A simple in a single day hike, the Lorne Waterfall Circuit showcases a few of the finest waterfalls and ocean views that the Nice Otway Nationwide Park has to supply.
We acknowledge that this journey is situated 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 situated within the Nice Otway Nationwide Park in Victoria. The hike ought to take round 7-9 hours to finish however could be executed 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 placing rock formations!
Lorne Waterfall Circuit Information
The hike is 28km lengthy with minor elevation achieve and clear tracks the entire method.Â
Day 1
Distance: 23km
Elevation Achieve: 250m
Length: 6-8hr
Day 2
Distance: 5km
Elevation Achieve: 150m
Length: 1.5hr
How one can Get to the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
The hike is situated simply previous Lorne within the Otways and the start of this route comes immediately off of the Nice Ocean Highway on the Sheoak Falls automobile park (to not be confused with the Sheoak Picnic Space) – straightforward to get to with a automobile! Entry by way of public transport could also be difficult.
Talent Degree for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
Intermediate
The Lorne Waterfall Circuit is a good introductory stroll, and because of the nature of its tracks could be executed as an in a single day hike, an extended day-hike, or a sequence of mini hikes. The total loop is an intermediate hike because of the distance coated on the primary day.
The place to Keep Close to the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
Taking over this over-nighter on my own, I deliberate to remain on the Sharps Tenting Space however discovered the campsite closed attributable to managed burnoffs – and now it’s completely closed. I selected Allenvale Campsite as a substitute and ready for an enormous first day of 23km (estimated 6-8 hours) with a lightweight 5km end the subsequent morning.
Learn extra:Â Discovering the Beautiful Otways
Important Gear for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
- PLB
- First help equipment
- 70L mountaineering backpack
- Lightweight mountaineering tent
- Cooking gear
- Moveable range and gasolineÂ
- Water bladder, water filter and water cleaning tablets
- Head torch
- Sleeping bag and matÂ
- Light-weight meals and plenty of snacks!Â
- A map – the routes are nicely marked however it provides me a complete overview of the world and adaptability to vary course beneath observe closures
Learn extra: Bear in mind to depart no hint
What It’s Prefer 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 finest 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 return upon your first waterfall – Sheoak Falls – the place you’re welcomed with the sound of speeding water. From this spot, set out in the direction of Fortress Rock lookout.
A couple of hundred metres of steep, dust upkeep street could begin to actually burn your glutes, however will repay with dappled daylight by means of the gums, recent air, silence, and eventually, a hidden view throughout the massive blue. Permit your self time to take all of it in earlier than heading again into the forest.
Throughout my hike, an surprising observe closure compelled me to seek out another path, which led me all the way down to the Sheoak Picnic Space – a central clearing within the valley with bogs, picnic tables, a paved automobile park, and a slew of chatty day-hikers.
Learn extra:Â 5 Finest 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 means of the rainforest and pay a go to to Gained 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 means 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 means of and the passage spits you out onto one other dust service street.
Lastly, as you wind all the way down to the final waterfall, Phantom Falls, curiosity would possibly simply make for an surprising detour to Allen Dam. Right here, you’ll be graced with pure solitude.
Throughout my hike, the tangerine afternoon solar pushed me to my remaining cease. I arrange my humble shelter, fed myself a hearty meal of mac and cheese, and rested up for the evening.
The morning aero-press espresso left me with power and a hopeful spirit as I headed by means of the forest of burned stumps and recent new progress for the final 5km again to my automobile.
FAQs for the Lorne Waterfall Circuit
What waterfalls are included within the circuit?
Among the key waterfalls to see embody Erskine Falls, Phantom Falls, and Sheoak Falls.
Are there bogs on the path?
There’s no bogs accessible on path, and there aren’t any on the Sheoak Falls automobile park. However there are some on the close by Sheoak Picnic Space. It additionally incorporates a picnic shelter and gasoline BBQs!
Are there leeches?
You may count on leeches on this hike, so learn up on methods to keep away from, take away, and admire them forward of time!
Characteristic picture by Parks Victoria
Desk of contents picture by @jtfilmandphoto
