10 Best Waterfalls Along The Great Ocean Road

Continue reading for our curated Bucket List of the top family friendly waterfall hiking trails along the Great Ocean Road,.

For further information including directions to each of these falls, click through to the waterfall listing on our Aussie Bucket List website or app, and scroll down to the bottom to see their locations pinned on Google maps. You can then easily get directions from your current location to each of the waterfalls listed below.

About Destination

The Great Ocean Road region in Victoria, Australia, is a stunning coastal area that stretches over 240 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford, offering visitors an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. This iconic road, built as a memorial to World War I soldiers, follows the rugged coastline along the Southern Ocean, weaving through diverse landscapes of cliffs, beaches, and forests.

The region is famous for its striking natural landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean, and Loch Ard Gorge, where a shipwreck occurred in the 19th century. Other notable attractions include the London Arch, the Bay of Islands, and the Otway Ranges, which are home to dense rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The diverse scenery makes the Great Ocean Road a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, surfing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.

In addition to its natural wonders, the Great Ocean Road is dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Fairy. These coastal towns feature local art galleries, fresh seafood, boutique shopping, and cafes, making them perfect spots for relaxation. The region is also known for its rich Aboriginal history and European heritage, with cultural tours and museums showcasing local traditions and stories.

Wildlife is abundant along the road, with visitors often spotting koalas in the trees, kangaroos on the fields, and a wide variety of seabirds. The Great Ocean Road offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural discovery, making it one of Australia’s most popular and breathtaking travel destinations.

Climate

The climate of the Great Ocean Road region in Victoria, Australia, is classified as temperate maritime, characterized by mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and varying weather conditions depending on the time of year. Due to its coastal location, the region experiences relatively cool summers and mild winters compared to inland areas.

Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C, with occasional hot days, but the coastal breeze helps moderate the heat. Winter temperatures are mild, generally ranging from 8°C to 15°C, making it a year-round destination. While the weather can be unpredictable, the region's proximity to the Southern Ocean means it often experiences sudden changes, with overcast skies, rain, and wind common throughout the year.

Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, but the wettest months tend to be from May to August, with the Otway Ranges receiving the highest levels of precipitation due to their elevation. The combination of frequent rainfall and temperate conditions supports the lush forests and diverse ecosystems in the area.

Due to the variability of the weather, visitors to the Great Ocean Road region are advised to be prepared for all conditions, including sudden changes in temperature, rain, and wind. Regardless of the season, the climate contributes to the region’s striking landscapes, making it an attractive destination for outdoor activities and nature lovers year-round.

Location

The Great Ocean Road region is located in the southeastern part of Victoria, Australia, along the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean. It stretches for over 240 kilometers, starting from the town of Torquay, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, and continues westward to Allansford, near Warrnambool. The road follows the coastline, offering spectacular views of beaches, cliffs, and forested hinterlands.

The region includes several key towns and destinations, such as Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Fairy, which are popular for their charming atmosphere, local attractions, and proximity to natural wonders. The Great Ocean Road is bordered by the Otway Ranges to the north and the Southern Ocean to the south, with several national parks, including the Great Otway National Park, adding to its diverse landscapes.

The road itself was constructed along the coastline and through the hinterland, offering access to dramatic coastal features like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Bay of Islands. The area is also known for its proximity to regional towns, wildlife reserves, and the rural farming landscape to the north, providing a contrast to the ocean vistas.

Accessible from Melbourne via the Princes Highway or the inland routes, the Great Ocean Road region is a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a unique coastal experience. Its location along the southern edge of Australia makes it a key part of the country’s renowned scenic drives.

How to get there

Visiting the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria, Australia, offers several transport options, each catering to different preferences for comfort, convenience, and adventure. The most common and flexible way to explore the region is by car. Renting a car or campervan in Melbourne allows visitors to drive along the Great Ocean Road at their own pace, stopping at key landmarks, towns, and scenic viewpoints. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles, but many choose to break up the journey with overnight stays in towns like Lorne or Apollo Bay.

For those without a car, guided tours are an excellent option. Many companies offer day trips or multi-day tours from Melbourne, taking visitors to the region’s top attractions with knowledgeable guides. These tours often include transportation, so travelers don’t need to worry about driving or navigating.

Public transport is available, though less convenient for exploring the full length of the Great Ocean Road. V/Line trains operate from Melbourne to towns like Geelong and Warrnambool, but connections to smaller towns along the route are limited. Bus services also exist but are infrequent, making them less ideal for a comprehensive visit.

