Beauchamp Falls is one of several waterfalls within the Great Otway National Park, Victoria. It is often overlooked on Great Ocean Road day tours as it is inland from the road itself, and getting to the waterfall takes a fairly long walk.
Where is Beauchamp Falls, Victoria?
Beauchamp Falls is in the Great Otway National Park. The nearest settlement is Beech Forest. To get there, branch off the Great Ocean Road at Skenes Creek near Apollo Bay, then drive up the Skenes Creek Road. Turn west at Tanbryn, then twist and turn towards the Beauchamp Falls Road. You need to aim for the Beauchamp Falls Campground, and park up there.
Beauchamp Falls walk
The Beauchamp Falls walk is through some towering mountain ash forest and giant ferns. It’s three kilometres there and back to the waterfall lookout. The walk is moderately strenuous, and should take most people with reasonable fitness levels about an hour.
It might not be the easiest Great Ocean Road waterfall to reach, but Beauchamp Falls is arguably the prettiest. The waterfall drops 20 metres, surrounded by temperate rainforest, into a log-strewn pool at the bottom.
Swimming at Beauchamp Falls, Victoria
This pool is a key part of why Beauchamp Falls is so appealing, although it’s pretty clear that Parks Victoria don’t really want people going in it. The viewing platform looking out to Beauchamp Falls has railings around it, intended to keep visitors looking on from afar.
The former path along Deppeler Creek is pretty easy to spot and follow, however, and that takes you to the pool. The Beauchamp Falls pool is a reasonable size, but there are plenty of logs and rocks in it, which make swimming tricky. If you’re prepared to brave the temperatures, however, you can treat it as a plunge pool.
Swimming, of course, is at your own risk.
Beauchamp Falls: key visitor information
The campground may close during and after periods of heavy rain when vehicle access is unsafe — always check Parks Victoria‘s website before visiting. Arrive early on summer weekends, as campsites fill quickly. Bring your own drinking water, as none is available on site.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Beauchamp Falls? | The day visitor area is open 24 hours. The campground may close temporarily in wet weather — check Parks Victoria before visiting. |
| How much does it cost to visit Beauchamp Falls? | Entry and camping are free. |
| Is there a car park at Beauchamp Falls? | Yes. A free car park is located at the Beauchamp Falls Campground and day use area, expanded as part of the 2021 upgrade. Arrive early on busy days as the campground fills up. |
| How long is the walk to Beauchamp Falls? | 3km return (about an hour at a comfortable pace). |
| How difficult is the Beauchamp Falls walk? | Moderate. The track descends into a gorge, with some steps and uneven sections. Sturdy footwear is recommended. |
| Can I camp at Beauchamp Falls? | Yes, for free. The campground has flat, spacious sites for tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans. Six designated sites for campervans and camper trailers were added in the 2021 upgrade. No bookings are required. |
| Are campfires allowed at Beauchamp Falls? | Yes. Fire pits are provided at the campground. Fire bans still apply on Total Fire Ban days — check the CFA website before lighting a fire. |
| What facilities are at Beauchamp Falls campground? | Drop toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. No drinking water is available — bring your own. No showers. |
| Is the access road to Beauchamp Falls sealed? | No. The road into the campground is unsealed but is accessible by 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry conditions. The road may become unsuitable after heavy rain. |
| Are dogs allowed at Beauchamp Falls? | No. Pets are not permitted in the Otway Forest Park. |
Things to do near Beauchamp Falls
Hopetoun Falls – A short drive from Beauchamp Falls near Beech Forest, this waterfall drops into a beautiful fern-lined pool and has a well-maintained boardwalk to the base. One of the prettiest and most accessible waterfalls in the Otways.
Triplet Falls – A short drive south-west of Beech Forest, this multi-tiered waterfall is one of the largest in the Otways. A boardwalk loop through ancient rainforest is among the best short walks on the Great Ocean Road.
Lake Elizabeth – Around 30 minutes from Beauchamp Falls, this crater lake in the Otways is a well-known platypus habitat. Dawn and dusk canoe tours offer the best chance of spotting them.
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – A short drive from Beech Forest, this elevated walkway and zipline adventure passes through the rainforest canopy, with views of the treetops and the valley below.
Apollo Bay – Around 25 minutes’ drive from Beauchamp Falls, this harbour town on the Great Ocean Road has a relaxed café strip, fresh seafood, a Saturday morning market and easy access to the Great Ocean Walk.
More Great Ocean Road travel
Other Great Ocean Road travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A series of wildlife encounters on the Great Ocean Road.
- What to expect at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool.
- Lorne attraction guides: Teddy’s Lookout, Lorne Beach and Sheoak Falls.
- Take surfing lessons at Anglesea Beach.
- Hit the surf at little-known Johanna Beach.
