Pros & cons
PROS
- Year‑round waterfall with strongest winter–spring flow
- Free campground and drop toilets at the trailhead
- Short, lush rainforest walk to a dramatic cascade
CONS
- Steep climb back to the carpark with stairs near the bottom
- Unsealed access road; track can be muddy and slippery after rain
Overview
Beauchamp Falls is the Otways showing off: ferny gullies, towering trees, and a photogenic cascade that stays lively all year. It’s the kind of spot that feels deep in the rainforest without demanding an epic hike.
The Walk
The track is about 2.5 km return and typically takes around 1.5 hours. It’s a moderate outing—mostly easy going on the way down, with short, steep hills on the return that will get the legs working. Expect steps, damp ground, and sections that turn slick after rain, so proper shoes make a difference.
At the Falls
There’s a viewing platform for classic angles, and you can carefully scramble over rocks for a closer look. Swimming is possible in the pool at the base, but the water is cold year‑round—great on a hot day if you’re game.
Facilities & Basecamp
Day visitors start from the Beauchamp Falls Campground/carpark, a handy hub with drop toilets and a picnic area. Camping here is free, which makes dawn and dusk visits easy if you want quieter trails or softer light.
Getting There
Access is via an unsealed road that’s generally fine for 2WD in average conditions. If you’re looping to Apollo Bay, the Skenes Creek road is narrow and winding and used by log trucks; the Lavers Hill route is the easier option. Caravans are not recommended on the Skenes Creek road.
Nature Highlights
This is classic cool‑temperate rainforest—think myrtle beech, blackwood, and thick fern understory. After dark, glow worms can be seen along damp banks; keep voices low, stay on the formed path, and use red‑filtered light. Birdlife and fungi are standouts across the Otways—keep an eye out along the track after rain.
Nearby Worth Adding
Waterfall‑hopping works well here: pair Beauchamp with Hopetoun Falls, Triplet Falls, or Little Aire Falls for a full day of rainforest walking and thunderous water.
Best Time to Visit
The falls run year‑round, but they’re at their juiciest June–September and after rain. For fewer people and easier parking, aim for early morning or weekdays. Overcast light is your friend for photos—no harsh glare and rich greens. Before you go, check current Parks Victoria alerts for any road or track changes.
Where it is
-38.6494, 143.6118Tips for Beauchamp Falls
- 01Start at the Beauchamp Falls Campground carpark; the track is about 2.5 km return.
- 02The return is uphill—allow around 1.5 hours and wear grippy footwear.
- 03For strongest flow, visit June–September or right after rain.
- 04Driving to Apollo Bay is easier via Lavers Hill than the narrow Skenes Creek road.
- 05After dark, look for glow worms—use a red light and stay on the path.
Amenities
Near Beauchamp Falls
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayBeauchamp Falls WalkShort rainforest walk to a thundering 20 m waterfallModerate · 1.9 mi · 1.2 hr
2.2 mi awayCalifornian Redwoods WalkShort, moody wander beneath 1930s redwoods by the Aire River.Easy · 0.5 mi · 45 min
2.2 mi awayAire Valley Redwoods (Redwood Forest)Towering redwoods and a ferny creek in a quiet valleyRestroom · Parking
2.7 mi awayHopetoun FallsClassic fern-framed waterfall with a short, steep walk to the baseTrailhead · Parking
2.7 mi awayHopetoun Falls WalkShort, steep stair run to a thunderous rainforest waterfallEasy · 0.5 mi · 45 min
2.7 mi awayHopetoun Falls LookoutQuick roadside perch with a teaser view of the fallsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
5.7 mi awayStevenson FallsShort riverside walk to a lush waterfall and redwood groveTrailhead · Parking
6.4 mi awayStevenson Falls WalkShort, accessible stroll to a big Otways waterfall via redwoods.Easy · 0.8 mi · 30 min
