Beauchamp Falls

Rainforest cascade with a short, punchy walk and swim

InsideGreat Otway National Park

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.

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

Tips

Start at the Beauchamp Falls Campground carpark; the track is about 2.5 km return.
The return is uphill—allow around 1.5 hours and wear grippy footwear.
For strongest flow, visit June–September or right after rain.
Driving to Apollo Bay is easier via Lavers Hill than the narrow Skenes Creek road.
After dark, look for glow worms—use a red light and stay on the path.