Cumberland Falls Walk

Cumberland Falls Walk is a 6 km return hike from Cumberland River Reserve to the falls, following the river through a forested gorge via Jebb’s Pool. Allow about three hours for the crossings and time at the pools. The falls are two modest cascades feeding one pool, so the river gorge is as much the draw as the waterfall.

This is a rough riverside walk, not a smooth path. Four stepping-stone crossings keep bringing you back to the water. River levels decide whether they’re passable, and the rocks can be slippery when wet. Don’t attempt the crossings when the river is high.

If the full walk and final scramble sound like too much, Jebb’s Pool makes a worthwhile 3 km return outing from the reserve. You still get the cliff-lined gorge, rock ledges and forest pools, then turn back before the rougher falls approach.

Beyond Jebb’s Pool, the track stays near the river through more forest and crossings. The final roughly 250 metres are the roughest: narrow sloping rock, boulders and a short scramble. At the end, two small cascades spill into one pool. For a photo, include the pool and both rocky chutes; a fallen log gives the right-hand cascade its shape.

Blackwoods, eucalypts and tree ferns grow along the gorge. Peregrine falcons frequent the cliffs, and small native blackfish may be visible in Jebb’s clear water. They’re a possibility, not a sure thing.

Use the visitor car park at Cumberland River Reserve in front of the holiday park. The route follows the river to the signed park track. The reserve car park has picnic tables, while the campground kiosk and toilets are for tenants. Dogs aren’t permitted on this Great Otway National Park route.