Henderson Falls

Overview

Tucked just inland from Lorne, Henderson Falls is a graceful 8–10 m drop in a cool, fern‑lined gully of Great Otway National Park. It’s a classic short waterfall outing: shaded, mostly gentle underfoot, and family‑friendly. Most visitors start at the Sheoak Picnic Area and follow the signed track past Won Wondah Falls to reach the base of Henderson Falls.

The Walk

Expect roughly 3–3.6 km return (about 1–1.5 hours) depending on where you park and how much you dawdle for photos. The path is generally easy with small bridges and only mild gradients, but it can be very muddy after rain. You can stand right at the base and feel the cool spray when the flow is up.

Getting There & Facilities

Start from the Sheoak Picnic Area (off Allenvale Road via Garvey Track). There are toilets, picnic tables and a shelter at the picnic area; there are no facilities at the falls themselves. Access includes an unsealed section that is usually fine for 2WD with care. To shave a little distance, some visitors park on Sharps Road where the Henderson/Won Wondah track branches off. Navigation apps sometimes point you the wrong way—once you’re close, trust the trail signage.

Best Time to Visit

These falls shine after rain. In dry periods—especially late summer and early autumn—the flow can be underwhelming or even absent. The track and gully are well‑shaded, and the site is open 24 hours, so you have flexibility to time your visit around weather and rainfall rather than strict hours.

Wildlife & Safety

Koalas and echidnas are occasionally seen along nearby tracks, with plenty of birdlife in the forest. In warm months, snakes can be active—wear boots and stick to the formed track. After heavy rain, expect slick rocks, muddy sections and small washouts. Parks Victoria sometimes announces track changes or temporary closures in the Lorne waterfall network, so check for updates before you go.

Make It a Bigger Day

If you want more, continue on to The Canyon and Phantom Falls as part of a popular loop (about 8–9.5 km). Other nearby options from the same trailhead include Kalimna Falls (note there have been closure notices for the Upper Kalimna area), and the larger, separate Erskine Falls.

Cultural Note

This area is on Country connected to the Gadubanud (Katabanut) people and other Traditional Owners—tread lightly and respect cultural heritage.