Just got back from the Great Ocean Road today and wanted to share a few short walking tracks we did. Erskine Falls and Straw Falls near Lorne (Photos 1–4). Erskine Falls is probably the largest waterfall around Lorne, and the main lookout gets quite crowded. These two waterfalls are very close to each other, and the walking route is short at about 1.3 km. You can also make the walk a bit more challenging by climbing over rocks along the way. The rainforest section on the way to Straw Falls is especially beautiful and almost dreamlike, and there are very few people on that part of the track.
Erskine Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
30m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Erskine Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Erskine Falls famous?
Erskine Falls is one of the most popular and photographed waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road and in Great Otway National Park. Its 30-meter cascade dropping into a fern-gully amphitheatre, combined with easy accessibility and stunning natural beauty, makes it a must-see attraction for visitors to the Lorne area.
Can you swim at Erskine Falls?
No. The plunge pool is generally not recommended for swimming due to cold water, strong currents, and safety concerns. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Erskine Falls?
Dogs are not permitted on the Erskine Falls walking track or in the Great Otway National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Erskine Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free entry. No permit or park entry fee required for Erskine Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Erskine Falls?
Free parking is available at the Erskine Falls car park, located off the Erskine Falls Road. The car park has limited spaces and can fill up on busy days and weekends. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Erskine Falls?
About 1.2 km return (600 m each way) from the car park. There are two viewing platforms: upper platform at 250 m, lower platform at the base requires descent down steep stairs. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Erskine Falls hike difficulty
Moderate. The track to the upper lookout is relatively easy, but reaching the base involves descending approximately 250 steep steps, which must be climbed back up. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Erskine Falls?
Winter and spring (June–November) for strongest flow after rainfall, though the falls run year-round. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Erskine Falls
From the car park, follow the well-maintained gravel path through lush forest. You'll first reach an upper viewing platform at 250 m offering a distant view. To reach the base, continue on the track and descend the steep staircase (approximately 250 steps) through tree ferns to the lower viewing platform at the plunge pool. Return via the same route, ascending the stairs back to the car park.
Erskine Falls official website
Attractions near Erskine Falls
- •Lorne town — seaside town with beaches, cafes, and shops, 7 km away
- •Sheoak Falls — another waterfall nearby in Great Otway National Park
- •Teddy's Lookout — panoramic coastal views over Lorne and the Great Ocean Road
- •Phantom Falls — scenic waterfall accessed via Erskine River Track
- •Great Ocean Road — one of Australia's most famous coastal drives
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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