Lorne - Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave Falls
This short walk follows Sheoak Creek to the base of the 15 metre Sheoak Falls and deep pool at the base. The walk continues through some spectacular cliff scenery and across stepping-stones over the creek to the viewing platform for Swallow Cave, where in spring, summer and early autumn Tree Martins, which breed in the area, can usually be seen. This creek crossing should not be attempted when water levels are high.
Catch a glimpse of the 15 metre high Sheoak Falls. Observe the water of Sheoak Creek as it flows beautifully down the dark rock face to the deep pool below. Visit from spring to autumn for the chance to spy nesting birds at Swallow Cave (200 metres further on)
The best time to visit is winter/spring or after rainfall since the falls can dry up in summer and autumn in dry years.
There is a 1.2km return walk with a moderate grade including some steep sections, which starts and finishes at Sheoak Falls Car Park.
Sheaok Falls Picnic Area is set among beautiful forest scenery and it's a great base for exploring other waterfall walks.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: Sheoak Falls Car Park on the Great Ocean Road
Time and Distance: 5.5 km circuit (2hr)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate There are some stretches of uphill walking
Walk Notes
Start the walk just past the information board and follow the well-formed track through coastal vegetation to a boardwalk that leads you down to Sheoak Creek.
The steep track, with well-formed steps, follows Sheoak Creek upstream. The sides of the valley become increasingly steep, and you reach a rocky gorge. Attractive vegetation grows in crevices between the rocks as well as creeping over the rock face. At the first junction take the signed lower track through large sheoaks to a platform at the bottom of the falls. It is a tranquil spot to enjoy the deep pool, water ferns and to listen to the birds.
Return to the junction and continue up more steep steps to a lookout over the gully, with views of the creek and Swallow Cave.
Continue to the creek crossing which is easy and gives you a different view of Sheoak Creek. It should not be attempted if the steppingstones are under water.
Follow the track past the track to Sheoak Picnic Ground, to the viewing point for Swallow Cave where you might see Tree Martins. There are some spectacular views of the high cliffs and often of the water tumbling over the rocky outcrop and forming the Sheoak Cascades.
Retrace your steps, taking time to admire the beauty of the eucalypt and sheoak clad hills, the rocky gorge, the creek below, and the magnificent coastal views.
How to Get There
Cross the Erskine River bridge at Lorne and drive west on the Great Ocean Road for 5.9 km to the Sheoak Falls Car Park. There is an information board but no other facilities.
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.
Review:
It's important to understand that 'Sheoak Falls Car Park' and 'Sheoak Picnic Ground' are two different places. Otherwise you could easily start walking to the place where your car is not parked. 'Sheoak Falls Car Park' is a carpark with no other facilities except for an information board beside the Great Ocean Road, about 5.5km south west of Lorne. This is the quickest and easiest way to reach the falls (only 700m one-way).
'Sheoak Picnic Ground' is 4.3km south west of Lorne and inland reached by Allenvale Road and Garvey Track. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, sheltered seating and BBQs. It is a trailhead for walks to a range of waterfalls including Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave Falls. The distance is 7.2km return and the track includes a stepping-stone creek crossing that may be unsafe when water levels are high.
We started at the 'Sheoak Falls Car Park' and walked to Sheoak Falls (700m). We then retraced our steps for 120m and took the path to the lookout platform over Swallow Cave Falls which is another 540m. We then used the stepping-stone creek crossing to get to the lookout platform on the other side of the Sheoak Creek. Normally you would then retrace your steps back to the 'Sheoak Falls Car Park'. However we went for a much longer walk to 'Sheoak Picnic Ground' and then retraced our steps. This is a very nice walk which passes quite a large waterfall.
The tumbling water of Sheoak Falls flows down a myriad of different paths and shines against the dark contrasting rock before landing in a pool below. There is a seat beside the pool and during quiet times it is lovely to rest and contemplate.
On the way to Swallow Cave Falls there are overhead views of Sheoak Falls.
At Swallow Cave Falls there is a lookout platform with a view of the cave and a large area of cascades running in front of the cave. if the water level is low enough you can cross some rocks to another lookout platform on the other side. Do not attempt to cross if the crossing is under water.
From this area there are tracks to Sheoak Picnic Area (1.5 hr one-way) and Castle Rock Lookout (2.5km, 1 hr)
Photos:
Location
Sheoak Falls Car Park, 2530 Great Ocean Road, Lorne 3232 View Map
Web Links
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-34-sheoak-falls-swallow-cave
