Whether you are a leisurely rambler, cyclist, road tripper or hiker, nothing comes close to the rewarding feeling of stumbling upon a waterfall in the wilderness. The epitome of natural beauty, these natural cascades are known to evoke an overwhelming and exhilarating feeling, with a roaring volume which often forces the beholder to be present, appreciating nothing but their beautiful surroundings.
So contrary to the advice of popular 90s band TLC, we implore you; definitely DO go chasing waterfalls. We’ve even come up with a handy list of our favourite Great Ocean Road Waterfalls which can be found at points along the way of your Great Ocean Road adventure.
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10+ Stunning Waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road
– and how to find them!
Table of Contents
Great Ocean Road Waterfalls Map
As you can see from this Great Ocean Road Waterfalls Map, there is a high concentration of waterfalls (10) around Lorne, with another 7 dotted through the Otway Ranges, Great Otway National Park and Beech Forrest. This is a screenshot of our Interactive Great Ocean Road Map – with the main map not only showcasing where all the waterfalls are hiding (including Hopkins Falls, Carisbrook Falls & Cumberland Falls that are not in this guide (yet!), but also has over 150 over attractions and things to do to help you make the most of your stay in the region.
Beauchamp Falls
Nestled in the jungle-like surroundings, concealed in amongst the thick ferns of the Otway National Park, you’ll find the beguiling Beauchamp Falls. Just a short way inland from the Great Ocean Road, this 20-metre cascade can be found. A rewarding incentive for a somewhat challenging 3km trek from the stopping point on the Aire Valley Road, you’ll soak up its pleasingly rectangular and symmetrical ledge and peaceful rocky shallows of the stream below.
How to get there: Follow signs to the C159, then follow Beech Forest Road, turning onto Aire Valley Road where you’ll spot a parking and picnic area where the path will be signposted.
Cora Lynn Cascades
How to get there: Near Lorne, Follow Erskine Falls Road to Blanket Leaf car park where you’ll find the Cascades just a 2.2km distance by foot along the nature trail.
Complete Guide to Touring the Great Ocean Road (Driving Tips, FAQs & More), PLUS
100+ INCREDIBLE Attractions & Things to do on the Great Ocean Road inc all the visitor information centres and a load of outdoor activities such as the Otway Fly Treetops Walk, Californian Redwood Forest, Maits Rest, Melba Gully State Park, plus all the incredible rock formations on the Twelve Apostles coast in Port Campbell National Park – and so. much. more!
Erskine Falls
Erskine Falls, Cora Lynn Cascades larger, more imposing sibling is just a short distance away in the Angahook-Lorne State Park. Towering 30 metres above its lower grounds, this impressive fall is slender but powerful, and one of the most famous natural attractions in the area.
Similar to the nearby smaller cascades, its waters fall over an impressive structure of ridges which form steps carved into the rock face. The viewpoint which can be reached by the lower falls footpath is arguably the most rewarding (if you’re happy to brave the journey back up!). Take in the stunning surroundings of mossy stones, thick ferns and the magnificent towering canopies above.
How to get there: Just a nine-kilometre drive from Lorne, the falls carpark can be found off Erskine Falls Road. Alternatively, avid hikers might want to venture out from Lorne on a waterfall-filled day trip on foot. The 7.5-kilometre Erskine River Track also passes by the popular nearby sites of Straw Falls and Splitter Falls.
Henderson Falls
Sheltered in a beautiful fern gully in the Great Otway National Park is the stunning Henderson Falls. This one is a two for the price of one waterfall extravaganza as you’ll amble past the popular Won Wondah Falls on the easy 1.8km walk from the Sheoak picnic area car park. The Henderson Falls is easier to view than its neighbouring counterpart with access from the path right up to the base of the falls. Its beautiful rugged structure, impressive width and flat upper ridge make it a true sight for sore eyes.
How to get there: Just south-west of the town of Lorne, Henderson Falls can be found along the Allenvale Road, where you’ll find signs to the Sheoak picnic area car park.
Hopetoun Falls
Hopetoun Falls is a true beauty. Its smooth yet turbulent 30m cascade mossy rocks in amongst the shallow stream and surrounded by jagged rockface punctuated with fern scattered rocky outcrops captivate its visitors, making it very easy to while away the hours here just listening to the sounds and soaking up the refreshing spray. The walking track leads to both lower and upper viewing platforms affording great views of the Falls.
How to get there: Not far from Skenes Creek and Wongarra, follow signs to the C159, turn off at Binns Rd. Turn off at Hopetoun Falls Rd where you will find signs for the car park.
Little Aire Falls
How to get there: From Skenes Creek follow signs to the C159 and Beech Forest. Continue on to Colac Lavers Hill Road, turning off onto Brown Town Track and follow signs for Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls.
