Even in a region known for its magnificent waterfalls, Erskine Falls stands out. A short diversion from the Great Ocean Road and 15 minutes from Lorne, you can park close to the 30-metre cascade - or enjoy it as part of a longer, secluded walk through lush rainforest.
The Otway Ranges are infamous for their high rainfall - but on the plus side all that water means lush green fern gullies carved out by rivers and waterfalls. Erskine Falls is particularly popular among the waterfalls of the Otways, plunging (or trickling, depending on recent rainfall levels) down a 30-metre drop.
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. The Erskine River Walk to Lorne continues off downstream from here if you are prepared for the 7.5km walk.
Erskine Falls makes a great half-day trip away from the beach if you are holidaying in Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the Great Ocean Road. Combine it with a trip to one or more of the other beautiful waterfalls near Lorne, such as Sheoak or Kalimna Falls.
As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Erskine Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.
Changes to Great Ocean Road parks and campsites
From 1 July 2026, some parks and campsites along the Great Ocean Road will be managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA). Visit the GORCAPA website to see which parks GORCAPA manage.
This change is part of the transition of land management responsibilities to GORCAPA, helping support a dedicated and localised approach to managing the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.
Things to do
Sheoak Falls
Sheoak Picnic Area
Great Ocean Walk
How to get there
Erskine Falls
When you're there
There are no toilets at Erskine Falls. The nearest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground.
The Erskine Falls Walk from the carpark is short, but you'll need to descend 230 stone steps. There are places to rest on the way down.
If you would like a longer and beautiful walk away from the crowds, you can take the Erskine River Walk (7.5km one way). Start at the Erskine Falls carpark. After seeing Erskine Falls, walk past Straw Falls, Splitter Falls and huge rock slabs that form cascades. The walk is challenging at times and involves some tricky rock hopping and river crossings. It finishes in Lorne at the Kia Ora Caravan Park.
For an easier and shorter walk, park your car at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and take the Lemonade Creek Walk to Erskine Falls (4.4km one way).
You can pick up walking guides and brochures from the Visitor Information Centre in Lorne. Download the Great Otway National Park Lorne visitor guide before you go.
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.
Need to know
Erskine Falls
Accessibility
Blanket Leaf Picnic Area has accessible picnic tables, and some shelter. There are toilet facilities near the car park, though the designated accessible facility does not meet all access criteria.
Erskine Falls is a short drive (approx 2km) from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area. There is a walk from the car park to the falls, but no facilities at this site. The path up to the falls viewing area is quite steep with uneven steps and a loose gravel surface.
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.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Great Otway Natonal Park - flood damge impact
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding on 16 January 2026 caused significant damage across parts of the eastern Great Otway National Park.Recovery works are ongoing.We are pleased to advise that some areas have now reopened, while others remain closed to ensure public safety during assessment and repair work.The following areas are now open to visitors:- Moggs Creek Picnic Area
- Distillery Creek Picnic Area
- Ocean Track
- Castle Rock
- Sheoak Falls to Swallow Cave Track
Parks Victoria has reopened sections of the Kalimna Falls Walking Trail, providing:
- Access from Sheoak Picnic Ground
- Walking access to Lower Kalimna Falls
- Return via the same route or continuing through to Garvey Track
✅ Open sections are marked in green on park signage/maps
❌ Closed sections remain in red and must not be enteredVisitors should remain on marked open tracks and follow all onsite signage.
⚠️ Important Visitor Advice- Always follow posted signage and staff directions
- Stay within reopened (green-marked) track sections
- Do not enter closed areas under any circumstances
- Conditions may change without notice
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Aire River West Campground (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire West Campground – Partial Seasonal Closure
Visitors are advised that sites 17–40 at Aire West Campground in Great Otway National Park are temporarily closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 due to seasonal conditions.What to expect:Sites 17–40 are closed and unavailable for camping or vehicle access during this periodRemaining sites may still be accessible, subject to conditionsImportant information:The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support camping and vehicle accessVisitors are asked to follow any on-site signage and avoid closed areas to prevent damage to the campground and ensure safety.The Great Ocean Walk hike in camp site is not impacted.Entering into or camping within closed areas is subject to National Park regulationsWe appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park during these conditions. -
Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA, Aire River Heritage River)
Aire East Campground – Seasonal Closure
Aire East Campground in Great Otway National Park will be closed from 29 May to 25 September 2026 as part of the annual seasonal winter closure.This closure is necessary to protect the campground and access tracks during periods of wet weather, when conditions are highly susceptible to damage from vehicle use and camping activity.What to expect:No visitor or vehicle access to the campground during the closure period.Campground and toilet facilities will be unavailable.Important information:The closure period may be extended if conditions remain too wet to safely support vehicle access and camping.Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative campgrounds.We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the park environment during this time. -
Ironbark Basin Nature Trail (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)
Surf Coast walk/ Ironbark Nature trail closure
The Ironbark Nature trail loop is undergoing storm damage repairs. It will be closed for the duration of the works. The section of the Surf Coast Walk between Ironbark carpark and Point Addis stairs will be closed also.
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Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park GORCAPA)
Maits Rest Carpark – Temporary Partial Closure
Visitors are advised that maintenance works will be undertaken at the Maits Rest Carpark in Great Otway National Park on Monday 22 June 2026These works involve repairing and resurfacing sections of the carpark affected by pothole damage.What to expect:- Partial closure of the carpark during works
- Reduced parking availability
- Construction activity and machinery on site
Access:- The carpark will remain partially open, with approximately half of the parking area available
- Access to the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk will remain open at all times
- Visitors are asked to follow all signage and directions from contractors to ensure safety.
We appreciate your patience while these essential maintenance works are completed.
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