is not to be confused with Sheoak Picnic Area, which is nearby and a popular trailhead for several waterfall walks. It is possible to walk to Sheoak Falls from Sheoak Picnic Area, but the trail is 3.6km one way and it is a challenging hike.

    Need to know

    Sheoak Falls

    Accessibility

    Sheoak Falls carpark has a good smooth surface and good circulation. The tracks nearby are not so accessible as they have steep sections and steps. There are no picnic facilities or toilets onsite. The nearest facilities are in Lorne.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Aire River West and East campgrounds- Temporary Closure of sites

      Aire River East and West Campgrounds in the Great Otway National Park are currently closed due to recent flooding. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      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. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

      Partial closure due to COVID-19

      Under the direction of the Chief Health Officer and in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services’ requirements, this park is open to local residents in regional Victoria. You can use this park for walking, hiking, bike riding, surfing, kayaking or yoga so long as it is closest to your home. While exercising with a person outside your household, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance from them and others. Some parts of this park are closed  to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission. For more information, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid-19

    • Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Herbert's Campground closed

      Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees.

    • Big Hill Campground (Great Otway National Park)

      Big Hill Campground is currently closed during seasonal road closure period

      The Big Hill Campground is closed during seasonal road closures. As the Campground is situated along Big Hill track which is seasonally closed due to wet weather. The Campground will reopen 30 October 2020

    • Great Otway National Park

      Temporary Road Closure

      Allardyce  Track in the Great Otway National Park is temporarily closed for public safety. 

    Similar experiences

     
    A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

    MacKenzie Falls

    An easy stroll from the MackKenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of MacKenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
    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.
    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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