Erskine Falls Melbourne
A majestic 30-meter waterfall near Lorne, offering two viewing platforms and a beautiful rainforest walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sun glow
Erskine Falls Melbourne
Best Time
Magical sun glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 30-meter waterfall near Lorne, offering two viewing platforms and a beautiful rainforest walk.
"A peaceful spot worth the short walk, with a stunning waterfall and refreshing nature."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Erskine Falls and the Great Ocean Road at your own pace .
👟 Be Prepared for Steps
The walk to the lower platform involves many steps; take breaks if needed .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cascading Waterfall
Main viewing platform
A stunning 30-meter waterfall plunging into a gully, surrounded by lush ferns and crisp air.
Lower Viewing Platform
Bottom of the falls
Descend a series of steps for an immersive experience at the base of the powerful cascade.
Upper Viewing Platform
Near the car park
Easily accessible platform offering a scenic overview of the falls without a strenuous walk.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Getting There: Car is King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Erskine Falls and the Great Ocean Road at your own pace.
👟 Be Prepared for Steps
The walk to the lower platform involves many steps; take breaks if needed.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit late afternoon for stunning light filtering through the waterfall.
💧 Check Water Flow
Water levels can vary; winter and after rain often mean more powerful cascades.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Erskine Falls and the Great Ocean Road at your own pace.
👟 Be Prepared for Steps
The walk to the lower platform involves many steps; take breaks if needed.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit late afternoon for stunning light filtering through the waterfall.
💧 Check Water Flow
Water levels can vary; winter and after rain often mean more powerful cascades.
🅿️ Limited Parking
Arrive early or be prepared to park a short distance away, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Erskine Falls for its stunning natural beauty and the impressive cascade. The accessibility of the upper viewing platform is a plus, though the steps to the lower platform can be challenging for some. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially when visiting during quieter times.
"We visited the waterfall in mid-April. Parking is limited, and you might need to park a bit further from the entrance. To reach the waterfall, you have to walk down a short path—around 150 meters. The nature along the way is truly beautiful and refreshing. Once you reach the bottom, you’re greeted with a stunning waterfall. If the water level is low, you can even get quite close to it. A peaceful spot worth the short walk!"
Sami Mendis
"10/10 recommend visiting Erskine Falls. Although there are a few steps to see the falls, it is a relatively short distance. For perspective my 3 year old handled it just fine and it was a wet cold day. The falls were flowing well when we visited in July. We visited on a Friday afternoon and there was maybe 3 other cars in the car park. Summer would be much busier no doubt!"
Yvette Pickren
"This was a really nice walk, there is limited parking. Is really steep in some parts and lots of stairs. Sadly it didn't rain enough before the trek down otherwise there would have been alot more water flowing down the waterfall. Otherwise it was a beautiful spot"
Tina T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Erskine Falls from Melbourne is by renting a car. The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, taking you through scenic routes towards Lorne. While V/Line trains go to Geelong, renting a car from there or directly from Melbourne is recommended for the best experience.+1
Public transport to Erskine Falls is limited. You can take a V/Line train to Geelong and then a V/Line coach towards Lorne, but this will require additional travel and may not be as flexible. Renting a car is strongly advised for ease of access and to explore surrounding areas like the Great Ocean Road.
The drive to Erskine Falls is generally pleasant, especially when approaching from Lorne. It's a short detour off the main Great Ocean Road, winding through beautiful forest scenery. Be prepared for some winding roads as you get closer to the falls.
Yes, there is a sealed car park located very close to the upper viewing area of Erskine Falls. From there, it's a short walk to the upper platform. The path to the lower viewing platform involves stairs.
Erskine Falls is a popular detour located near the coastal town of Lorne, which is a significant part of the Great Ocean Road. It's easily accessible as a side trip while driving the iconic route.+1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Erskine Falls. Entry to the falls and the surrounding national park area is free, making it an accessible natural attraction.
Erskine Falls is open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best viewing experience.
There is no charge for parking at the Erskine Falls car park. It is free to use, though spaces can be limited during peak times.
While the falls are technically accessible 24/7, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and the potential difficulty of navigating the steps and paths in the dark.
No booking is required to visit Erskine Falls. It's a natural attraction that you can visit spontaneously, though planning for potential crowds during peak times is advisable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are two main viewing areas. The upper viewing platform is very close to the car park and requires minimal walking. The lower viewing platform involves descending approximately 170 steps, which can be steep in parts. There are resting spots along the way.+1
The walk to the upper viewing platform is very short, just a few minutes. The walk down to the lower viewing platform and back up can take around 30-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend enjoying the view.
The walk to the upper platform is easy for children. The stairs to the lower platform can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, but many families with young children manage it with breaks.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at the base of Erskine Falls due to the steep terrain, strong currents, and slippery rocks. The surrounding area offers other opportunities for water activities if desired.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to go to the lower viewing platform. Layers are advisable as the weather can change, and waterproofs are a good idea if rain is forecast.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon is often cited as the best time, as the sun can create a beautiful glow behind the waterfall. Mid-morning can also offer good light without harsh shadows.
To capture the silky water effect, use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second to 2 seconds) and a tripod to keep your camera steady. An aperture between f/8 and f/11 is usually good for sharpness.
Yes, the upper platform provides a good vantage point for wide shots of the falls and the surrounding gully. It's easily accessible for quick photo stops.
At the lower viewing platform, you can get quite close to the base of the falls, especially if water levels are lower. Be cautious of slippery rocks and spray.
A wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm on a full-frame camera) is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the waterfall and its surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also work well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walk to the Falls: A Tale of Two Paths
For a more immersive experience, the lower viewing platform requires a descent of approximately 170 steps. This path winds down into the gully, offering increasingly dramatic views as you approach the base of the waterfall.
Some visitors also mention the possibility of walking further along the Erskine River towards Lorne, described as an 'AMAZING' walk.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Erskine Falls
To capture the iconic 'silky water' effect, a tripod and a slower shutter speed are essential. Experiment with shutter speeds ranging from half a second to several seconds, depending on the water flow and desired effect. A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the entire waterfall and its lush surroundings, while a standard zoom can be useful for framing specific details.
Remember that the area around the lower viewing platform can be wet and slippery. Be mindful of your footing while setting up your shots. Even with a smartphone, you can achieve beautiful results by looking for interesting compositions and utilizing the natural light effectively.
Best Times to Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Off-peak seasons also contribute to a quieter atmosphere. While summer can be busy, visiting in autumn or winter might offer fewer crowds. The falls are particularly beautiful in July when they are often flowing well.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit