Look, there are over two hundred waterfalls in the Otway Ranges – through which the Great Ocean Road runs – meaning everyone is going to have an opinion on which ones should be considered the ‘best’. These are, objectively speaking, five pretty good waterfalls that we – the Riparide team – visit time and time again. Check them out, and if you feel like one of the other 200-and-something waterfalls deserves a spot in this list, well, you know where to find us.
1. Erskine Falls
Only 15 minutes inland from Lorne, Erskine Falls makes for an easy detour if you’re cruising along the Great Ocean Road. It’s one of the region’s most-visited waterfalls, thanks to a 30-metre plunge that’s particularly impressive after heavy rainfall. And given this is the Otways, well, heavy rainfall is always a possibility.
To get to the falls, take Erskine Falls Road, out the back of Lorne, and follow it to Erskine Falls Car Park. You can stroll to the first lookout for topside views, or descend the 230 steps to the base of the waterfall, which is well worth the effort. And if you’re after more of an adventure, you can always follow the 7.5-kilometre Erskine River Walk back to Lorne, taking in Straw Falls and Splitter Falls as you go.
2. Stevenson Falls
Follow the Great Ocean Road to Skenes Creek, then turn right and head into the heart of the Otway Ranges. After half an hour, you’ll find yourself at Stevenson Falls Campground, conveniently equipped with a public toilet – woohoo! From here it’s a cruisy, 10-minute walk to Stevenson Falls, with the path taking you through the giant redwoods and along the river before depositing you at the base of the waterfall. It’s a dog-friendly, kid-friendly adventure and the falls don’t disappoint – extra points if you nail a photoshoot in the redwoods.
3. Hopetoun Falls
Hidden away in the Olongolah Plantation, in the hills behind Apollo Bay, Hopetoun Falls is right next to The Redwoods and like something out of Jurassic Park. Descending, descending, descending on winding gravel roads to a fern-covered world, you can choose to check the falls out from the top lookout, near the car park, or take the 200-ish stairs to the base of the falls. If you ask us, it’s definitely worth going to the base and taking some time to close your eyes, breathe in the fresh, fern-filtered air and appreciate how lucky we are to have spots like this to retreat to.
4. Beauchamp Falls
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp is a popular spot for dog-friendly camping and the walk to the waterfall proves that the journey is just as important as the destination. From the campground, the Beauchamp Falls Track descends into a world of thick rainforest, and moss-covered trees and boulders, before following a gorgeous, meandering stream to the waterfall. Keep an eye out for fairies – if you know, you know – while remaining cautious of slippery rocks as you reach the waterfall, which drops 20-odd metres into a large pool. During winter, the natural pool is bitingly cold, but it sure makes for a refreshing dip in the summertime.
5. Sheoak Falls
Blink and you’ll miss the turnoff for Sheoak Falls, which is on the inland side of the Great Ocean Road, approximately four kilometres west of Lorne. It’s a short, 15-minute walk to the falls, one that should be manageable for most people regardless of fitness. There are benches and rocks at the base of the falls, so feel free to pack a picnic, or a small snack, and spend some time soaking up the serenity. Sheoak Falls can also be approached from the Sheoak Picnic Area, which is further inland. Doing this will turn the journey into a 7.2-kilometre return hike, but the picnic area is also the trailhead for Phantom Falls, Henderson Falls and Kalimna Falls, so it might be a good idea if you and your crew are up for more of a challenge or a few different options. Whatever you decide, be sure to bring your camera.
Great Ocean Road accommodation
Found a waterfall worth chasing? You’ll want to lock in your adventure base next. Riparide has unique stays throughout the Great Ocean Road region, including in Lorne, Skenes Creek, Forrest and Anglesea. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more ‘out there’, check out our guide to unique accommodation on the Great Ocean Road.
Feature image by Eva.