A Guide to Waterfalls Along the Great Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk, located in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests. But what about all the waterfalls? In this guide, Walk91 will take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Great Ocean Walk, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and hiking adventure.
At Walk 91, we love to share the natural wonders along this epic trail. Whether you’re walking it for the first time or you’re a seasoned hiker looking for something a little different, our Self-Guided Tours of the Great Ocean Walk are suitable for everyone.
If you’d like a little more information, you can always get in touch with our local team or take a look at our blog about How to Choose the Right Great Ocean Walk Holiday for You.
1. Enjoy Hopetoun Falls on the Great Ocean Walk
Location: Aire Valley Road, Beech Forest, VIC 3237
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Distance: 1km loop or 30 minutes
The majestic Hopetoun Falls is situated deep within the awe-inspiring Great Otway National Park. The trail leading to the falls immerses you in a pristine rainforest, which adds to the atmosphere as you approach the thunderous cascading water.
A short and easy hike unveils the 30-meter drop of Hopetoun Falls, surrounded by lush greenery. The viewing platform allows you to witness the falls in all their glory, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike!
2. Experience the Magical Triplet Falls on the Great Ocean Walk
Location: Phillips Track, Beech Forest, VIC 3237
Difficulty Rating: Hard
Distance: 2km round loop or 1 hour
Continuing the journey through the Otway Ranges, the next waterfall on our list is the enchanting Triplet Falls. This is a more challenging hike but it’s well worth it.
The one-hour walk rewards you with the sight of three distinct cascades tumbling down the fern-covered cliffs. The boardwalks and well-maintained trails offer a unique perspective of each tier, making Triplet Falls a must-visit for those seeking a true rainforest experience.
The serenity of the surroundings adds to the magical atmosphere, creating a perfect retreat for hikers.
3. Relax in the Tranquil Beauchamp Falls, Great Ocean Walk
Location: Beech Forest, VIC 3237
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance: 4km or 1.5 hours return
As you venture further along the Great Ocean Walk, Beauchamp Falls emerges as a captivating spectacle surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and vibrant ferns.
Starting at the picnic area, this moderate trek passes through blackwood and large myrtle beech trees, allowing you to take in the diverse flora and fauna of the Otway Ranges.
When you arrive, you’ll see the falls plunge over a basalt rock face in a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. The cool mist and the soothing sounds of falling water make it an ideal spot to relax and connect with nature.
4. Trek the Easy Erskine Falls on the Great Ocean Walk
Location: Erskine Falls Access Rd, Lorne VIC 3232
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Distance: A 300m/15-minute loop to the first lookout from the car park or a 700m/30-minute loop to the second lookout
Be sure to visit one of the most iconic waterfalls in the region — Erskine Falls. This waterfall boasts a staggering 30-metredrop, which can be viewed from below or at eye level.
Follow the well-maintained trail through a lush forest before reaching the breathtaking panoramic view of the falls. The second lookout is 200 steps down into the gully, where you can look up at this spectacular cascade.
Whether you visit during the lush greenery of spring or the vibrant foliage of autumn, Erskine Falls never fails to captivate with its power and elegance. Don’t forget your camera!
5. Stop at Sheoak Falls on the Great Ocean Walk
Location: Sheoak Falls Car Park, 2530 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne VIC 3232
Difficulty Rating: 2.2km loop or 1 hour
Distance: Easy
Tucked away in a secluded pocket of the Great Otway National Park, Sheoak Falls offers a serene and intimate experience for hikers. This easy spot is only 10 minutes away from the car park to the cascade, but you can follow the route around through a peaceful forest.
If you’re short on time, Sheoak Falls is a perfect pit stop. Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush vegetation, it’s an ideal spot for a breath of fresh air and a moment of calm.
6. Picnic at Stevensons Falls on the Great Ocean Road
Location: Upper Gellibrand Rd, Barramunga VIC 3249
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Distance: 500m/20 minutes or 4.6km/2-3 hours
Venturing deeper into the Otway Ranges, Stevensons Falls awaits with multi-tiered beauty reaching 122 metres.
Starting from the picnic area, there are two short and long trails. The shorter one is great for families or adults who want a short trip through fern-filled gullies. Though the journey is shorter, you can hear the waterfall cascading down before you reach the end!
Parts of the longer route have been replaced with timber plantations, but the journey is still worthwhile to see the five cascading waterfalls. The falls cascade down a series of rock formations, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for a leisurely picnic or a refreshing dip in the cool pool at the base.
7. Visit the Ethereal Phantom Falls, Great Ocean Road
Location: Allenvale Road, Henderson Track, Lorne VIC 3232
Difficulty Rating: Medium
Distance: 3.5km or 90 minutes
While signs for the trail say 2.5km, we have it on good authority that the trail is actually 3.5km return!
Another Otways waterfall, but this one is lesser known than its friends. Beginning in Allenvale Road Carpark, this trail will take you through greenery, across the St George river, an uphill track, before finally descending to Phantom Falls.
Hold on to the handrail, descend the steep steps, and witness the ethereal falls cascading over a rocky outcrop amidst the vibrant foliage. This enchanting waterfall promises a serene and magical experience, inviting hikers to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of nature’s mysteries along the Great Ocean Walk.
If you want to extend your walk, you can continue to Henderson Falls and Won Wondah Falls from this spot.
8. See the Eels at Hopkins Falls, Great Ocean Walk
Location: Hopkins Falls Road, Cudgee, VIC 3265
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Distance: 30 minutes round trip
Located around 15km from Warrnambool, Hopkins Falls is well worth visiting to see its wide waterfalls that stretch 90 metres wide. The falls cascade 12 metres down onto dark basalt rocks like a curtain.
There are two viewing platforms and visitors can take the easy path to the platform below the falls for epic photos. In winter, you can see baby eels jumping through the rocks, which is why, the Kirrae whurung clan calls the falls ‘thangang-poonart’ meaning ‘eels bite the stones’.
9. Take it Easy at Henderson Falls, Great Ocean Walk
Location: Sheoak Falls Car Park, 2530 Great Ocean Rd, Lorne VIC 3232
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Distance: 1.8km or 2 hours return
Starting at Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, this Great Otways waterfall is an easy walk suitable for all abilities and ages. The flat trails lead to the base of this waterfall, which is 10 metres high, and makes a great spot for a picnic.
10. Trek Little Aire Falls on the Great Ocean Road
Location: Phillips Track, Beech Forest VIC 3237
Difficulty Rating: 5km or 2 hours return
Distance: Hard
We close with one of the longer waterfall trails on the Great Ocean Walk, which is also located in the Great Otways. What can we say? It’s a beautiful, waterfall-studded area! Located just 45 minutes away from the 12 Apostles, Little Aire Falls can be found on the same track as number 2 on our list: Triplet Falls.
Starting from the end of Philip Track in Beech Forest, you can wander this two-hour trail amongst ash trees and greenery which culminates in a metal viewing platform.
While these are just a few of the waterfalls you could see on your Great Ocean Walk journey, there are plenty of others waiting to be explored! There are over 40 waterfalls in the state of Victoria, each as beautiful as the last. How many will you visit?
There are plenty of ways to visit this epic trail in Australia, but if you like to go your own way, take a look at our Self-Guided Tours of the Great Ocean Walk for various routes and lengths of trip. If you’ve seen one you like the look of, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.