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.

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

    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.

    • Great Otway National Park

      Beach between Red Rocks and Anglesea Family Caravan Park closed until further notice

      The beach between Red Rocks, off Hurst Rd, and the Anglesea Family Caravan Park is closed  until further notice for public safety. There has been recent landslip activity at the area known as Demon's Bluff and monitoring of the site has identified an increase risk for further landslips. 

    • Beauchamp Falls Reserve

      Beauchamp Falls Reserve Closure

      Beauchamp Falls campground, road and waterfall are closed to visitors until further notice due to upgrade works. 

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

      Herbert's Campground closed

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

    • Castle Rock Walk (Great Otway National Park)

      Castle Rock Lookout Limited Access

      Castle Rock lookout is only accessible via the walking tracks from Sheoak Picnic Ground and Sheoak Falls. Due to planned burning operations Garvey Track and the Cumberland Garvey Link Track are closed until further notice. 


    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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