For a more adventurous and scenic experience, cyclists can also tackle the Great Ocean Road by bike, enjoying the views and fresh air along the way, though it requires physical stamina and preparation. Ultimately, driving (either independently or with a guided tour) remains the most popular and practical choice for visiting this stunning region.

In summary, getting to the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne is quite simple, with car travel being the fastest and most flexible option, while public transport and guided tours offer alternative ways to explore the area.

TOP Aussie BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

1 - Beauchamp Falls

Image credit: Visit Victoria

Walking trail distance: Grade - difficult | 3km return | 1 hour return

Beauchamp Falls are a must-visit Aussie Bucket List attraction located in the Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia. Walk through magnificent mountain ash forests with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns to arrive at the spectacle of the Beauchamp Falls crashing over a ledge into a large pool. One of several waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, this 20-metre waterfall rewards a somewhat strenuous walk.

To get to the falls, take the walking path from the picnic area, located off the Aire Valley Road from Beech Forest Road. The three-kilometre path is an hour's walk return, and requires reasonable fitness. The descent to the falls leads to a viewing platform (there is no access to the falls). The path back is steep and has steps that can be slippery when wet.

Add Beauchamp Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

2 - Triplet Falls

Image credit: Visit Otways

Walking trail distance: Moderate Grade | 2km return | 1 hour

Triplet Falls are a must-see Aussie Bucket List location when visiting the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Nestled amongst the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech with large sections of expanded metal boardwalks, you will discover three distinct and impressive cascades flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns.

The walk is quite close to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures located on Phillips Track near Beech Forest. The walk begins with some sections of steep steps so while it’s not long, it is not suited to people with limited mobility. There are some very large Mountain Ash trees along the track which are estimated to be around 200 years old.

Continuing on the loop back to the carpark, you come to the site of Knott’s #1 Mill which operated for more than 20 years from 1909. The remains of a steam boiler overgrown by ferns is now the only evidence of one of the largest timber mills that operated in the West Otways region.

Add Triplet Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

3 - Stevensons Falls

Image credit: Visit Otways

Walking trail distance: 4.6km return | 1.5 hours

Stevensons Falls is a must-see Aussie Bucket List destination when visiting Otways along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. The Stevensons Falls track begins at the campground and meanders along the edge of the Gellibrand River to the day visitor area. From there, the walking track crosses the river and continues through stands of Douglas Fir trees and then back down to the river. The track ends at the viewing platform at the base of the falls.

For the shorter walk, start at the day carpark via the second bridge. There is a large free camping area in peaceful valley, close to river & pines, where dogs and fires are permitted. Located on the Colac-Skenes Creek Road near Barramunga. 

Add Stevensons Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

4 - Carisbrook Falls

Image credit: Visit Otways

Walking trail distance: Grade Easy | 1km return | 20 minutes

Carisbrook Falls is a must-see Aussie Bucket List destination located along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. It is a short and easy walk. It’s only 10 mins from the carpark on an evenly graded path to a lookout over the gorge to the falls which are one of the highest along the Great Ocean Road. They do not drop vertically, however tumble down a sloping rockface – best viewed after heavy rain. The walk starts from the car park located just off the Great Ocean Road, 12kms east of Apollo Bay. 

Add Carisbrook Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

5 - Won Wondah Falls

Walking trail distance: 1.8km one-way | Easy Grade | 1 - 2 hours 

Start and finish the walk at the Sheoak Picnic area. Walk along a gentle track to reach Won Wondah Falls. If you keep walking further along, you will cross paths with a giant eucalypt tree and finish your journey in the midst of a fern gully at the base of Henderson Falls (8-10 metres tall). You may also hike this trail in reverse.

Add Won Wondah Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

6 - Sheok Falls

Image credit: IG - Josh Styles - styles_outback_adventures

Walking trail distance: 7km return | 2 hours

Sheoak Falls is located along the Great Ocean Road, just a few kilometers from Lorne, heading towards Apollo Bay. The walk, which can be accessed either from the mouth of the Sheoak River or the Sheoak Falls Picnic Area car park, is clearly marked with signs.

The falls are a short 15-minute walk from the road. The track climbs up to a boardwalk, where you can take a seat and enjoy stunning ocean views before descending toward the Sheoak River. Continue along the path to the base of the falls, where you'll find a 15-meter cascade and a deep pool surrounded by lush ferns and bracken. Further along the trail is Swallow Cave, where you can spot nesting swallows during the spring season.

