Lorne

Three visitors stand on a wooden viewing platform admiring the waterfall in lush temperate rainforest environment.

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Explore

Lorne

Great Otway National Park

The coastal town of Lorne is where the bush meets the beach. Expect white sandy beaches, clifftops and incredible coastal vistas, numerous waterfall walks and picnic areas fringed by lush fern gullies. Walkers are spoilt for choice in this pocket of the Great Otway National Park, with Sheoak Falls and the longer Canyon Walk standing out.

With over 10 waterfall walks within 10 minutes of Lorne, enter the waterfall capital of Australia and experience a lost world of emerald green gullies.

Discover the magnificent Erskine Falls which flows year-round and only a short drive from town. A short walk down more than 270 steps leads to a lookout at the base of the falls. Admire one of the highest drops in the Otways as you watch the water cascade over the moss-laden cliff face and plunge into the gully below.

The pleasant Blanket Leaf Picnic Area is nestled among tall eucalyptus trees and has everything you need for a peaceful day out, including accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelter. Stroll to Cora Lynn Cascade or follow Lemonade Creek Walk to approach Erskine Falls from a different angle.

Sheoak Picnic Area is a hub for those wanting to chase waterfalls, with walks leading to Kalimna, Sheoak, Henderson, Won Wondah and Phantom Falls. The tranquil picnic ground contains accessible picnic tables, fireplaces and shelters - perfect if you want to make a day of your visit!

Also starting at Sheoak Picnic Area, the Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls Walk requires preparation. The 8km trail follows the old timber tramway through shady fern gullies and tall, open eucalypt forest.

Choose from a range of camping opportunities in the area. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from Jamieson Creek Campground, relax on the banks of St George River at Allenvale Campground or unwind at Big Hill Campground after a day of mountain biking or four-wheel driving.   

As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lorne is a safe and enjoyable one.

Things to do

 
The ocean views from Jamieson Creek Campground at the Great Otway National Park

Jamieson Creek Campground

Set among coastal woodland and tall eucalypts, a short distance from Wye River, Jamieson Creek Campground is perfectly positioned to explore 4WD trails, Jamieson Creek walking track and nearby Cumberland River and Lorne trailheads. Enjoy panoramic views just meters from the campground looking out over the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
A couple stand and admire Sheoak Falls near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

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.
A man relaxes reading a book next to his tent at Allenvale Mill Campground in the Great Otway National Park

Allenvale Campground

Nestled on the banks of St George River just beyond the outskirts of Lorne, Allenvale Campground is perfectly positioned to explore the coast and the bush. This is a walk-in camping area, although it's only a short walk to the campground (approximately 230 meters).
Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls are at the end of Erskine Falls Road 10km north west of Lorne. There is a viewing point above the falls and a walking track, steep in places, leads to the base of the falls. The falls cascade over one of the highest drops in the Otways.
Tents and ferns at Big Hill Campground in the Great Otway National Park

Big Hill Campground

Set in an open, easily accessible grassy area surrounded by tall forest, Bill Hill Campground is ideally positioned for mountain biking, four-wheel driving or relaxing in nature.
Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

Cumberland Falls Walk

Explore the feeling of remoteness in one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otway Ranges. Memories of dramatic cliffs, gentle streams and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summer day will stay with you long after your visit.

How to get there

Lorne

If you are travelling from Melbourne, Lorne is easily accessible via the Princes Freeway. Follow the freeway to Waurn Ponds and turn onto Anglesea Road which merges with the Great Ocean Road at Bellbrae.

A bus service runs between Geelong, Lorne and Apollo Bay, connecting with regional train services train services to Melbourne. Visit the PTV website for more information on buses and trains that connect to this part of the Great Otway National Park.
Lorne

When you're there

The Lorne Visitor Information Centre proves a valuable stop with free brochures, maps and helpful volunteers to assist with travel advice. Download the Great Otway National Park - Lorne visitor guide for more information about this part of the park.

