When is the best time to visit waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road?

The best time to visit waterfalls along the Great Ocean Road is during spring (September to November) and winter (June to August) when the waterfalls are flowing at their best and the surrounding landscape is lush and green.

Can I see wildlife at the waterfalls?

Yes, many waterfalls are located in wildlife-rich areas. You may see Tree Martins, baby eels in streams, and a variety of native birds and animals.

Are there guided waterfall tours available?

Yes, several guided tours operate along the Great Ocean Road, offering visits to multiple waterfalls. Guides provide insights into the natural and cultural history of the area.

What should I do if the weather changes while visiting waterfalls?

If the weather changes, seek shelter in designated safe areas and avoid slippery or unsafe tracks. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and have a backup plan.

Waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road

Besides the stunning coastal views, the Great Ocean Road has some amazing rainforest-hidden waterfalls. These waterfalls are a great relief from the wild coast and are perfect for nature lovers or adventurers—the falls along this route range from cascading to secret gems for all sorts of experiences.

Waterfall Cascades

From impressive cascades that spread across wide areas to tiny trickles, the Great Ocean Road’s waterfalls are varied in their natural beauty. And they look even more amazing, surrounded by Myrtle Beech and dark basalt rocks. Rocky ledges, sheer rock faces and surrounding rainforest make each waterfall unique in terms of spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of waterfall cascades on a 1 Day Great Ocean tour! Experience stunning views, lush landscapes, and the thrill of nature at its finest.

Which Waterfall on the Great Ocean Road Will You Choose?

Erskine Falls

Located near Lorne Town, Erskine Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Great Ocean Road. It’s stunning as it drops 30 meters high, especially after rain when it’s at its peak flow. Getting to them involves a short, steep hike via the 7.5km Erskine River Track. Once you get to the viewing platforms, you’ll have beautiful views as they fall into a fern-filled gorge with verticals of Beech Forest surrounding it.

Hopetoun Falls

A feature of Hopetoun Falls in the Otway ranges is its height of 30 meters. It’s surrounded by lush rainforest, and there are several viewing platforms along the walking track. The higher platform gives you an overview of the stunning falls, and the lower path allows you to get up close and personal as they cascade down step by step. Sheoak Falls Picnic Area is near Hopetoun Falls so that you can stop here on your trip around here, and the historic timber tramway adds to the history of this stop.

Hopkins Falls

Hopkins Falls is one of the big cascades on Hopkins River near Warrnambool that spreads wide. Hopkins falls unlike those that drop vertically, spread across a wide area so it’s unique and beautiful. Access is via Hopkins Fall Road which has a vehicle track and viewing platform. The wide steady flow is amazing after rain so popular with locals and out of towners.

Stevensons Falls

Stevensons Falls near Beech Forest is famous for its 30-metre drop. A walking track from Allenvale Road Carpark takes you through the bush to a platform where you can see eels swimming upstream. It’s a lovely park.

Triplet Falls

Triplet Falls is a must see. A series of cascades. A beautiful waterfall in the Great Otway National Park. Access is via the Triplet Falls Walking Track which takes you through ancient timber plantations with many views of the falls.

Little Aire Falls

One small but lovely waterfall in the Aire Valley Road area. These waterfalls have a slow trickle of water over green rocks in the forest where they get their names from. Access is via a circular path or short walking track; also a nice place to visit.

Beauchamp Falls

Beach Forest has Beauchamp falls which are down a walking track from Beech Forest Road. Famous for the powerful flow and pretty setting that most people look for.

Carisbrook Falls

This pretty waterfall is in the Otway Ranges where the water filters through rainforest trees. Just off Allenvale Rd Carpark you can walk to them and there are lookout platforms nearby to see the cascades. Wherever possible people go all over to sit and enjoy nature at this spot.

Splitter Falls

A small, pretty fall in the Otway Ranges. The splashes down on rocks make them a very dramatic fall. Walkways go through this rainforest and viewing areas nearby to see the stream.

Beech Forest Falls

One beautiful waterfall in Beech Forest. Basically these drops have clear streams running over mossy rocks into green forest. Easy to get to along marked tracks as these are a nice spot.

Cora Lynn Cascades

The little cascade in the Otway Ranges.You will find always peaceful mossy rocks to sit beneath gentle falls in rainforests and it’s a short walk down to get to them.It’s a great place to come when you need some headspace.

Lower Kalimna Falls and Upper Kalimna Falls

Located near Lavers Hill. The Kalimna Falls are two beautiful waterfalls. Lower Kalimna Falls is a short walk to and drops over black basalt rocks at a great height, upper falls is a peaceful spot to take some great photos.

Waterfall Visiting Tips
Safety First: Check local hazard warnings after heavy rain – some waterfalls may have strong currents or slippery rocks.
Respect Nature: Stay on marked trails and don’t disturb animals. Limit your impact on the environment by staying in designated viewing areas.
Be Prepared: Some waterfalls require different levels of hiking. Remember to wear good shoes, bring water, snacks and a camera to take photos along the way.
Weather: Waterfall views change with the season; lush scenery and big flows are mostly in spring and winter months.
Facilities: Many waterfalls, like the ones around Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, have toilets and picnic areas. Plan ahead.