Upper Kalimna Falls
Discover the enchanting Upper Kalimna Falls, a serene forest oasis with a unique waterfall you can walk behind.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer people, more alive
Upper Kalimna Falls
Best Time
Fewer people, more alive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Upper Kalimna Falls, a serene forest oasis with a unique waterfall you can walk behind.
"The lower falls are beautiful, and I visit them every two years or so, making the 5km round trip through the lovely forest a short drive from Lorne town centre."
Check Trail Status
Upper falls can be closed due to fallen trees. Always check park alerts before heading out. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lower Kalimna Falls
Main viewing area
A unique cascade where you can walk behind the falling water. Truly magical!
Lush Forest Walk
Trail from Sheoak Picnic Area
Meander through a beautiful creek valley filled with ferns and giant blue gums.
Upper Kalimna Falls
Upper trail section
A larger, more powerful cousin to the lower falls, offering a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Closures
Best Time for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status
Upper falls can be closed due to fallen trees. Always check park alerts before heading out. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Go Behind the Falls
The lower falls offer a unique experience where you can walk behind the water. :camerawithflash:
Pack for All Weather
Victoria's weather can change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cooler temperatures. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status
Upper falls can be closed due to fallen trees. Always check park alerts before heading out. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can get very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Go Behind the Falls
The lower falls offer a unique experience where you can walk behind the water. :camerawithflash:
Pack for All Weather
Victoria's weather can change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cooler temperatures. :cloud:
Allow Extra Time
While some find it quicker, allow ample time to enjoy the scenery and potential mud. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of walking behind Lower Kalimna Falls and the serene beauty of the surrounding forest. While the walk is generally easy, be prepared for muddy conditions after rain, and note that the upper falls trail can sometimes be closed. Many appreciate the solitude found by visiting during off-peak times.
"The lower falls are beautiful, and I visit them every two years or so, making the 5km round trip through the lovely forest a short drive from Lorne town centre.
Such a unique waterfall. The Upper Falls are great too, but the lower are the more spectacular.
The guide says it takes 2.5hrs to do the walk but I do it in 1hr20 return. Easy walk."
Sarah North
"Love this place.
As with most waterfalls I get there just as the light of the morning starts.
(Upper falls are still closed)
From sheoak picnic area it was just under 3km walk to the lower Falls, it is an easy mostly flat walk with some slight elevation changes but nothing significant.
It was the 3rd day in a row of rain which is my favourite time to go walking/hiking.
I always find places like this seem more alive when it's raining, plus there is always less people.
Was able to spend 2 hours by myself at the lower Falls, time to relax and listen to nature and just shut off from the world.
Also had breakfast in a nice spot behind the waterfall."
kiwi matty
"Another gem in within the Great Otway National Park, and is a top contender for the title of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park. The 5.5km (return) walk to the Lower Kalimna Falls takes you through a beautiful creek valley filled with tall ferns and giant blue gums. The walk to the lower falls is an easy one. However, with heavy rains, the path will get quite muddy and sometimes you'd have to climb over fallen trees and branches. You can walk past the lower falls all the way to the Upper Kalimna Falls (8.2km return trip). Unfortunately, during my visit, the path to the upper falls was closed off due fallen trees.
What is a bit unique about this waterfall is that you can easily walk behind the waterfall.
To get to the falls, park at the Sheoak picnic area and follow the clearly marked path to the falls."
Gehan Ranawana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upper Kalimna Falls is about a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. Park your car at the Sheoak Picnic Area and follow the signs to start the walk.
Yes, parking is available at the Sheoak Picnic Area, which is the starting point for the walk to the falls.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Upper Kalimna Falls are limited. It's best accessed by car.
The most common route is via the Great Ocean Road, turning off towards Lorne and then following signs to Sheoak Picnic Area.
Yes, the Lorne waterfall loop includes several other beautiful falls like Phantom Falls, Henderson Falls, and Beauchamp Falls. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Upper Kalimna Falls and the surrounding national park is generally free.
The falls are accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check for any park alerts regarding closures.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for the Great Otway National Park itself, but specific facilities or tours might have charges.
It's not recommended to visit at night due to safety concerns on the trails and the lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours.
Be aware of potential trail closures due to weather or fallen trees. Always follow park signage and guidelines.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the lower falls from Sheoak Picnic Area is approximately 2.9km return, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes for many.
The walk to the lower falls is generally easy and mostly flat. The path to the upper falls is longer and can be more challenging.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes as the trails can become very muddy and slippery. Layers are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Swimming is generally not advised at the falls due to slippery rocks and currents. The beauty is in viewing and walking around.
The walk to the lower falls is manageable for families, but caution is needed on slippery sections. The upper falls walk is longer.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Golden hour can also be magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and surrounding forest. A tripod can help with long exposures in low light. :camerawithflash:
Try capturing the effect of walking behind the lower falls or focus on the intricate details of the ferns and mosses.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying. :noentrysign:
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the height of the water and wide shots to include the lush environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
📸 Nature Photographers
Consider bringing a tripod for longer exposures, especially in the shaded forest environment, to achieve silky water effects. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kalimna Falls Circuit
For those seeking a longer hike, the path continues past the lower falls towards the Upper Kalimna Falls. This extended loop can be an 8.2km return trip. However, it's important to note that the path to the upper falls has been subject to closures due to fallen trees. Visitors are advised to check park alerts for current conditions before planning this longer trek.
While the lower falls are often cited as more spectacular, the upper falls offer a different, more powerful cascade. The unique feature of the lower falls is the ability to walk behind the curtain of water, providing a truly memorable and photographic opportunity.
Navigating Trail Conditions
Fallen trees are another factor that can impact the trails, particularly the route to the upper falls. These natural occurrences can lead to temporary closures, so it's crucial to check for any park alerts or advisories before your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit