St Georges River Loop

St Georges River Loop is a roughly 5 km circuit at the river mouth west of Lorne. It climbs from open grassy flats through tall eucalypts and tree ferns, then returns beside the river through fern gullies. Allow about two hours. Published lengths range from 5 to 5.5 km; the mapped loop is 5.04 km.

Start at the small car park on the inland side of Great Ocean Road. Follow the grassy track to Cherry Tree Creek bridge and take the Ocean Walk on the right. It climbs gradually; after about 1.5 km the track forks, and the right-hand branch is less strenuous. Turn left when you reach Allenvale Road and descend to Allenvale Mill car park. The first section is in Coastal Reserve land; the route enters Great Otway National Park at the Mill.

From Allenvale Mill, follow the narrow St George River Track beside rocky pools, shady fern gullies and tall understorey. A low river crossing needs care: do not attempt it when the water is high. The track returns to Cherry Tree Creek bridge, where you retrace the short shared access to the car park. The last descent opens to ocean views.

Look for tree ferns, Prickly Currant-bush, Musk Daisy-bush, Golden-tip and Banyalla in the valley. Eastern Yellow Robins, Crimson Rosellas and Grey Shrikethrushes are recorded here; listen for their calls under the canopy. On the river leg, frame the water through the fern-lined banks and tall trees.