The Canyon Circuit

The Canyon Circuit is an 8.5 km (5.3 mi) loop from Sheoak Picnic Ground, usually allowed about three hours. It links Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls, The Canyon and Phantom Falls, then returns from Allenvale along Garvey Track. The route is a worthwhile half-day for the mix of waterfalls, ferny forest and a narrow rocky passage, but expect a demanding walk rather than a gentle picnic stroll. The full loop length includes the return to Sheoak; a second car at Allenvale makes a shorter point-to-point finish.

Begin by the information board and follow the signed Nature Walk through a ferny glade and across Sheoak Creek. The path joins Garvey Track, crosses it and Sharps Track, then follows the Henderson Creek valley. A short right-hand spur reaches the Won Wondah Falls lookout; the cascade can be partly screened by overhanging plants. Return to the main path and continue about 500 m to Henderson Falls, where water runs across a dark, mossy rock wall. Look for the Mountain Ash near the second bridge.

Follow the signs from the falls junction toward The Canyon. The track climbs and crosses a small creek before entering a rocky cleft with walls about 10 m high. This is the most uneven part: the passage winds around moss-covered boulders and the rock underfoot can make progress slower. Take time to look up through the cleft; its close walls make the route feel very different from the open creekside sections. The high rock walls also make a strong frame for a photograph, while the Won Wondah lookout gives a view through the foliage.

After The Canyon, the path eases for roughly 2 km toward Phantom Falls, then descends about 1.5 km to Allenvale Mill Car Park. Water flow varies at the falls, so the rock amphitheatre is part of the payoff even when the cascade is slight. If you have left a pickup car at Allenvale, the walk can finish there. Without a shuttle, follow Garvey Track for about 2 km back to Sheoak to complete the circuit represented by this distance.

The route is rated moderate to difficult, with steep, rocky stretches; mud is possible and walking poles can help. Allow time for the uneven ground and the waterfall detours rather than treating three hours as a sightseeing allowance. Sheoak Picnic Ground has toilets, an information board, picnic tables and gas barbecues. Dogs are not permitted on roads, tracks or trails in the Lorne area of the national park. The forest's water and vegetation often bring bird calls; Pied Currawong, New Holland Honeyeater and White-throated Treecreeper are among the species noted along this route.