Some of Lorne's best waterfall walks start from Sheoak Picnic Area. Trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Sheoak Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls all depart from here. If you want a break from your beachside holiday - or your Great Ocean Road drive - bring a picnic and take a hike.
Sheoak Picnic Area has a pretty good claim to be the waterfall capital of Victoria. Walks from this clearing surrounded by tall rainforest trees lead to at least six waterfalls through some gorgeous rainforest scenery. Some of the trails are along old timber tramway routes from the days when these forests were logged.
The waterfall walks of Sheoak Picnic Area make for a great day out in the Otway hinterland for people staying in nearby Lorne or one of the other seaside townships along the coast. Alternatively, this is a fantastic break from your drive along the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Picnic Area is well-equipped for families with toilets, a picnic shelter and gas barbecues.
Henderson Falls - 3km return, 1 hour
The Henderson Falls Walk gently climbs from Sheoak Picnic Area, through dense wet forest shadowed by towering eucalypt trees. Finish your journey at the base of Henderson Falls, cascading over a moss-capped cliff face to a small pool below. There's also a short diversion to see Won Wondah Falls.
Kalimna Falls - 8.4km return, 4 hours
See two waterfalls for the price of one on this walk along an old timber tramway used for transporting timber to Lorne Pier from the 1890s-1920s. Wind through a deep valley carved by Sheoak Creek to see Lower Kalimna Falls cascading over an undercut rock ledge before pushing on to Upper Kalimna Falls framed by lush moss-covered trees.
Phantom Falls - 8.6km return, 3 hours
This walk from Sheoak Picnic Area to Phantom Falls is packed with highlights. You'll see Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls and the lost world of The Canyon on your way to Phantom Falls. Turn the walk into a circuit by continuing down to Allenvale and back to Sheoak Picnic Area along the unsealed road.
Sheoak Falls - 3.6km one way, 2 hours
Weave your way through the tall wet forest synonymous with the beautiful Otway Ranges along Sheoak Creek. Meander through coastal woodland via waterfalls and out to the coastal vistas of the Great Ocean Road. Sheoak Creek plunges into a tranquil pool at Sheoak Falls before continuing down to the ocean. If you'd prefer not to return to Sheoak Picnic Area via the same route, you can arrange to be picked up at Sheoak Falls Carpark.
Castle Rock - 5km return, 3 hours
Castle Rock Walking Track is in the Great Otway National Park near the town of Lorne. The trail starts at Sheoak Picnic Area and is approximately 5km return (3 hours) weaving uphill through coastal forest to a rocky outcrop with views over Cumberland River and the coast.
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
How to get there
Sheoak Picnic Area
When you're there
Need to know
Sheoak Picnic Area
Accessibility
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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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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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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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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