Erskine Falls

Overview

Erskine Falls is the headline waterfall near Lorne, dropping about 30 meters into a lush, ferny gully. From the car park, you can take a very short amble to the upper lookout, or commit to the lower lookout down a long staircase. Expect roughly 1–1.3 km return (0.6–0.8 mi) and 30–60 minutes total if you visit both lookouts—short, but with a punchy climb back up.

Route Options

Most visitors do the car park to lower lookout and back: stone steps and compacted gravel with rest platforms along the way, commonly quoted at about 230–300 steps. Want more trail time? Two good extensions start elsewhere: the Lemonade Creek Walk (4.4 km one way from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area) brings you to the falls on a quieter forest path, while the Erskine River Walk (7.5 km one way between Lorne and the falls) strings together Straw Falls and Splitter Falls with river crossings and some rock-hopping. Skip the river route when water is high.

Difficulty, Access, and Facilities

This is a Grade 3-style outing: suitable for most, but the staircase is steep and can be slippery when wet. There are no toilets at the falls; the nearest are at Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground. The path to the viewing areas includes uneven steps and loose gravel and is not wheelchair accessible. Dogs aren’t permitted (accredited assistance dogs excepted) and bikes aren’t allowed on the walking tracks.

Safety and Current Conditions

Wet Otway weather keeps the gully lush but also means slick steps, slippery rocks, and occasional flashier flows—treat edges and boulders with caution. Watch for falling limbs, and note that echidnas and long‑nosed bandicoots often leave ankle‑twisting diggings—bring sturdy footwear and a light if you’re out in low light. As of late November 2025, Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track is closed (affecting Allenvale–Erskine Falls links), and the Kalimna Tramline link and Upper Kalimna Falls are closed; Lower Kalimna remains reachable from Sheoak Picnic Area. Check Parks Victoria’s change-of-conditions before you go; things shift quickly here.

Best Times and Tips

Flow is best after rain; crowds are lightest early or late in the day. For an easy half‑day, hit both lookouts, then picnic at Blanket Leaf and sample the Lemonade Creek Track. If you want a longer, wilder feel without the car park bustle, start at Blanket Leaf and walk in—you’ll earn your waterfall reveal and skip some of the crowd energy.