Inside the Great Otway National Park near Lorne, Sheoak Falls is an easy detour off Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. This Australian waterfall is a 600 metre walk from the car park or a slightly longer walk from the Sheoak Picnic Area.
Sheoak Falls is one of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park around Lorne, Victoria. It is not as well known as Erskine Falls, but it’s well worth a visit as part of a Great Ocean Road holiday.
Getting to the Sheoak Falls car park from Lorne
It’s pretty easy to get from Lorne to Sheoak Falls. The Sheoak Falls car park is a ten minute drive away from Lorne Beach or Teddy’s Lookout.
Once the car is parked, Sheoak Falls is a 600 metre walk away.
Sheoak Falls walk from Sheoak Picnic Area
Alternatively, you can take the slightly longer walk from the Sheoak Picnic Area, where several walking trails to waterfalls have their trailheads. The walk from the Sheoak Picnic Area is 3.6km one way, and should take around two hours. There’s some delightful forest scenery on the route.
Once at the falls, you’ll see Sheoak Creek plunge dramatically into a pretty pool. It’s not the biggest waterfall in the world – the drop at Sheoak Falls is only about 15 metres – but it’s a very photogenic one.
Sheoak Falls: key visitor information
Always check the Parks Victoria website for current track conditions before visiting, particularly after heavy rain or storm events.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Sheoak Falls? | The reserve is always open, with no set opening or closing times. |
| How much does it cost to visit Sheoak Falls? | Entry is free. |
| Is there parking at Sheoak Falls? | Yes. A small car park is available at Sheoak Falls, located just off the Great Ocean Road. It has a good, smooth surface but no toilets or picnic facilities on site. |
| Is there parking at Sheoak Picnic Area? | Yes. Sheoak Picnic Area has its own car park, with better facilities than the Sheoak Falls car park, including toilets and picnic benches. |
| How far is the walk to Sheoak Falls from the car park? | Around 600 metres, with some steps along the way, taking roughly 10–15 minutes. |
| How far is the walk to Sheoak Falls from Sheoak Picnic Area? | 3.6km one way, taking around two hours, with a creek crossing that can be slippery or impassable after heavy rain. |
| Is Sheoak Falls accessible for wheelchair users? | The Sheoak Falls car park itself has good circulation, but the walking tracks to the falls have steep sections and steps, and are not considered wheelchair accessible. |
| Are dogs allowed at Sheoak Falls? | Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria reserves. General pet access follows standard national park rules, so check current signage. |
| How tall is Sheoak Falls? | The falls drop approximately 15 metres into a pool below. |
| What other walks start from Sheoak Picnic Area? | Sheoak Picnic Area is the trailhead for walks to several other waterfalls, including Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, as well as the Castle Rock walking track. |
Things to do near Sheoak Falls
Erskine Falls – Around a 20-minute drive from Sheoak Falls, this is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Otways, with a 30-metre drop and both an easy upper viewing platform and a more strenuous walk to the base.
Teddy’s Lookout – A short drive from Sheoak Falls, this lookout offers sweeping views over Lorne, the Erskine River valley and the coastline below, and is a popular sunset spot.
Live Wire Park – Located just outside Lorne, this aerial adventure park features ziplines, rope courses and treetop challenges suitable for both adults and children.
Aireys Inlet – A short drive north along the Great Ocean Road, this coastal town is home to the historic Split Point Lighthouse and the popular Aireys Pub, run by Salt Brewing Co.
Lorne township – Back on the coast, Lorne offers a lively main street with cafés, restaurants and shops, including Ipsos for Mediterranean food, plus a sweeping beach and pier.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- A series of wildlife encounters on the Great Ocean Road.
- What to expect at Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool.
- Why the Great Ocean Road is Australia’s classic road trip.
- What it’s like to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
- The best places to see penguins in Victoria.
