Erskine Falls is a waterfall in the hills behind Lorne, in Great Otway National Park, and it is the most popular waterfall stop on the first half of the Great Ocean Road. The water drops over a mossy rock face into a fern-filled gully, and there are two ways to see it. A short walk from the car park leads to an upper lookout with a view of the falls, and a long, steep stairway continues down to the base, where you stand beneath the cascade. Entry is free. The drive from Lorne is short but follows a winding road through tall forest, which is part of the appeal. The falls are at their best after rain, when the flow is strongest, and in dry late summer the water can be a trickle.
Choosing your walk
The upper lookout is the right choice for families with small children, visitors with limited mobility and anyone short of time, since it takes only a few minutes. The stairway to the base is much more demanding because every step down must be climbed back up, so allow plenty of time and energy, wear sturdy shoes and carry water. The steps and the viewing area can be slippery when wet, so take care, especially with children.
Around the falls
Other waterfalls are close by in the Lorne area, and the forest roads are a pleasure to drive in spring and after rain. The Otways are one of the wettest parts of Victoria, and the cool temperate rainforest feels very different from the dry coast. Check the park page for road, track or safety notices before you set off, because the forest roads can be affected by wet weather, fallen trees or fire-season restrictions, and mobile coverage is patchy.
Who it suits
It is a good match for anyone staying in Lorne, for walkers who want some exercise between coastal stops and for photographers after fern and water scenes. It works well as a morning stop before lunch in Lorne, or as a wet-weather alternative when the coast is too windy for lookouts. If you want a longer walk in the same forest, the Otway Fly treetop walk and the rainforest trails around Maits Rest give more time among the trees, and a tour from Melbourne will rarely stop here, so a self-drive is the best way to see it.
What to expect
The experience
A short walk to an upper lookout, with an optional steep stairway down to the base of the waterfall.
Best time
After rain, when the flow is strongest, and in the morning before the car park fills.
How long
About 45 minutes for the lookout and the stairs, up to an hour and a half with the climb back.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, take care on wet steps and check the park page for notices before you drive in.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers and photographers staying in Lorne who want a waterfall in fern-filled forest.
- Families
- The upper lookout is easy for children, but the stairway to the base is steep and tiring, so decide before you start.
- Couples
- A pleasant morning stop in the forest, with a coffee in Lorne afterwards.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the Otway Fly or Maits Rest for more rainforest on the same day.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours including the drive up from Lorne.
Good questions
Is Erskine Falls free?+
Yes. Visiting the falls and the lookout is free, though check the park page for any changes before you travel.
How hard is the walk?+
The upper lookout is a short walk. The stairway to the base is long and steep, and you have to climb back up.
When is the best time to visit?+
After rain, when the flow is strongest. In dry late summer the falls can be a trickle.
How far is it from Lorne?+
A short drive into the hills on a winding forest road, so allow extra time and drive carefully.
Can I visit on a day tour?+
Day tours from Melbourne rarely stop here, so a self-drive is the best way to see the falls.
