Lorne, a picturesque coastal town in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and accessible walking trails. The area boasts several short waterfall walks that offer breathtaking views and immersive nature experiences. These trails cater to various fitness levels and provide opportunities to witness the beauty of cascading water amidst lush forests. This guide explores the most popular short waterfall walks in Lorne, detailing their distances, difficulty levels, and unique features.
What Are the Most Popular Short Waterfall Walks in Lorne?
Lorne offers a variety of short waterfall walks that cater to different preferences and abilities. Here are the top five trails:
- Erskine Falls Walk
- Phantom Falls Walk
- Kalimna Falls Walk
- Won Wondah Falls and Henderson Falls Walk
- Sheoak Falls Walk
Let’s explore each of these walks in detail.
How Accessible is the Erskine Falls Walk?
The Erskine Falls Walk is one of the most popular short waterfall walks in Lorne. Here are the key details:
- Distance: 0.7 km to the lower lookout, 1.4 km return to the base
- Estimated Walking Time: 30 minutes to the lower lookout, 1-2 hours to the base
- Difficulty: Easy to the first lookout, moderate to the base due to over 200 stairs
- Waterfall: Erskine Falls
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Access: Limited due to stairs leading to the base of the falls
- Trail Surface: Well-maintained tracks, but steep stairs to the base
- Challenges: Stairs can be challenging for families with children or elderly visitors
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Erskine Falls Car Park
- Restrooms: Available at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground, closest to the falls
- Picnic Areas: Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground nearby
What Can You Expect on the Phantom Falls Walk?
The Phantom Falls Walk offers a slightly longer trail with moderate difficulty:
- Distance: 3.5 km return
- Estimated Walking Time: 90 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate, with steep sections and loose gravel
- Waterfall: Phantom Falls
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Access: Not suitable due to steep sections and loose gravel
- Trail Surface: Mixed terrain including river crossings and vehicle tracks
- Challenges: Steep sections and loose gravel can be challenging for families with children or elderly visitors
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Allenvale Mill Car Park
- Restrooms: No specific restrooms mentioned at the falls, but available at nearby picnic areas
- Picnic Areas: Allenvale Campground and picnic areas nearby
How Long is the Kalimna Falls Walk?
The Kalimna Falls Walk offers two options:
- Distance:
- Lower Kalimna Falls: 2.9 km return
- Upper Kalimna Falls: 4.1 km return
- Estimated Walking Time:
- Lower Kalimna Falls: 1.5 hours
- Upper Kalimna Falls: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfalls: Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Access: Limited due to the nature of the trails, but the Lower Kalimna Falls walk is relatively flat
- Trail Surface: Flat and easy trail following an old timber tramway, but can be muddy after rain
- Challenges: Upper Kalimna Falls may be less accessible due to the viewing platform being at a distance
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Restrooms: Available at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Picnic Areas: Sheoak Picnic Area with accessible picnic tables, fireplaces, and shelters
What Makes the Won Wondah Falls and Henderson Falls Walk Unique?
This walk offers the opportunity to see two waterfalls in one trail:
- Distance: Approximately 3.6 km return
- Estimated Walking Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Waterfalls: Won Wondah Falls and Henderson Falls
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Access: Limited due to the nature of the trails, but relatively easy and flat
- Trail Surface: Gentle track with small rises
- Challenges: Generally suitable for families with children and elderly visitors, but some small dips and raises
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Restrooms: Available at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Picnic Areas: Sheoak Picnic Area with accessible picnic tables, fireplaces, and shelters
How Challenging is the Sheoak Falls Walk?
The Sheoak Falls Walk offers a moderate challenge:
- Distance: 2.2 km return
- Estimated Walking Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waterfall: Sheoak Falls
Accessibility Features:
- Wheelchair Access: Limited due to the moderate difficulty level and potential uneven terrain
- Trail Surface: Mixed terrain
- Challenges: Moderate difficulty level can be challenging for families with children or elderly visitors
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at Sheoak Falls Car Park
- Restrooms: Available at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Picnic Areas: Sheoak Picnic Area with accessible picnic tables, fireplaces, and shelters
What Are the Costs and Schedules for These Walks?
Entry Fees
No specific entry fees are mentioned for the walks, but visitors should check for any updates at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.
Guided Tours
While no specific guided tour prices are mentioned, visitors can enquire at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre for any available tours or packages.
Seasonal Schedules and Peak Visiting Times
- The waterfalls are particularly spectacular during the cooler months when they are overflowing.
- Visitors should check current conditions and any warnings before visiting, especially during bushfire seasons.
| Walk | Best Time to Visit | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| Erskine Falls | Cooler months | Winter |
| Phantom Falls | After rainfall | Winter/Spring |
| Kalimna Falls | Year-round | Winter/Spring |
| Won Wondah & Henderson Falls | Year-round | Winter/Spring |
| Sheoak Falls | After rainfall | Winter |
What Should You Bring on Short Waterfall Walks in Lorne?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the short waterfall walks in Lorne, consider bringing the following items:
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Water bottle
- Snacks or light refreshments
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Light rain jacket or waterproof layer
- First aid kit
- Map or trail guide
- Fully charged mobile phone for emergencies
Remember to always stay on marked trails, respect the environment, and follow any safety guidelines provided by park authorities.
By exploring these short waterfall walks in Lorne, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Great Otway National Park and create lasting memories of Victoria’s stunning landscapes.
References:
1. Parks Victoria – Lorne
2. Victoria Uncovered – Best Waterfalls In Lorne
3. I Am Lorne – Waterfalls around Lorne