Where to go waterfall hopping along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road might be well known for its surfy Aussie beach towns, rugged cliff faces, iconic lighthouses, and native wildlife – but it’s also neighboured by some flowing waterfalls which run freely through the forests. 

Heading to the Great Ocean Road wouldn’t be complete without heading to a few waterfalls along the way. 

The cool thing about the waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road? They’re all completely different from one another.

Cool off from a sweaty hike with these refreshing, pretty waterfalls that cascade down into the ferns. Visit the larger waterfalls, and you’ll see heavier cascades of water which keep the surrounding greenery looking bright and fresh – any time of year.  

The best waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road:

If you’re heading to the Great Ocean Road for some waterfall spotting, check out…

• Hopetoun Falls
• Beauchamp Falls
• Triplet Falls
• Erskine Falls
• Sheoak Falls 

Hopetoun Falls

Where? Bins Road (Beech Forest)

Hiking time: Only 1km of hiking. Easy hike, yet returning steps could be considered steep for some! 

One of the most popular waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park! Luckily, you don’t have to stray far from the Great Ocean Road to reach this pretty waterfall.

Hopetoun Falls is surrounded by ferny thickets of bush and towering trees that gather around it, making for an atmospheric view. Don’t want to hike it? No worries! Just 20 metres from the car park, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the waterfall through a gap in the trees. Otherwise, take the easy half-hour walk to the base of the falls, through the rainforest. 

Beauchamp Falls

Where? Aire Valley Road/Beech Forest Road

Hiking time: 3km, some might find this hike difficult

The hike might be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with this waterfall at the end of the journey. Cool off underneath this fresh water cascade as it shelves over the rocks. Watch your step, the pathway below is slippery!

Triplet Falls

Where? Phillips Track

Hiking time: 45 minutes, 2km circuit (easy)

Appropriately called Triplet Falls, this waterfall veers off into three separate trickles of water to create a three-in-one waterfall.

This walk meanders through the dirt road. The hiking track is a 2km loop which ventures into the shady forest. Their steep position of this waterfall against the rocks doesn’t always allow easy access for swimming. While you can’t get that close to the waterfall, it’s still a pretty sight. 

You’ll hear Triplet Falls before you see them! These amazing falls make a heavy roaring sound as you approach. Getting back onto the stairs afterwards can be steep – but it’s not too overwhelmingly difficult.

Erskine Falls

Where? Erskine Falls Road

Hiking time: 500m loop, 10 minutes, easy (can get slippery)

One of the most well known waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road, Erskine Falls is a gorgeous tumbling, 30 metre cascade. As it’s the closest waterfall to Lorne, this one tends to get pretty busy! Only 100 metres from the car park, it’s easily accessible. 

Step onto the big rocks in the middle of the river to pass over the walking track and near the waterfall. Join the swimmers and take a dip. Get here early, and you might manage to avoid the crowds.

Sheoak Falls 

Where? Sheoak Falls Car Park (1km circuit), or Sheoak Picnic Area for 7km hike 

Hiking time: 7km hike, 30 minutes from Sheoak Picnic Area (easy) 

Sheoak Falls is a relatively easy waterfall to hike. This is an easy waterfall. It’s only a 500m walk either way towards the waterfall and back again.  

Just 15 metres downwards, this waterfall cascades down a rocky surface that is surrounded by ferns and thick bushes. Head here in rainy months and you’ll catch the waterfall in its full thunderous glory. Head here in the dry summer and you might only be met with a thin trickle.