Pitch a tent at some of the best Great Ocean Road Campsites & Holiday Parks or get you fill of some Great Ocean Road regional produce as you stock up on Beer & Spirits at the Incredible Craft Breweries and Distilleries on the GOR.
Upper Kalimna Falls & Lower Kalimna Falls
Allow at least half a day for the full Kalimna Falls trail. It’s more of a hike, at around 8km, but it’s well worth the exertion to see these two uniquely magnificent falls. The trail passes through an old timber tramway, through scenic creek valleys and towering canopies making it a wonderful day excursion.
Upper Kalimna Falls stands at around 25m tall and can be accessed from a nearby viewing deck. Lower Kalimna Falls (pictured) is the more petite, but arguably prettier of the two, looking as if straight out of a classic shampoo ad! Set around a serene plunge pool surrounded by tree ferns, the water tumbles from a rocky ledge with a cavernous alcove beneath making for a very peaceful and scenic spot to while away the hours.
How to get there: Take the Allenvale Rd from Lorne, where you’ll find signs for the falls and Sheoak picnic area, where the trail starts.
Phantom Falls
A pretty 15m waterfall along the St George River, the Phantom Falls is another great waterfall to visit during a stay in Lorne or passing through the nearby villages. The falls can be reached via a 3.5km, 1.5 hours return round trip starting at the Allenvale Mill car park, passing through attractive scenery including an old orchard. Phantom Falls is a pretty waterfall which cascades over uneven jagged rocks down to a serene plunge pool area which creates beautiful reflections from the waters below.
How to get there: An easy distance from Lorne, simply follow signs to the Allenvale Mill car park along the Allenvale Rd.
Sheoak Falls
Cutting into a curving, horseshoe-shaped rocky ridge, Sheoak Falls’ beautiful surroundings make for the perfect amphitheatre of watery drama. With a roaring sound which echoes from the surrounding rocky outcrops, this 15m cascade is one of the few which can be reached almost directly from the Great Ocean Road. A brilliantly refreshing break and stretch of the legs after a long stint behind the wheel – especially if you take a detour to nearby Swallow Cave too. The fall sits just south of the town of Lorne and can be reached via a pleasant 1.3km trail from the Sheoak Falls car park.
How to get there: From Lorne, head south along The Great Ocean Road until you reach the signs for the Sheoak Falls car park.
Stevenson Falls
Forming part of the Gellibrand River, the Stevenson Falls is another great waterfall to visit after a day exploring those in the Beech Forest region such as Hopetoun, Beauchamp and Triplet Falls (below). Set a little further north in the Barramunga Plantation forestland Cutting into the rockface, this double cascade falls 15m into a plunge pool below and is surrounded by an open space in amongst the tall canopies, making it pleasingly photogenic.
How to get there: From the direction of Lorne, follow the C119 and turn off at Upper Gellibrand Road, from which the Stevenson Falls Campground will be signposted.
Triplet Falls
Another Beech Forest beauty, the Triplet Falls is formed by a segmented triple cascade of Young Creek. Nestled in amongst the stunning flora and fauna of Mountain Ash, Myrtle Beech and fringed with tree ferns, the falls can be accessed via a 2km circular walk along Phillips Track where you will stop at various viewpoints to take in the three flowing cascades.
Little Aire Falls can also be reached via the same trail, but be sure to add extra time to appreciate both. The walk also features intriguing remnants of the original Otways timber mill, adding a little historical discovery to the excursion.
How to get there: From Skenes Creek follow signs to the C159 and Beech Forest. Continue on to Colac Lavers Hill Road, turning off onto Brown Town Track and follow signs for Triplet Falls Carpark.
So whether you’re stopping in Lorne or nearby villages or simply wanting to stretch the legs after a long stint on the road, these magical, wondrous waterfalls offer up the perfect pit stop and chasing them makes for great family activities!
For intrepid waterfall chasers looking for a longer day out- many of these are within close proximity, so can be done in the same day. Be prepared for a serious step count and some thigh-burn to boot, but it is so worth it for the spectacular sights when you reach each and any of these stunning falls.
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Wow, I had no idea there were so many beautiful waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road! I’ve always loved the area, but now I have even more reason to visit. Thanks for sharing this guide, I can’t wait to plan my next trip
Amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit the Great Ocean Road and see its waterfalls. Thanks for sharing this comprehensive guide on how to find them. Can’t wait to plan my trip!
Wow, I had no idea there were so many waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road! Your guide is super helpful, loved the tips on how to get to each one. Definitely making a note to visit the Erskine Falls on my next trip. Thanks for sharing!