Lorne - Cora Lynn Cascades Walk
A relaxing walk through beautiful tall eucalypts and tree ferns. The Cora Lynn Creek arises from a permanent spring further up the mountain with the picturesque cascades tumbling over the exposed shale ledges.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground at 650 Erskine Falls Road
Time and Distance: 4.5 km return (2hr)
Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Walk Notes
This walk is signposted at the back of the Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground. The picnic area is so named because of the Blanket Leaf Bush that grows in the area. It has dark green leaves which are soft to touch, felted with white woolly hairs on the underside.
From the picnic area it is a very easy walk, with the track cut into the side of the slope and descending slowly to the cascades. The vegetation is very attractive with tall eucalypts and peppermints providing a canopy over a varied understorey of Balm Mint-bush, Snowy Daisy-bush, Hazel Pomaderris, Prickly Currant-bush and other low growing plants. It is excellent habitat for many bird species.
The first small bridge crosses Parkinson Creek, and then you will find yourself in a very special area – a tree-fern canopy with its filtered light.
The second bridge takes you over the Cora Lynn Creek and once again you will enter a beautiful tree fern area. Ferns are indeed a feature of the walk and you will notice many varying shapes and textures of their fronds. The cascades are almost screened by the vegetation until you reach the bottom of the steps where the area opens out and there is a natural rock platform. This is a delightful spot to sit and admire the cascades, perhaps have some refreshments and regain energy to climb back up the narrow track leading to the car park. It is not a strenuous climb but nevertheless it is uphill most of the way – an excuse to walk slowly, appreciate the beauty of the vegetation and listen for the many birds calling in the area.
How to Get There
Drive west on the Great Ocean Road and cross the Erskine River bridge at Lorne. Take the first turn right into Otway Street. Continue along this road for 0.6 km to William Street and turn right at the Erskine Falls sign. Continue along this road for 7 km until you reach the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area on the left. There are toilets, a small shelter, an information board, picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues (supply your own wood).
Guide to Walks in the Great Otway National Park Eastern Section
You can also purchase a full colour booklet produced by the Friends of Eastern Otways containing detailed track notes and maps for 38 walks in the area from Great Escape Books in Aireys Inlet, the Anglesea News & Lotto or the Angair website.
Location
650 Erskine Falls Road, Lorne 3232 View Map
Web Links
→ Friends of Eastern Otways
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-27-cora-lynn-cascades/
