Beautiful Erskine Falls, Lorne: Great Ocean Road Favorite
Fern at Erskine Falls in the Great Otway National Park near Lorne.
Erskine Falls, located near the seaside town of Lorne, is one of the Great Ocean Road’s most popular attractions. Here's why!
Erskine Falls cascades 30 meters into a lush, tree fern gully. It's an easy 9 km drive or a challenging 7.5 km hike, along the Erskine River, from Lorne. A viewing platform provides a great view of the top of Erskine falls. Continue downhill for five more minutes to reach the base of the falls.
Like traveling to any scenic location it’s great to commence your journey with the knowledge that you’re well prepared and that you’ve set yourself up for success.
I love Erskine Falls and I’ve written this post to ensure that you’ll be able to make the most of your own adventure to this special place along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
Table of Contents:
How to Get To Lorne
Lorne is a very popular seaside town 142 km or 88 miles south west of the state capital, Melbourne.
In good traffic you could drive from the city to Lorne in a leisurely 2 hours and really enjoy the journey along the spectacular Great Ocean Road.
However, if you’re making the trip near the afternoon peak hour or on a weekend during summer, the journey could take quite a bit longer.
Over the years I’ve experienced very heavy traffic on a couple of occasions and, after leaving home a bit late, arrived in Lorne just after sunset.
The lesson, therefore, is to leave early and enjoy the trip without stressing about traffic, time and fading light.
Lorne’s a pretty town and a great spot to grab some food and refreshments and fill up the car.
While you’re in Lorne be sure to check out the lovely Swing Bridge Cafe which you’ll find near where the mouth of the Erskine River reaches the sea.
There’s a lovely boardwalk you can follow alongside the Erskine River and then over the lovely 1937 built cable suspension bridge to the Swing Bridge Cafe.
The area offers great opportunities for sunset photography.
Erskine Falls Directions
Situated within the Great Otway National Park, and only about 10 minutes drive out of Lorne, Erskine Falls is probably the most heavily visited waterfall in the region.
The above map will help explain how to get to Erskine Falls, though the turnoff from Lorne’s main street is also well signposted.
On your way to or from Erskine Falls make sure you drop in to Teddy’s Lookout. There are great views down onto the St George River and the Great Ocean Road as it winds its way through the hilly terrain just outside of Lorne.
Erskine Falls Facts
Rather than showing up and hoping for the best the facts outlined below will help ensure you make the most of your experience visiting Erskine Falls.
Erskine Falls Parking
I’d describe car parking at Erskine Falls as adequate. However space can become quite limited, particularly during the busy summer months.
The car park is located just a few minutes walk from the viewing platform above Erskine Falls. From there it’s a short, steep trek down to the base of Erskine Falls.
If you’re towing a caravan you’ll find parking particularly challenging, though it’s possible to do so at the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area.
It’s then a 4 km or 2.5 mile one-way hike to the falls.
Erskine Falls Toilets
There are no toilets at Erskine Falls. This is surprising given the amount of tourists visiting the site.
The nearest toilet is at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area.
Are Dogs Allowed at Erskine Falls
Most waterfalls near the Great Ocean Road are located within the Otway National Park.
No dogs are allowed to enter national parks in the state of Victoria.
The good news is that assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves.
Assistance dogs are incredible, being specially trained to provide assistance to folks who are blind or vision impaired, as well as helping to support children with autism and people with mental health issues.
For information on bringing an assistance dog into parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks, you should take a look at this information on assistance dogs from the Parks Victoria website.
Erskine Falls Swimming
While I’ve never seen a sign to the contrary, Erskine Falls is not really a place for swimming. What’s more I have no idea how deep the small pool of water at the bottom of the cascade actually is.
It doesn’t look deep, so you certainly wouldn’t want to dive into it. But you’d also need to be aware of snags and other potential hazards that could be just underneath the surface of the water.
Erskine Falls Picnic Area
Space is tight at Erskine Falls. While it’s possible to munch on a sandwich in the car park, viewing platform or down by the base of the falls there’s no dedicated place for a picnic at Erskine Falls.
However, all is not lost. Located at 650 Erskine Falls Road the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area is a wonderfully well shaded place to enjoy a picnic while soaking in the sights and sounds of the abundant native bird life.
Though facilities are basic Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, which is open 24 hours a day, offers accessible picnic tables, fire pits and drop-toilet facilities.
What’s more the site offers two lovely waterfall walks:
4 km or 2.5 mile Lemonade Creek walk to Erskine Falls.
4.2 km or 2.6 mile Cora Lynn Cascades walk (down hill to the Cascades and uphill on the way back).
The magnificent Erskine Falls and surrounding rainforest from the Erskine Falls Lookout.
Erskine Falls Lookout
Actually Erskine Falls has two lookout points. The first one is an easy 5 minute walk from the carpark and offers a solid platform with room for, perhaps, half a dozen people.
As you can see from the above photo it’s a great place for some serious landscape photography.
