Pros & cons
PROS
- Facilities at the Sheoak Picnic Area make this an easy, low‑prep stop
- Simple add‑on to Henderson Falls for a better waterfall experience
CONS
- No base access at Won Wondah Falls—viewing platform only
- Flow can be modest outside winter–spring
Park at the Sheoak Picnic Area car park on Allenvale Road near Lorne.
After rain the track can be muddy and slippery, leeches are possible, the access road includes a short unsealed section, mobile coverage is patchy, and there is no safe access to the base of Won Wondah Falls.
Overview
This is a short, family‑friendly wander through the temperate rainforest of Great Otway National Park to a small cascade on Henderson Creek. Starting from the Sheoak Picnic Area near Lorne, the well‑formed bush track heads to a viewing platform for Won Wondah Falls. Expect gentle gradients with some steps and roots underfoot; after rain, the track can be muddy and slippery.
Distance and time
It’s about 1 km one way (roughly 0.6 miles) from the Sheoak Picnic Area to the Won Wondah Falls viewing platform—around 30 minutes each way. As an out‑and‑back, that’s roughly 2 km total (about 1.2 miles) and about an hour of easy walking. Many walkers continue a further ~0.8 km to Henderson Falls, which you can access at the base and is often the highlight of the outing.
What you’ll see
The track follows Henderson Creek through lush forest, delivering a tranquil platform‑only view of Won Wondah Falls. Won Wondah is modest in height and flow, especially outside the wetter months, so consider the short extension to Henderson Falls if you want a more up‑close waterfall experience.
Access and facilities
Begin at the Sheoak Picnic Area on Allenvale Road, which has toilets, picnic tables, and a shelter. There’s a short stretch of unsealed road to reach the picnic area that is typically manageable in a 2WD in normal conditions. Mobile coverage can be patchy—download maps before you go.
Best time to hike
For waterfall punch, aim for winter to early spring (June–September). Late spring through summer (November–February) often means lower flow. After heavy rain, conditions and access can change; check for any updates before you set out.
Need‑to‑know
Won Wondah Falls is viewing‑platform only—there’s no safe access to the base. The natural surface, steps, and uneven sections make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and most prams. Pets are generally not allowed on walking tracks in the national park.
Where it starts
-38.5545, 143.9432Near Won Wondah Falls Track
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayLower Kalimna Falls TrackFerny stroll to a walk-behind waterfall with a cave-like alcoveModerate · 5.1 mi · 2.3 hr
0 mi awayPhantom Falls and Henderson Falls via The CanyonTwo rainforest waterfalls and a narrow canyon in one moderate loop.Moderate · 5.9 mi · 3 hr
0 mi awaySheoak Falls via Castle RockWaterfall and lookout loop with ocean views and a swallow-filled caveModerate · 6 mi · 3.5 hr
0 mi awayHenderson Falls TrackShady fern gully stroll to a graceful 8–10 m waterfall.Easy · 2.2 mi · 1 hr
0.6 mi awayHenderson FallsShady fern‑gully stroll to a graceful 8–10 m cascadeTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayPhantom FallsShaded Otways waterfall via a short, rewarding forest walkTrailhead · Parking
0.9 mi awayAllenvale CampgroundLeafy walk-in bush camp by the St George River near LorneCampground · Restroom
1.2 mi awaySwallow CaveHoneycombed cave with nesting swallows on the Sheoak Falls walkTrailhead · Parking
