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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Beauchamp Falls Reserve (OTWAY FOREST PARK)
Beauchamp Falls is currently closed for upgrades.
Beauchamp Falls walk and campground are closed for upgrades. This location is scheduled to re-open November 2021. -
Triplet Falls Walk (Great Otway National Park)
Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure
A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible.
The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls.The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open.Triplet Falls Walk Partial Closure
A section of the Triplet Falls loop walk is currently closed due to damage to the boardwalk by a fallen tree, and is not accessible.
The walk to the Triplet Falls lookout remains open and now is a great time to see the falls.The walk to the Little Aire Falls remains open. -
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. -
Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire West Campground site closures- sites 20 to 40
Aire River West sites 20 to 40 (the flats) will be closed until September 30th 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 19 remain available -
Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)
Aire River East Campground site closures- sites 10 to 20
Aire River East campground sites 10 to 20 will be closed until September 2021 due to wet conditions, sites 1 to 9 remain available -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2021
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. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.
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Great Ocean Walk - Day 6 - Johanna Beach to Ryans Den (Great Otway National Park)
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.
Similar experiences
MacKenzie Falls