Notice also how I’ve made use of the surrounding rainforest to frame the waterfall in the above photo.
The notion of a frame within a frame is an important element of composition which works with any camera, even the one built into your mobile phone.
I’ve really made the most of that concept while setting up my composition and further enhanced the effect by applying a vignette, to darken the edges of the frame, during post processing.
We’re all attracted to bright things and the vignette acts to direct the eye, through the surrounding foliage, towards the waterfall.
You can see that the tremendous amount of texture in the foliage surrounding Erskine Falls was also a key consideration when I made this image.
To further emphasize the textural qualities within the scene I opted for a black and white rendering, with which I’m really happy.
This first lookout is also a great spot to bring out your tripod for some long exposure photography. With luck you’ll find a minute or two when there’s no breeze.
That will allow you to create a classic long exposure image, as showcased in the above photo, where the surroundings are sharp and the waterfall appears soft and ethereal.
Erskine Falls is the most famous of the Lorne waterfalls.
Erskine Falls Steps
The second lookout is a further 140 steps down at the base of the falls. The steps are quite steep and some are uneven. The track can also become quite muddy after rain.
Given that rocky, uneven and, potentially, slippery ground awaits you at the base of the falls I’d recommend solid walking shoes for this particular adventure.
If you’re fit and not carrying any camera gear you could trek back up the Erskine Falls stairs in around 5 minutes.
Loaded down with camera, tripod and other paraphernalia the climb up might take you 10 minutes.
Either way, when you’ve reached the carpark, your beating heart will tell you you’re alive.
Ferns and leaves on a rock at Erskine Falls near Lorne.
Exploring Erskine River
When there’s a reduced level of flow down the waterfall the nearby rocks do begin to dry out and folks can be seen leaving the small viewing area by the River and exploring closer to the waterfall.
I’ve done it myself and it’s fun, but be careful. Waterfalls are moist environments and rocks can be extremely slippery, even when the waterfall isn’t flowing.
If you were to slip and hit the ground you’d likely fall hard. If you hurt yourself it could be a really tough climb back up those steep steps to the carpark.
Needless to say you’d be undertaking such activities at your own risk.
Beautiful fern by the banks of the Erskine River near Lorne, Australia.
How To Photograph Erskine Falls
If you get close to the base of the falls a wide angle lens will allow you to make some powerful images looking up towards the top of Erskine falls.
It’s also possible to find a few spots further back along the narrow canyon, on the other side of the Erskine River, from which to photograph the entire waterfall.
Tree ferns along the sides of the river can help you frame Erskine Falls as it sends water cascading down to the river below.
It’s good to be aware that movement around the base of Erskine Falls and along the narrow banks of the Erskine River is actually quite limited.
But those limited opportunities for movement may not, necessarily, be a bad thing. Perhaps you’ll be encouraged to slow down and become more aware of your surroundings.
There’s a whole ecosystem around a waterfall and, with it, lots of opportunities for more intimate, detailed images.
We’re all so preoccupied with looking up and looking forwards. Sometimes it’s a really good idea to simply look down.
As a number of the photos in this post demonstrate, by looking down you can find a whole new world of opportunities for great nature photography at your feet.
Because I’ve photographed Erskine Falls on numerous occasions I need to challenge myself to make new and interesting images on subsequent visits.
On one such visit I decided to explore close up details, but I did so with the notion of one or more themes in my mind.
As a consequence I was able to make a few images that explore notions such as fallen beauty and decay that, I hope, provide a glimpse into the nature of things.
Of course it’s perfectly reasonable just to see them as straightforward nature studies.
However, what gives them a somewhat artistic quality is, to my way of thinking, the themes that resonated with me when making these photos.
Your Erskine Falls Adventure
It’s always a good idea when you’re confronted with an iconic location, such as Erskine Falls, to look down and around for alternate ways of exploring the location.
It’s those alternate views that, quite often, best portray your own, individual experience and your unique way of seeing the world.
You never know which photos will be your best. But, almost certainly, your more memorable images will be your most personal.
Most cameras, even a phone camera, will allow you to explore abstraction through composition, close-up photography and post processing.
More sophisticated DSLR and Mirrorless cameras will allow you to explore abstraction through the use of slow shutter speeds to introduce movement into an otherwise sharp image.
This technique is perfectly suited to waterfall photography.
Erskine Falls cascade near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.
Erskine Falls Is Lorne’s Most Popular Waterfall
While there are numerous waterfalls near the seaside town of Lorne, Erskine Falls would be the most popular.
Nonetheless, while you’re in the area, there are a number of waterfalls that are well worth visiting.
Erskine Falls
Sheoak Falls
Cumberland Falls
Phantom Falls
Cora Lynn Cascades
Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls
Henderson Falls
Straw Falls
Splitter Falls
Erskine Falls Trail
Are you interested in undertaking a walk from Erskine Falls to Lorne?
If you’re feeling particularly energetic, and don’t mind a bit of rock hopping, the 7.5 km (4.7 mile) Erskine River Track is a great adventure.
