Waterfalls
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls nearby
Sheoak Falls
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 Wye River.
The waters of Sheoak Falls cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees. Sheoak falls is a 14minute drive (11km back towards to Lorne). Parking is just off the Great Ocean Road and well signed.
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.
Erskine Falls (Great Otway National Park)
Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out.
There's an easy walk to the first lookout or a more strenuous but rewarding climb down 230 steps to the second lookout, where you will see the waterfall in all its glory cascading 30m down the rock face.
The Erskine River Walk to Lorne continues off downstream from here if you are prepared for the 7.5km walk. Erskine falls are a 32 minute drive (27km towards Lorne). At Lorne the falls are a short diversion off the Great Ocean Road with good signage directions. Parking is close to the top lookout.
Carisbrook Falls
Carisbrook Falls is a short and easy walk. it's only 10 minutes from the carpark on an evenly graded path to a lookout over the gorge to the falls which are one fo the highest along the Great Ocean Road.
They do not drop vertically, however they tumble down a sloping rockface - best viewed after heavy rain.
Carisbrook falls is a 16 minute drive (12km heading toward Apollo Bay). The walk starts from the carpark located just off the Great Ocean Road.
Distance: 1km Return | Time: 20mins | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Waterfalls In The Otways
The Great Otway National Park has many more stunning waterfalls. and whichever waterfall you choose to explore, these big nature experiences will tick all your boxes.
Hopetoun Falls
Hopetoun Falls has a viewing platform 20 metres from the carpark which offers spectacular views of the 30 metre high falls as they crash into the Aire River. Or you can take the steeper walk down to the pool at the base of the falls. The walk starts from the carpark located on the Aire Valley Road 10 minutes from Beech Forest
only a few minutes from the amazing Otway Redwoods forest.
Distance: 1km return | Time: 30 mins | Difficulty: Moderate
Drive time: 1hr 15mins from Wye River
Beauchamp Falls
Beauchamp Falls crashes over a ledge into a large pool just outside Beech Forest, this 20-metre waterfall rewards a somewhat strenuous walk. To get to the falls, take the walking path from the picnic area, located off the Aire Valley Road. The three-kilometre path is an hour’s walk return, and requires reasonable fitness. The descent to the falls leads to a viewing platform (there is no access to the falls). The path back is steep and has steps that can be slippery when wet. Take care when walking in damp conditions.
Distance: 3km return | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Strenuous
Drive time: 1hr 16mins from Wye River
Triplet Falls
Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Nestled amongst the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech with large sections of expanded metal boardwalks, you will discover three distinct and impressive cascades flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns. The walk is quite close to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures located on Phillips Track near Beech Forest.
The walk begins with some sections of steep steps so while it’s not long, it is not suited to people with limited mobility. There are some very large Mountain Ash trees along the track which are estimated to be around 200 years old. Continuing on the loop back to the carpark, you come to the site of Knott’s #1 Mill which operated for more than 20 years from 1909. The remains of a steam boiler overgrown by ferns is now the only evidence of one of the largest timber mills that operated in the West Otways region.
Distance: 2km return | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Moderate
Drive time: 1hr 19 mins from Wye River
Stevensons Falls
Stevensons Falls in the Great Otway National Park is well worth a visit with a spectacular waterfall and picnic spot.
Stevensons Falls is one of the Otway region’s most accessible and spectacular waterfalls. Starting from the car park, this short walk passes through a stand of large Californian redwood trees which are a remnant of a trial plantation established in the 1980s. From here, the picturesque walk crosses over the Gellibrand River and then continues alongside the river to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfalls.
This easy walk is suitable for everyone and is wheelchair accessible and pram friendly.
Most attractions and facilities at the day visitor area are accessible for people in a wheelchair or with mobility needs and are pram friendly. This includes the car park, walkways, toilets and viewing platform.
Distance: 3.4km return | Time: 1-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Drive time: 1hr from Wye River
Little Aire Falls
Little Aire Falls track takes you through Mountain Ash and rainforests ending at a cantilevered viewing platform with spectacular views over the falls. There are some creek crossings on bridges passing through beautiful fern gullies before reaching the suspended viewing platform. It is a steep climb back up to the carpark. The walk starts from the Triplet Falls carpark located on Phillips Track, just 3km past the Otway Fly Tree top adventures.
Distance: 5km return | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Drive time: 1hr 21 mins from Wye River
