Lorne is a beautiful area and offers some stunning hikes within the Otway Forest Park. Countless waterfalls and river crossings, forest ferns – what more could you want? Views? Yes there are some views on offer too, but in all honesty when you have waterfalls, who needs views?
This 2.8km return walk enters the valley of Sheoak Creek. It is a short walk upstream, and worth walking a little further to Swallow Cave, aptly named for the Swallows that nest there during spring.
 Trail Head Options:
- Drive to Sheoak Falls Car Park which is about 4km out of Lorne towards Apollo Bay.
This Sheoak Falls hiking trail is 2.8km long and will take about 1 hour to complete. You may wish to spend some time relaxing by the water at the falls.
Trail Features:
- Waterfalls
- Cave
It is best to complete this hike after recent rainfall, however if it has rained too much, the crossing of Sheoak Creek near Swallow Cave be difficult and/or impossible to pass.
Trail End Options:
- The Canyon and Phantom Falls, a 7km drive away.
- Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls, a 9km drive away.
- Erskine Falls Walk, a 15km drive away.
Trail Statistics:
- Starting Point: Sheoak Falls Car Park
- Hiking Trail Difficulty: Grade 3
- Distance: 2.8km
- Trail Type: Return Hike
- Elevation Gain: 175m
- Elevation Loss: 175m
- Minimum Elevation: 15m
- Maximum Elevation: 100m
- Time to Complete: Up to 1 hour
- Ending Point: Sheoak Falls Car Park
Detailed Hiking Trail Guide:
The trail starts at Sheoak Falls Car Park, about 4km out of Lorne, towards Apollo Bay.
There’s only one way to go. Head towards the information sign where you will find the start of the trail.
Some great views of the ocean here before heading inland.
As you begin your uphill ascent you will come to this fork in the path. To the right is Sheoak Falls. For this guide we are heading STRAIGHT up the stairs towards Swallow Cave.
Sheoak Falls can be seen down to your right.
And a little further you can see another cascade right next to Swallow Cave.
Go STRAIGHT ahead here on the flat path which leads to Swallow Cave.
You may go left or straight here, both come to the same point where you cross the river stream. This may be flooded over after heavy rains, in which case it is not recommended to cross.
Take a RIGHT here.
Heading to Swallow Cave.
Swallow Cave can be seen across the stream from the viewing platform.
Some very interesting rock formations here at Swallow Cave.
When you are done enjoying the sights, head back up the way you came.
Turn LEFT here.
And we will head back to see Sheoak Falls.
STRAIGHT ahead here.
And LEFT here to get to Sheoak Falls.
This is quite a stunning waterfall and you can get right up close and personal with it. Some people were swimming here on my last visit.
When you have enjoyed the falls, head back up the trail and back towards the car park.
To the LEFT.
And back to the car park. Check the Trail End options above to see other hiking trails that you can visit in the area.
Last modified: November 30, 2017
