A simple in a single day hike, the Lorne Waterfall Circuit showcases a few of the greatest waterfalls and ocean views that the Nice Otway Nationwide Park has to supply.
We acknowledge that this journey is positioned on Gadubanud Nation, the normal Nation of the Gadubanud individuals who have occupied and cared for this land and water for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview
Lorne Waterfall Circuit path is a 28km, grade 4 positioned within the Nice Otway Nationwide Park in Victoria. The hike ought to take round 7-9 hours to finish however could be achieved as an in a single day hike. It options an aesthetic mix of waterfalls, ocean views from a peak, a dam, a fern gully with seemingly prehistoric fern bushes, in addition to a boulder canyon and different hanging rock formations!
Lorne Waterfall Circuit Details
The hike is 28km lengthy with minor elevation acquire and clear tracks the entire method.Â
Day 1
Distance: 23km
Elevation Acquire: 250m
Length: 6-8hr
Day 2
Distance: 5km
Elevation Acquire: 150m
Length: 1.5hr
The way to Get to the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
The hike is positioned simply previous Lorne within the Otways and the start of this route comes instantly off of the Nice Ocean Street on the Sheoak Falls automotive park (to not be confused with the Sheoak Picnic Space) – straightforward to get to with a automotive! Entry through public transport could also be difficult.
Ability Degree for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
Intermediate
The Lorne Waterfall Circuit is a good introductory stroll, and as a result of nature of its tracks could be achieved as an in a single day hike, a protracted day-hike, or a collection of mini hikes. The complete loop is an intermediate hike as a result of distance coated on the primary day.
The place to Keep Close to the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
Taking up this over-nighter on my own, I deliberate to remain on the Sharps Tenting Space however discovered the campsite closed because of managed burnoffs – and now it’s completely closed. I selected Allenvale Campsite as a substitute and ready for a giant first day of 23km (estimated 6-8 hours) with a light-weight 5km end the following morning.
Learn extra:Â Discovering the Beautiful Otways
Important Gear for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
- PLB
- First support package
- 70L mountain climbing backpack
- Lightweight mountain climbing tent
- Cooking tools
- Transportable range and fuelÂ
- Water bladder, water filter and water cleaning tablets
- Head torch
- Sleeping bag and matÂ
- Light-weight meals and many snacks!Â
- A map – the routes are properly marked however it offers me a complete overview of the world and suppleness to vary course underneath monitor closures
Learn extra: Keep in mind to depart no hint
What It’s Wish to Hike the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
On a sunny day on the Lorne Waterfall Circuit, chances are you’ll encounter crowds of day-hikers so it’s greatest to start out early. The primary 500m greets you with a mild stair climb as you ascend above ocean and into the gum bushes, solely to come back upon your first waterfall – Sheoak Falls – the place you’re welcomed with the sound of dashing water. From this spot, set out in direction of Citadel Rock lookout.
Just a few hundred metres of steep, filth upkeep street might begin to actually burn your glutes, however will repay with dappled daylight by way of the gums, recent air, silence, and eventually, a hidden view throughout the large blue. Permit your self time to take all of it in earlier than heading again into the forest.
Throughout my hike, an sudden monitor closure pressured me to search out an alternate path, which led me all the way down to the Sheoak Picnic Space – a central clearing within the valley with bathrooms, picnic tables, a paved automotive park, and a slew of chatty day-hikers.
Learn extra:Â 5 Greatest In a single day Hikes Close to Melbourne
Not removed from right here, you’ll discover Decrease Kalimna Falls. These lush falls paint a magical portrait of overhanging rock with a veil of water spilling right into a pure pool. Sneak behind the falls and hear because the sound of falling water echoes off the rocky cave.
Weave your method by way of the rainforest and pay a go to to Received Wondah and Henderson Falls. You’re in leech nation now because the path takes you additional right into a fern gully. The trail narrows and darkish inexperienced ferns of all sizes will begin to loom round you. Their fronds glimmering within the solar because it pokes its rays by way of the cover excessive overhead.
Learn extra: Waterfalls Of The Nice Otway Nationwide Park
Not far past, a darkish boulder canyon will engulf you. For a second all turns into quiet. Squeeze on by way of and the passage spits you out onto one other filth service street.
Lastly, as you wind all the way down to the final waterfall, Phantom Falls, curiosity may simply make for an sudden detour to Allen Dam. Right here, you’ll be graced with pure solitude.
Throughout my hike, the tangerine afternoon solar pushed me to my ultimate cease. I arrange my humble shelter, fed myself a hearty meal of mac and cheese, and rested up for the night time.
The morning aero-press espresso left me with vitality and a hopeful spirit as I headed by way of the forest of burned stumps and recent new development for the final 5km again to my automotive.
FAQs for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
What waterfalls are included within the circuit?
A number of the key waterfalls to see embody Erskine Falls, Phantom Falls, and Sheoak Falls.
Are there bathrooms on the path?
There’s no bathrooms accessible on path, and there aren’t any on the Sheoak Falls automotive park. However there are some on the close by Sheoak Picnic Space. It additionally encompasses a picnic shelter and fuel BBQs!
Are there leeches?
You’ll be able to anticipate leeches on this hike, so learn up on tips on how to keep away from, take away, and recognize them forward of time!
Characteristic picture by Parks Victoria
Desk of contents picture by @jtfilmandphoto