When to go

The beaches are ideal to visit during summer to escape the heat. Lemonade Walk and Cora Lyn Cascade are beautiful fern gully walks. If you want to walk your dog, take the the St George River walking track.

Need to know

Lorne

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

The Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire each have an all-terrain wheelchair, called a Trailrider, that is available for park visitors with mobility difficulties. The chairs can be booked with the respective shires.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna 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. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Night closures of park tracks in Great Otway National Park for conservation work

    Parks Victoria  will be conducting conservation shooting programs at night throughout the Great Otway National Park between April and June 30th 2025.  To ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, track closures will occur at night around shooting operation areas.
    Campgrounds and campground access will remain open, as will most visitor sites.  Track closures will be temporary and should not cause too much inconvenience for park visitors.  Should you require more information, please email westregiondcp@parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

    Great Ocean Walk - River estuary conditions

    🚶‍♀️🌊 Great Ocean Walk Update 🌊🚶‍♂️

    Parks Victoria is monitoring water levels at the Aire River and Gellibrand River estuary mouths. Hikers may notice high water in these areas.

    ⚠️ If levels rise and pose a safety risk, track closures may be required.

    🏕️ Aire River West campground is open, including lower areas near the river. However, sites 24–40 may need to close if the Aire estuary remains closed and water levels increase.

    🌧️ Estuaries may open naturally at any time or be artificially opened when safe to do so.  Forecast catchment rainfall may see these conditions change quickly . 

    🗺️ Check conditions before your walk or stay, and take extra care near river crossings.

    Weather Advisory - Great Otway National Park & Great Ocean Walk (Valid: 23–27 May 2025)

    Severe weather conditions are forecast across Victoria’s southwest coast.

    Key Risks for the Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Walk Visitors:

    🌬️ Damaging Winds:

    Likely wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h from late Sunday through early Tuesday.

    Strongest winds expected along exposed coastal areas and ridge lines.

    These winds pose a risk to visitors and hikers via falling limbs, tree failure, and loss of footing.

    🌧️ Heavy Rain & Wet Tracks:

    The Aire River and the Gellibrand River estuary mouths are currently CLOSED.

    Periods of showers and patchy rain, especially from Sunday to Monday.

    Some areas may receive 50–100mm, particularly if localised thunderstorms develop.

    Wet and unstable track surfaces, increased tree risk, and potential localised flash flooding in gullies or low-lying areas.

    🌊 Damaging Surf and Elevated Sea Levels:

    From Sunday through Tuesday, significant wave heights > 7.5m are forecast for the southwest coast.

    Elevated tides and possible coastal inundation, especially during high tide on Monday.

    Beach sections and river crossings may become hazardous or impassable.

    🚨 Visitor Safety Advisory:
    Avoid Remote Sections During This Period – Safety cannot be guaranteed in isolated coastal or forested areas under severe weather conditions.

    Reconsider Beach and River Crossings – Many access points may be unsafe or closed due to wave surge or flooding.

    Monitor Track Conditions Closely – Fallen trees, erosion, and flooded paths may occur.

    Do Not Camp in Exposed or Low-lying Areas – Use only booked campsites when campong in National Parks 

    Stay Informed :-
    1. Vic Emergency - Respond
    2. BoM - South West District Forecast

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Aire River East Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Seasonal Partial Closure Notification – Aire West Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 September 2025

    Due to wet and muddy ground conditions during the cooler months, Sites 17 to 40 at Aire West Campground will be closed from 1 June to 30 September 2025. Extended closure may be required to ensure conditions are suitable for opening.

    Sites 1 to 16 will remain open, subject to suitable dry conditions. Campers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.

    Note: The Great Ocean Walk hike-in campground at Aire West is not affected and remains open year-round.

    These closures help protect campground surfaces and ensure safe, comfortable camping experiences. Camping in closed areas is not permitted and is subject to National Park Regulations 2024.

    We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to caring for the park.

  • Melba Gully Day Visitor Area (Great Otway National Park)

    Melba Gully - Large bus access

    Melba Gully Walk Track and picnic area is accessible for large coaches. Toilet facilities are available on site

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

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