The Otways are home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia, this one is no exception.
Where to Base Yourself for Waterfall Adventures
All of these waterfalls are only a short drive from the towns of Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Colac. There are multiple great caravan parks & holiday parks in Apollo Bay - but some of these waterfall locations also have FREE camping available! Read on to find out which of the falls you can stay at overnight.
Lorne is the gateway to the Otways. If you are travelling from Melbourne, drive south for two hours from the Melbourne airport along the M1 and then Great Ocean Road.
Good to know: All the waterfalls in this guide can be reached in a standard 2WD vehicle. Although some do require you to drive along a short unsealed road, and most require hiking to reach from the car park.
Best Time to See Waterfalls in the Otways
As with all Victorian waterfalls, these are best visited after decent and consistent rainfall. This region receives most of its annual rainfall totals in the winter & spring months (specifically May-October), although it is not uncommon to have rain in other months of the year too. I personally found October to be a great time to see all of the waterfalls with a steady flow, but Victoria can experience long dry spells, so it will vary from year to year.
Some waterfalls have larger catchment areas than others, so while one may be a trickle, another may still be flowing well. With this in mind, it’s worthwhile contacting the Great Ocean Road Visitor Centre for recent rainfall information to determine which waterfalls are worth visiting.
Must-See Waterfalls In The Otways:
Erskine Falls, near Lorne
1. Erskine Falls.
Erskine Falls is a beautiful 30m tall waterfall in the Otways nestled within a deep mossy valley. The rainforest surroundings are perhaps equally as beautiful as the waterfall itself!
To get to the waterfall, follow Erskine Falls Road from Lorne for 10 km. It is only a 13 minute drive from town, but the road is steep and winding - so take your time!
One you arrive at Erskine Falls, there is a well made path leading firstly to a lookout where you can view the waterfall from above, and then down many stairs which lead to the base of the falls. You can also continue downstream along an unformed hiking trail to the nearby straw falls. If you are well prepared and up for an adventure, you can hike the challenging 15.4 km trail alongside the river all the way back to Lorne.
There are no facilities here, so carry out anything you take in. Pets are not permitted in National Parks.
2. Stevensons Falls.
Stevensons Falls is a large and impressive waterfall with a large pool at the base of it. Many people swim here but doing so is at your own risk - the rocks are very slippery! Don't confuse this one with Steavensons Falls in Marysville - this is a different waterfall!
This waterfall is 45 minutes (36 km) from Apollo Bay, or also 45 minutes (44 km) from Colac. Turn onto Upper Gellibrand Road from the Forrest-Apollo Bay Road (C119). From here it is an unsealed road which is often narrow, steep, and winding. However, access is usually always suitable for 2wd vehicles. The distance from sealed road until the falls trailhead is 5.1km, and there is a FREE campground located right on the river just 1km from the falls carpark. I have heard the campsite can become busy, so I recommend visiting on a week day and arriving early to secure your place - there is no booking system.
From the trailhead, it is a beautiful and easy 4km return hike to Stevensons Falls. The trail takes you through some redwood forest and along the lush river banks before you reach the waterfall. At one point the trail does split into three and you have a choice of a direct route to the falls, some more redwood forest, or the riverside trail. It is all clearly signposted and all trails lead to the same destination eventually.
There are toilet facilities at the campground, but no bins. Take out all all of your rubbish - this is not a dumping ground! I was disappointed to see other campers had left a mess behind, and yet we wonder why we can't have nice things? This is NOT a national park - so dogs are welcome (on leash)!
Stevensons Falls, the Otways
Hopetoun Falls in Great Otway National Park
3. Hopetoun Falls
Hopetoun Falls is without a doubt one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Australia (rivalled only by a small few in Tasmania or Far North Queensland).
It is located 53 minutes (41 km) from Apollo Bay, or 49 minutes (52 km) from Colac.
Turn onto Binns Road, near the small settlement of Beech Forest, and follow this (at times narrow, steep, and winding) road for 5 km until you get to the Hopetoun Falls Road turn-off. Here there is a gravel pit which can be used as an overflow car park if the falls get busy. The road down to the main car park is unsealed and has a few potholes, but is generally fine for 2wd. If you are in a larger vehicle you may want to park at the turn-off and walk down to the trailhead, as it will be tight to turn around at the bottom if the main car park is full.
