Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave Walk

Sheoak Falls and Swallow Cave Walk is a 2.2 km return out-and-back from Sheoak Falls Car Park on the Great Ocean Road. Allow about an hour. You get the pool below Sheoak Falls, then a second look at Sheoak Creek from the Swallow Cave platform across the water. It is a good choice if you want more than a quick waterfall stop, but expect steep steps on this short route. If you only want the falls, the separate walk to Sheoak Falls is 1.2 km return.

Start at the information board and follow the formed track through coastal vegetation to a boardwalk down to the creek. From there the route climbs steeply beside the water; the valley tightens into a rocky gorge, with plants growing in cracks and over the rock face. At the first signed junction, take the lower track through the sheoaks to the platform below the falls. Sheoak Falls drops about 15 metres into a deep pool, with water ferns around it. Return to the junction before continuing uphill. There are several steep stair sections, so walking poles can help if you prefer extra support.

Continue up to the gully lookout for a view of the creek and cave, then follow the track to the stepping-stone crossing. The cave leg requires crossing the creek; do not try it when water covers the stones. Past the Sheoak Picnic Ground track, the route reaches a viewing platform across the creek from Swallow Cave. The cave sits in the rock above the Sheoak Cascades, with high cliffs around the stream. Tree Martins breed here and are usually seen in spring, summer and early autumn. At the falls platform, frame the drop with some of the dark rock and pool; at the cave platform, include the creek so the far-bank setting reads clearly.

The creek has water year-round, but the falls are strongest after a few days of rain, so the flow can look different from visit to visit. The route is rated moderate, but the frequent steps make it feel more demanding than its distance suggests. Dogs are not permitted on park tracks and trails in the Lorne area. Park at Sheoak Falls Car Park, 5.9 km west of the Erskine River bridge in Lorne; the information board is the only facility reported at the car park.