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 Lorne and is a perfect break from your Great Ocean Road drive.
Sheoak Falls is a place of tranquillity and beauty just off the Great Ocean Road. Here, the waters of Sheoak Creek cascade 15m down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by trees.
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.
For a longer and more challenging hike, you could park your car at Sheoak Picnic Area and walk the 3.6km trail (one way) to Sheoak Falls. Sheoak Picnic Area has better facilities than Sheoak Falls Carpark, including toilets and picnic benches.
As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Sheoak Falls is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do
Sheoak Picnic Area
Erskine Falls
How to get there
Sheoak Falls
When you're there
Sheoak Falls is not to be confused with Sheoak Picnic Area, which is nearby and a popular trailhead for several waterfall walks. It is possible to walk to Sheoak Falls from Sheoak Picnic Area, but the trail is 3.6km one way and it is a challenging hike.
Need to know
Sheoak Falls
Accessibility
Sheoak Falls carpark has a good smooth surface and good circulation. The tracks nearby are not so accessible as they have steep sections and steps. There are no picnic facilities or toilets onsite. The nearest facilities are in Lorne.
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
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 ParksStay Informed :- -
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 2025Aire 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 2025Due 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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