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
Sheoak Picnic Area
Erskine Falls
How to get there
Sheoak Falls
When you're there
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Garvey Track Closed until further notice.
Garvey track will remain closed until further notice. Major road works are due to occur when conditions are suitable.Temporary Dog Exclusion Zone now in place at Red Rocks Beach
For protection of Hooded Plovers, a temporary dog exclusion zone has been established at Red Rocks Beach. Dogs are not permitted in or around exclusion zones when established. Zones will be identified by signage when a Hooded Plover is nesting, until the chick has fledged. -
Cora Lynn Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Cora Lynn Campground Closure
This campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees. -
Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Upper Kalimna Walking Trail Closed
Walking trail to Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice due to storm damage. Lower Falls remain open. -
Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Kalimna Tramline Trail Closed
This walking track is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. -
Sharps Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Sharps Campground Permanently Closed
Due to environmental and safety risks, Sharps campground will be permanently closed from Thursday 22nd December 2022.For more information please see attached fact sheet.Attachments: Sharps Campground closure Fact sheet (200KB)
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Great Otway National Park
Trail closures due to severe weather damage.
- St George River Walk is closed between Allenvale Campground and Cherry Tree Creek
- Cumberland River Walking
Trail is closed
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.- 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 -
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 -
Sheoak Picnic Area (Great Otway National Park)
No All-Abilities Toilet at Sheoak Picnic Area
No all-abilities toilet access at Sheoak Picnic Area. Portable toilets temporarily in use. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Temporary dog exclusion zone now in place between Hutt Gully Beach Access and Urquhart Bluff Beach Access
For protection of Hooded Plovers, a temporary dog exclusion zone has been established between Hut Gully Beach Access and Urquhart Bluff Beach Access. Dogs are not permitted in or around exclusion zones when established. Zones will be identified by signage when a Hooded Plover is nesting, until the chick has fledged.