Lorne - Sheoak Falls to Sheoak Picnic Area Walk
Follow Sheoak Creek from the coast into the tall wet forest of Great Otway National Park on this challenging one-way walk. The track passes the entrances to Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave before continuing beside the creek to Sheoak Picnic Area.
Distance: 3.2 km one-way
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes one-way
Grade: 4
Terrain: Hilly forest with steps, uneven or slippery sections and multiple creek crossings
Track: Bushwalking track with stepping-stone creek crossings
Start: Sheoak Falls Car Park, Great Ocean Road, Lorne
Finish: Sheoak Picnic Area, Garvey Track, Lorne
After passing the signed entrance to Sheoak Falls, cross Sheoak Creek using the stepping stones and continue past the entrance to Swallow Cave. Follow the track beside Sheoak Creek through the changing landscape from coastal scrub to tall wet forest until reaching Sheoak Picnic Area. There are multiple creek crossings along the way. Do not attempt the walk when the creek is high or the stepping stones are slippery or submerged.
The stated distance and time do not include optional side trips to Sheoak Falls or Swallow Cave. Walkers returning by the same route should allow approximately 6.4 km and 3 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, arrange transport from Sheoak Picnic Area.
Facilities include:
- Parking and an information board at Sheoak Falls Car Park
- Parking, toilets, picnic tables, shelters and gas barbecues at Sheoak Picnic Area
- Signposted walking tracks
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Review:
An interesting walk which crosses the creek(s) via a series of bridges. There is a significant unnamed waterfall/cascade part way along the track.
It is best to do the walk from the Sheoak Falls Car Park end near the ocean because the distance to the stepping stones at Swallow Cave, which might stop you doing the walk if the water level is too high, is less.
Location:
Start at Sheoak Falls Car Park, Great Ocean Road, Lorne. The walk finishes at Sheoak Picnic Area, Garvey Track, Lorne.
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
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/sheoak-picnic-area
