The Great Ocean Road region features a variety of waterfalls due to its diverse terrain and coastal location. These waterfalls provide an excellent escape from the summer heat and offer opportunities for walks through forest areas with abundant wildlife. Visitors may spot koalas, echidnas, wallabies, fungi, wildflowers, and native birds in this area.
Waterfalls found along the Great Ocean Road
Discover the beauty of waterfalls and cascades in the Otway Ranges and surrounding Great Ocean Road region, where you can explore scenic drives, relaxing walks, and picnics in the lush valleys. Stay in Lorne or Apollo Bay, known for their proximity and accessibility of numerous waterfalls.
Travellers on a Great Ocean Road Tour can experience a variety of stunning waterfalls in nature. These waterfalls are considered some of the best along the Great Ocean Road.
Beauchamp Falls
Beauchamp Falls is located approximately 4km from Beech Forest and has a picturesque, rectangular shape.
About 1.5 hours from the picnic area, the trail winds through stunning mountain ash forests featuring myrtle beech, blackwood, and dense ferns.
The track is mainly uphill until reaching a viewpoint of the waterfall cascading over a cliff into a pool below. Dogs are allowed on leashes. The trail is accessible from Aire Valley Road off of Beech Forest Road.
Erskine Falls
Visitors to Erskine Falls near Lorne can experience the waterfall from both above and below, offering different perspectives.
Erskine Falls, located in a fern-filled rainforest setting, is a 30-meter waterfall with natural charm. It is the most accessible waterfall in the region.
The first lookout platform is 150 meters from the car park, offering visitors a stunning cascade view.
During the second act, descend over 200 steps to get a close view of the splash pool and waterfalls in the gully.
Hopetoun Falls
Visitors to Hopetoun Falls can experience the positive ions by taking a short stroll to the viewing platform or a more adventurous trek down to the base of the falls.
The path to the valley floor is steep, passing through a meadow of tree ferns to the base of the falls. It is a moderate 30-minute round trip. A viewing platform at the car park provides a view of the water pounding into the Aire River. A picnic area is nearby. Hopetoun Falls is accessible for all fitness levels and abilities due to the easy access to the viewing platform.
The Californian Redwood plantation, located just south of Hopetoun Falls, is a popular visitor attraction. It can be reached by travelling 26 kilometres east of Lavers Hill off Binns Road.
Hopkins Falls
Hopkins Falls near Warrnambool is easily accessible from the car park, with viewing platforms overlooking the 90-meter-wide waterfall, making it an excellent spot for a picnic.
Hopkins Falls is the largest waterfall on the Hopkins River, plunging 12 meters over dark basalt rocks. There are two viewing platforms overlooking the falls and an easy path to the platform below for picturesque photographs. Visitors can also spot camera stands for taking photos. Visiting the falls in winter for the most impressive views and observing baby eels jumping on the rocky ledges during their winter migration is recommended.
Hopkins Falls, located just 15 kilometres from Warrnambool, is a popular picnic spot with barbecue and toilet facilities above the falls.
Kalimna Falls
Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls
The Kalimna Falls walk follows the path of a former timber tramway used for transporting timber to the Lorne Pier from the 1890s to the 1920s. The area was heavily logged during that period.
The Lower Falls are nestled behind a curtain of water, offering a unique perspective of a pool encircled by moss-covered logs and rocks. The Upper Falls can be observed from a viewing platform, consisting of a collection of cascades.
Phantom Falls
A 90-minute trail walk leads to the sight of Phantom Falls, a 15-meter high waterfall on the St George River, located 2km from Lorne.
The walk includes crossing the St George River, passing by an orchard, walking uphill on a vehicle track with some steep sections of loose gravel, and descending to a pool at the base of Phantom Falls.
Experienced hikers can find a challenging walk to Cora Lynn Cascades from the falls' base. The Canyon and Sheoak Picnic Area can be accessed via a track above the falls.
Stevensons Falls
Stevensons Falls is from Barramunga, between Skenes Creek and Forrest.
The track starts at the campground and follows the Gellibrand River to the day visitor area. It crosses the river, goes through Douglas Fir trees, and returns to the river. The track ends at a viewing platform by the falls. For a shorter walk, begin at the day carpark using the second bridge. There is a free camping area in a peaceful valley near the river and pines where dogs and fires are allowed.
The trail offers two options: a short 500m return trip or a more extended 4.6km return trip. The short option takes approximately 20 minutes, while the long takes about 1.5 hours. The difficulty level is considered easy.
Triplet Falls
A moderate 2km loop walk near Beech Forest takes you through ancient mountain ash forest to Triplet Falls. Elevated viewing platforms offer views of the three cascades in the shady rainforest. The walk starts near Otway Fly Treetop Adventures on Phillips Track. The track has steep sections and isn't suitable for those with limited mobility. You'll see 200-year-old mountain ash trees along the way. The loop ends at Knott's #1 Mill site, where a steam boiler remains from the old timber mill.
There is a small picnic area where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.