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. Some of the trails are along old timber tramway routes from the days when these forests were logged.
The waterfall walks of Sheoak Picnic Area make for a great day out in the Otway hinterland for people staying in nearby Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the coast. Alternatively, this is a fantastic break from your drive along the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Picnic Area is well-equipped for families with toilets, a picnic shelter and gas barbecues.
Henderson Falls - 3km return, 1 hour
The Henderson Falls Walk gently climbs from Sheoak Picnic Area, through dense wet forest shadowed by towering eucalypt trees. Finish your journey at the base of Henderson Falls, cascading over a moss-capped cliff face to a small pool below. There's also a short diversion to see Won Wondah Falls.
Kalimna Falls - 8.4km return, 4 hours
See two waterfalls for the price of one on this walk along an old timber tramway used for transporting timber to Lorne Pier from the 1890s-1920s. Wind through a deep valley carved by Sheoak Creek to see Lower Kalimna Falls cascading over an undercut rock ledge before pushing on to Upper Kalimna Falls framed by lush moss-covered trees.
Phantom Falls - 8.6km return, 3 hours
This walk from Sheoak Picnic Area to Phantom Falls is packed with highlights. You'll see Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls and the lost world of The Canyon on your way to Phantom Falls. Turn the walk into a circuit by continuing down to Allenvale and back to Sheoak Picnic Area along the unsealed road.
Sheoak Falls - 3.6km one way, 2 hours
Weave your way through the tall wet forest synonymous with the beautiful Otway Ranges along Sheoak Creek. Meander through coastal woodland via waterfalls and out to the coastal vistas of the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Creek plunges into a tranquil pool at Sheoak Falls before continuing down to the ocean. If you'd prefer not to return to Sheoak Picnic Area via the same route, you can arrange to be picked up at Sheoak Falls Carpark.
Castle Rock - 5km return, 3 hours
Castle Rock Walking Track is in the Great Otway National Park near the town of Lorne. The trail starts at Sheoak Picnic Area and is approximately 5km return (3 hours) weaving uphill through coastal forest to a rocky outcrop with views over Cumberland River and the coast.
Things to do
Sheoak Falls
How to get there
Sheoak Picnic Area
When you're there
Need to know
Sheoak Picnic Area
Accessibility
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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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)
Walking Track Closed-Great Ocean Walk - Johanna to Ryans Den
Please note: Day 6 section - Johanna Beach Campground to Ryans Den is closed. All campgrounds along the Great Ocean Walk are open however walkers cannot continue along the trail from Johanna Beach Campground to Ryans Den.A section of natural rock wall cliff face has subsided to the east of Ryans Den.With recent severe weather conditions, there is potential for further landslides and rock falls in this area. It is not safe for walkers and it will be closed at least until 26th January 2022, pending further essential works to make this area safe.If walking from Johanna Beach Campground, 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. Visitor safety is our top priority and we are working to re-open this section of the walk as soon as it is safe.
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Kalimna Tramline Link Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Kalimna Tramline link Walk is closed
The Kalimna Tramline link walk 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. -
Kalimna Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Upper Kalimna Falls are Closed
The Upper Kalimna Falls viewing platform and access track are closed due to damage to the platform. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Garvey Track is Closed
Garvey Track is closed due to damage. Sharps Track is a suitable detour if required. -
Great Otway National Park
Access restricted at Jarosite Headlands between Point Addis and Southside Beach
- A 450m section of beach at Jarosite Headlands, between Point Addis and Southside, has had access restricted.
- Do not enter exclusion zone 10m from base of cliff.
- Do not stay stationary within 10m - 30m from base of cliff.
- Visitors must take note of signage in place.
- Landslips and rockfalls are unpredictable and can occur without warning. Like all coastal environments, these cliffs are subject to dynamic weather events and prone to cracking, erosion, landslips and rockfall.
Similar experiences
MacKenzie Falls
