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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Herberts (Wymbooliel) Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Herbert's Campground closed
Herbert’s Campground is closed until further notice due to hazardous trees. -
Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Aire River East Campground closure
Aire River East campground in the Great Otway National Park will be closed until October 31st 2020 due to recent flooding making the campground unsuitable for camping. Campsites are available at Aire River West. -
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.
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Great Otway National Park
Site bookings required at Hammond Road campground from Sunday 1 November
From Sunday 1 November, sites at Hammond Road campground will need to be booked through www.parkstay.vic.gov.au, the Parks Victoria website or by calling 13 1963. There are 15 sites available at this campground and camping is only permitted in designated sites.Site bookings required at Hammond Road campground from Sunday 1 November
From Sunday 1 November, sites at Hammond Road campground will need to be booked through www.parkstay.vic.gov.au, the Parks Victoria website or by calling 13 1963. There are 15 sites available at this campground and camping is only permitted in designated sites.
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