Lorne - Sheoak Picnic Ground - The Canyon Walk
A walk through ferns, eucalypts and dense understorey taking in the Won Wondah Falls, the Henderson Falls and the fascinating geological feature of The Canyon. The walk continues to the Phantom Falls and then along the St George River to Allenvale Mill Car Park. With the abundance of water and vegetation, a variety of birds is usually heard and seen.
Walk Summary
Starting Point: Sheoak Picnic Ground on Garvey Track. For a car shuttle leave pick-up car at Allenvale Mill Car Park next to camping area on Allenvale Road
Time and Distance: 8.5 km circuit (3hr)
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult; track can be muddy; hiking sticks are recommended
Walk Notes
Start from ‘The Canyon Walk’ sign near the information board. The walking track follows the Nature Walk through a ferny glade and over Sheoak Creek. Continue through the ferns until the track divides. Take the left branch, which leads you to Garvey Track. Cross the road and follow the Walking Track sign over a low scrubby spur. After another 100 m cross another unsealed road, Sharps Track, and continue on the walking track along the Henderson Creek valley.
The Won Wondah Falls Track branches to the right of the main track. About 30 m along there is a lookout over the Falls, a cascade partly shrouded by overhanging vegetation. Return to the main track and continue to the next junction. A walk of about 500 m will take you to the Henderson Falls where there is usually an attractive stream flowing down the mossy black rock wall. There is a magnificent Mountain Ash tree near the second bridge.
Return to the track junction and follow the signs to The Canyon. The track gains some height and crosses a small creek – a good place to stop and look for birds. Not far from here the track suddenly enters a rocky section known as The Canyon. Sheer walls rise some 10 m on either side.
Having made your way through, you are able to view this interesting geological feature from above. From here there is an easy walk (about 2 km) to the Phantom Falls and then back down the track to Allenvale (about 1.5 km). If you decide not to do a car shuttle, a 2 km walk along Garvey Track returns you to the picnic 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, which becomes Allenvale Road. Continue until you reach the roundabout 1 km from the bridge. Veer right and then turn left following the Allenvale Road sign. Continue along this road until you reach the Sheoak Picnic Ground 3.5 km from the roundabout. There are toilets, an information board, picnic tables and gas barbecues.
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
Sheoak Picnic Area, Garvey Track, Lorne 3232 View Map
Web Links
→ Friends of Eastern Otways
→ feo.org.au/walks/walk-30-sheoak-picnic-ground-the-canyon/
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/sheoak-picnic-area