For a longer adventure, the Sheoak Falls to Castle Rock walk is a 7-kilometre trail starting at Sheoak Picnic Area. The track follows Sheoak Creek, passing Swallow Cave, where Welcome Swallows nest in the spring. Continue on to Sheoak Falls, with its 15-metre drop and deep pool. From there, head up to the Castle Rock Track Junction, turn right, and follow the path to Castle Rock Lookout. To complete the loop, return to Sheoak Picnic Area via Sheoak and Garvey Tracks.

Add Sheok Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

7 - Phantom Falls

Image credit: Licensed by Aussie Bucket List

Walking trail distance: 9km circuit | Medium grade | 3.5hours

From the Sheoak picnic area follow signs to Won Wondah Falls, where the track crosses Allenvale Road. The track also crosses Sharps Road and descends from above Henderson Creek.

Take the short path to the falls. Return to continue on to a T-intersection, turning left to Henderson Falls. At the second bridge, stop to admire an enormous gum tree. Return and follow the track straight ahead through a gully carpeted in ferns. Enter the canyon with its steep walls, narrow passage and moss covered boulders. On emerging from the canyon, turn right along Henderson Track to Phantom Falls.

Follow the track beside St George River back to Allenvale Mill Site carpark and return along the road to Sheoak Creek Picnic area.

Add Phantom Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

8 - Kalimna Falls

Image credit: Green Trails

Walking trail distance: 9.5km return | Grade 3 | 3 hours

This beautiful hiking trail follows the path of an old timber tramway, with remnants of the original sleepers visible along the route. Starting from the picnic area, the trail meanders through a charming creek valley, flanked by vibrant ferns and towering blue gums, leading to Lower Kalimna Falls. This peaceful spot is perfect for a picnic by the falls, which cascade over a rock ledge into a serene, fern-lined pool. Continuing on, you'll reach Upper Kalimna Falls, where thick tree ferns surround the 15-meter-high falls as they tumble down the steep rock face onto moss-covered boulders below.

After visiting Upper Kalimna Falls, you can retrace your steps back along the same trail, passing Lower Kalimna Falls again before crossing a bridge over the river. From here, a link track leads you high above the river, offering breathtaking views. Alternatively, you can opt for the Garvey Track, a four-wheel-drive route that follows a ridge back to the picnic area.

Add Kalimna Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

9 - Henderson Falls

Image credit: Karen W (Trip Advisor)

Walking trail distance: 1.8km return | Grade 3

Along the same trail as Phantom Falls, start this hike from the Sheoak picnic area follow signs to Won Wondah Falls, where the track crosses Allenvale Road. The track also crosses Sharps Road and descends from above Henderson Creek.

Take the short path to the falls. Return to continue on to a T-intersection, turning left to Henderson Falls. At the second bridge, stop to admire an enormous gum tree. Return and follow the track straight ahead through a gully carpeted in ferns. Enter the canyon with its steep walls, narrow passage and moss covered boulders. On emerging from the canyon, turn right along Henderson Track to Phantom Falls.

Follow the track beside St George River back to Allenvale Mill Site carpark and return along the road to Sheoak Creek Picnic area.

Add Henderson Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

10 - Erskine Falls

Image credit: Lorne Victoria

Walking trail distance: 7.5km one-way | 3 hours

The 30-meter-high falls are captivating, even when the water flow is light. A short, easy walk takes you to the first lookout, where you'll be treated to a stunning view of the falls. The descent to the second lookout is more challenging due to the steep steps, but the effort is rewarded with a picturesque view of the lush fern gully.

A quick five-minute stroll from the car park leads to a lookout offering a fantastic view of the falls as they plunge 30 meters into a serene tree fern gully. From here, you can also take steps down to the Erskine River for a closer look at the falls from below. About 400 meters downstream, you’ll find the 15-meter-high Straw Falls, another beautiful cascade along the Erskine River. For experienced walkers, there is the option to follow the river all the way from Erskine Falls to Lorne. This 7.5-kilometer, one-way walk takes around three hours and passes both Straw Falls and Splitter Falls, though it should be avoided during periods of high water levels.

Add Erskine Falls to your Aussie Bucket List HERE.

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We hope that you are able to tick these Great Ocean Road waterfalls off your Aussie Bucket List soon! Feel free to browse our other blog posts for further inspiration on travelling Australia.

Article by Samantha Porter - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

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