Cumberland River–Jebbs Pool Walk

Cumberland River–Jebbs Pool Walk is a 3 km (1.9 mi) out-and-back from the camping reserve into the river gorge. Allow about 1.5 hours. The route follows the Cumberland River to Jebbs Pool and turns back there. It’s a good pick if you want the rocky gorge and pool without extending farther toward Cumberland Falls.

Start at the Cumberland River Camping Reserve car park. Follow the river past the reserve cabins to an information sign, then take the narrower track into Great Otway National Park. The path stays close to the river between steep, craggy slopes. Expect rough dirt and rock underfoot, plus a crossing on rocks or stepping stones. The longer Falls route carries on beyond Jebbs Pool and adds more crossings and scrambling; that extra section is not part of this walk’s 3 km.

The river opens into rock pools and ledges, with cascades above and dense forest climbing the gorge walls. Eucalypts, blackwoods and tree ferns line the slopes. Peregrine Falcons are frequent in the area; keep an ear out for Golden Whistlers and Eastern Yellow Robins in the gorge canopy.

The crossing is the deciding factor: don’t attempt the walk when the river is high. The route enters Great Otway National Park, where dogs aren’t permitted. Picnic tables are available by the car park, but the camping reserve’s toilets and kiosk are for tenants only, so don’t count on them as public trail facilities.