Lorne Wonderful Waterfalls Weekend

We are going on a roadtrip to the coastal town of Lorne on the Great Ocean Road to do some big hikes over 2 days to see (and possibly swim in) the waterfalls! It will be somewhat of a luxury getaway as we won't be doing a pack carry (day packs only), but the days will be long and challenging. We will camp over at a nearby caravan park where there will be free time for relaxing/exploring the town/cards/games/beach/cooking/wave watching/astronomy. We will be hiking a variety of trails over 2 days, approximately 20km each day.

The main routes we will take are:

Day 1: Cumberland River Trail (20.5km): The Cumberland River Trail hike takes in the well-known Cumberland Falls, Upper and Lower Kalimna falls. The circuit starts and ends at the Cumberland River Holiday Park and can be undertaken in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This hike takes in three of The Otway's most spectacular waterfalls.

Cumberland River and Cumberland Falls: This is one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otways, with dramatic cliffs, and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summer day. It is an easy walk to Jebb's Pool but beyond that to Cumberland Falls there are numerous river crossings and some scrambling over rocks.

Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls: The Kalimna Falls walk follows the route of a timber tramway used for transporting timber to the Lorne Pier between the 1890s and 1920s. Very few trees escaped the logging. The Lower Falls are not large, but you can get behind them and look out through the falling water to the large pool surrounded by mossy logs and rocks. The Upper Falls are a series of cascades viewed from a platform.

https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/cumberland-river-trail/

*This track will be subject to river levels at the time of hike. There is a possibility that we will do a backup hike in the interests of safety if the river is too high.

Day 2A: Sheoak and Castle Rock (8.4km): An enjoyable walk through the Great Otway National Park in southern Victoria, located not too far from the town of Lorne. This walk begins and ends from the Sheoak Picnic Area, where parking and public amenities are available. From here you'll follow the Nature Loop trail down to Swallow Cave, Phantom Falls, Sheoak Falls and finally Castle Rock Lookout. The canyon is beautiful under a canopy of ferns.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/sheoak-falls-and-castle-rock

Day 2B: The Canyon and Phantom Falls (9.5km): The Canyon and Phantom Falls passes several waterfalls including Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls, and Phantom Falls, and we will also be walking through The Canyon. This hike is suitable for most people.

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?

https://www.greentrails.com.au/hiking/canyon-phantom-falls/

I am also open to suggestions on variations and additions (+/-) to the trip plan/hiking routes.

We will split car/petrol costs and camping fee will be around $15-$25 for the night (yet to be confirmed).

Camping and hiking equipment can be hired from the clubrooms at Tuesday night's meeting subject to availability (pack for this trip as you would for an overnight hike, being fully self-sufficient). The meeting will take place over zoom, but if you require equipment hire, you will need to go to the clubrooms on Tuesday night to do so.

Hiking poles and gaiters are strongly recommended for river crossings, and a good level of fitness will be required for these hikes.

Cheers to a great trip!

PS: Also, if there are any budding bushwalking leaders who would like to get a taste of what it takes to lead a hike, I am open to providing shadowing opportunities if you'd like to get a feel for trip leading. Email me for further information :)

*Whether or not this trip goes ahead will depend on the availability of drivers.