The walk to Hopetoun Falls is short, sweet, and steep. The trail is less then 1 km return and has a lot of stairs leading down into the valley. It may be muddy until you reach the boardwalk which follows alongside the Aire River to the waterfall viewpoint.
There are no facilities here, dogs are not allowed as it is a national park. Help keep this place pristine by taking your rubbish home with you.
There are no facilities here, dogs are not allowed as it is a national park. Help keep this place pristine by taking your rubbish home with you.
4. Beauchamp Falls
Saving the best for last - Beauchamp Falls is not only my favourite waterfall in the Otways, but all of Australia! I'm sure it is easy to see why - this tall waterfall plunges 20 metres into a mossy, fern-fringed gorge below. There is a lookout to see the falls from above, or you can venture down into the creek below. The fact that you can camp for FREE at the trailhead for this waterfall makes it almost too good to be true.
Beauchamp Falls is just up the road from Hopetoun Falls (Only a 12 minute drive). Turn left onto Beauchamp Falls Road 600m along Binns Rd, then follow this unsealed road for 2.7km to the campground/trailhead.
It is a 3km out-and-back hike to Beauchamp Falls from the car park. The walk is often muddy and there is a little bit of an incline, but the scenery along the way makes up for your effort! This is possibly some of the freshest air you will ever breathe so go slow and take it all in.
It is a 3km out-and-back hike to Beauchamp Falls from the car park. The walk is often muddy and there is a little bit of an incline, but the scenery along the way makes up for your effort! This is possibly some of the freshest air you will ever breathe so go slow and take it all in.
Toilets are located near the car park and campground. There are no bins so take your rubbish with you. Dogs are allowed on a leash as this is NOT a national park!
Beauchamp Falls, near Beech Forest - The Otways.
Thanks For Reading My Guide To The Best Waterfalls In The Otways, Victoria!
One of many hidden waterfalls in the Otways.
Want to take photos like the ones you see here?
Over the past seven years, I’ve loved sharing my passion for photography through in-person workshops and online tutorials. My current focus is teaching through Patreon.
By joining me there, you’ll unlock access to 50+ exclusive posts packed with value E-books, video tutorials, editing walkthroughs, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there’s something for everyone.
You can get started for free, or subscribe for a small monthly fee to unlock everything, including all future content. It’s flexible, no lock-ins - cancel anytime.
👉 Check it out on Patreon and start levelling up your photography today.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this Guide to the 4 best waterfalls near Byron Bay! More images can be seen in my New South Wales Gallery.
My images are available for printing and licensing.
I take pride in my prints, which are produced locally by a small professional business in Australia. Attention to detail is paid through every part of the process to ensure image quality is at the highest standard possible.
A framed print of a picturesque waterfall in a lush rainforest setting, available for purchase.
If this guide has assisted or inspired you in any way, consider supporting my work with a small contribution, perhaps equal to the cost of a cup of coffee. Your support helps me cover essential travel expenses like fuel and vehicle maintenance, enabling me to continue exploring and sharing Australia’s natural beauty with you and others.
You can also learn photography online whilst showing support via Patreon.
You can also learn photography online whilst showing support via Patreon.
Thank you for being part of this journey - every little bit truly makes a difference!
A spectacular waterfall in the Southern Highlands, NSW.
5 Must-See Waterfalls In The NSW Southern Highlands.
New South Wales has no shortage of spectacular waterfalls, and the Southern Highlands Region is home to some of the best. Spanning from west of Bundanoon, to Jamberoo in the east, and as far north as Campbelltown - the highlands boast some spectacular and diverse scenery. The 5 waterfalls listed in this guide are all only a short drive from the town of Robertson.
Read about them here.
Read about them here.
Important Notes:
- I recommend doing your own research and visiting the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information, as the conditions can vary from year-to-year.
- Get the most enjoyment out of your visit whilst staying safe. Prepare for natural hazards (such as weather conditions & wildlife encounters) and other outdoor risks. Only you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing to protect yourself during your planned activities.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey. It is always recommended to let a responsible person know your plans and report back into them once you have finished.
- Stay on the marked trails and obey signage.
- Always look after and prioritise the environment. Take rubbish back out with you, or place in bins if provided. Lack of respect for the environment gets these places closed down & ruins other visitors experience.