This particular hike follows the Erskine River from the base of Erskine Falls down to Lorne passing by Straw Falls and Splitter Falls.
Straw Falls, located 400 meters downstream from Erskine Falls, are a 15 meter cascade on the Erskine River. It’s a lovely sight when water’s flowing.
However, neither of these two walks should be conducted after heavy rain as the tracks become muddy and the various river crossing become more dangerous.
The hike down to Splitter Falls is 1.5 km or about a mile further on from Straw Falls.
Sounds easily? Unfortunately, it’s not.
This next stage of the trail is far more challenging with several river crossings that follow a rough, narrow and, at times, broken track.
In total the 7.5 km (4.7 mile) one-way walk takes around 3 hours to complete. I’d advise sturdy, ideally waterproof, hiking boots; snacks and water; sunscreen and a hat; and a companion for your adventure.
Unless you’re a very experienced hiker I wouldn’t advice bringing an expensive camera and tripod with you, particularly on the section between Straw Falls and Splitter Falls.
You’ll have a lot more fun with a compact camera, particularly a rugged unit that offers a decent level of shock and waterproof protection.
And remember, no part of the Erskine Falls to Lorne walk should be undertaken when water levels in the river are high.
It is an achievement to successfully complete the Erskine Falls to Lorne Trail. However, it’s most certainly not for everyone.
For an easier, shorter and, for most folks, a more enjoyable experience simply park your car at the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area and enjoy the lovely 4.4 km or 2.7 mile (one-way) Lemonade Creek Walk to Erskine Falls.
Lorne Information Centre
For more detailed information and local weather conditions stop into the Lorne Information Centre before you undertake any walks in the area.
It’s a great place to pick up walking guides and brochures on Erskine Falls and all the things to see and do in and around Lorne.
Lorne Information Centre
15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne Victoria
Phone: (03) 5289 1152
Erskine Falls Accommodation
There’s a large range of accommodation available in and around Lorne. You’ll find hotels, gorgeous cottages, backpacker and camping options catering to travelers at a variety of price points.
Mantra Lorne
Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Tel: 1300 092 872
A modern 4-star hotel the Mantra Lorne is a relaxed, beachfront resort offering a casual eatery, spa, indoor pool and tennis courts.
Positioned right by the beach it’s a great option.
Cumberland Lorne Resort
150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Tel: (03) 5289 4444
The Cumberland Lorne Resort has been a popular option for folks visiting Lorne for many years.
Located right across the road from the beach and right in the heart of the main shopping strip the Cumberland offers fully fitted holiday units with balconies, an indoor pool and tennis courts.
Erskine River Cottages
Lemonade Creek Cottages
690 Erskine Falls Road, Lorne
(03) 5289 2600
Described as a 5-star hotel the rustic cabins at the Lemonade Creek Cottages include kitchens and the romance of fireplaces.
This gorgeous and secluded resort also offers an outdoor swimming pool.
One of the advantages of staying at Lemonade Creek Cottages is the easy access to Erskine Falls, including the delightful 4 km or 2.5 mile Lemonade Creek walk to Erskine Falls mentioned previously.
Great Ocean Road Cottages
10 Erskine Ave, Lorne
(03) 5289 1070
Located in a quiet bush setting Great Ocean Road Cottages and Backpackers offers a range of accommodation.
Close to bush walks and only about a 5 minute walk to the beach at Lorne these quirky and atmospheric cottages are situated in a beautiful, elevated tree filled location.
Cockatoos and parrots are known to land on guest balconies, providing great photo opportunities, and kookaburras can be seen and heard at dusk.
Erskine River Backpackers
6B Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Tel: 0431 933 096
A popular option for the budget traveler the Erskine River Backpackers is brilliantly located right across the road from the lovely Erskine River.
Free parking is available to guests and the Lorne Pier, Anzac Memorial Park and town centre are all within easy walking distance.
Erskine Falls Camping
Erskine River Park
2 Great Ocean Road, Lorne
(03) 5289 1382
Popular with fishing enthusiasts the Erskine River Park features 3 fishing platforms, a refurbished amenities block with showers, accessible toilets, laundry and camp kitchen.
Sharps Camping Area
Sharps Camping Area is a small campsite best suited to folks who seek seclusion.
A range of birds, including ducks can often be seen at this location.
Be aware that there are no toilet facilities on site.
My advice would be to visit during daylight hours to see if this is the type of campsite that meets your needs.
Allenvale Mill Bush Campground
Located 6 km (3.7 miles) outside of Lorne the Allenvale Mill Bush Campground is actually a 230 meter walk from the car park.
It’s beautiful and secluded and, outside of the busy tourist season, you’ll have plenty of space from which to choose your campsite.
Drop toilets are available on site.
Conclusion
Given it’s proximity to Lorne and the relatively easy access on has to views of the waterfall from the carpark, I’d recommend a visit to Erskine Falls be on your list of things to do in Lorne during your next Great Ocean Road trip.
