Waterfalls near – Cape Otway

The waterfalls near Bimbi Park in Cape Otway are hidden treasures tucked away in the lush rainforests of the Otways, with over 200 to discover. Just a short drive from the park, these serene spots offer peaceful walks through towering trees and vibrant ferns, leading to stunning views of cascading water. They’re the perfect spots to explore with friends and family, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the Great Otway National Park and making for an ideal day trip from Bimbi Park.

1. Rainbow Falls

This waterfall, is really unique and a must-see, it’s fed by an underground spring, that has been flowing for thousands of years. The active part of the waterfall is covered in moss, while the inactive part appears grey. It is one of the few places where fresh water meets the sea and holds deep indigenous significance, having been a source of water and seafood for thousands of years.

Getting There: Reaching it requires a bit of a hike—the nearest access point is a 3.5-kilometer one-way walk from Bimbi Park. Start your walk between Cabins 4 and 5, located behind the Bimbi Park camp kitchen. The hike to Station Beach takes about 45 minutes one way, mostly downhill, so expect a tougher return trip up the sand dunes. Take water, wear hats, and cover-up, as it can get hot in the dunes.

Follow the track to our cyclone-fenced spring, staying on the path until you reach a timber walkway. Continue over a sand dune, and as you crest the dune, Station Beach will reveal itself, a place where you’ll feel both the power of nature and your own insignificance.

If the swell is small, turn left and walk approximately 1 kilometer to Rainbow Falls. This waterfall, fed by an underground spring, has been flowing for thousands of years. The active part of the waterfall is covered in moss, while the inactive part appears grey. It is one of the few places where fresh water meets the sea and holds deep indigenous significance, having been a source of water and seafood for thousands of years.

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: About 7km walk return to Bimbi Park

Time: Allow 2 to 3 hours

Best time: All year round and 3 hours either way of low tide

Click for our weather/tide time page

2. Triplet Falls

Is located in the heart of the Great Otway National Park, is one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls. Just an hour’s loop walk, this trail leads you through ancient rainforest, giving you breathtaking views of the lower cascades as you follow raised walkways beneath towering Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees. As you approach the falls, you’ll start to hear the powerful roar of Triplet Falls. Elevated viewing platforms offer amazing views of the three cascades. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the site of an original Otways timber mill, where you can still see remnants from that era, giving the walk an extra layer of history.

Walking Distance: 2-km loop walk.

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Time: Allow 1 to 2 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO TRIPLET FALLS

3. Little Aire Falls

The Little Aire Falls trail is about a 5km return and starts from the same carpark as Triplet Falls. It’s a bit of a challenge, with some steep sections.

You’ll begin the walk on the same path as Triplet Falls, but within a few minutes, you’ll come to a junction. Just follow the signs for Little Aire Falls from there. As you hike, you’ll pass by towering Mountain Ash trees and cross several streams on bridges. The track is well-maintained and clear, though you might hit some muddy patches after heavy rain. You’ll come across one spot where a trail crosses diagonally, but stay straight on the main path. Eventually, you’ll reach a suspended viewing platform with a grated base. The platform is the only viewing point, as there’s no access to the base of the falls.

Walking Distance: 5km return

Difficulty: Medium

Time: Allow 2 to 3 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO TRIPLET FALLS-LITTLE AIRE FALLS

4. Beauchamp Falls

Walk through stunning mountain ash forests, surrounded by large myrtle beech, blackwood trees, and dense ferns, and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of Beauchamp Falls plunging over a ledge into a big pool below. This 20-metre waterfall though a bit challenging, is well worth it.

To reach the falls, start from the picnic area off Aire Valley Road, which branches off Beech Forest Road. The walk is 3km return, taking about an hour, and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The path descends to a viewing platform (there’s no access to the base of the falls). The walk back is steep and has steps, which can get pretty slippery when wet.

Walking Distance: 3km return

Difficulty: Medium

Time: Allow 1 to 2 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO BEAUCHAMP FALLS

5. Hopetoun Falls

Hopetoun Falls cascades 30 metres into the Aire River, in the heart of the Great Otway National Park. You can take in the view from the upper platform or, if you’re up for it, descend around 200 stairs through lush tree fern glades to reach the base of the falls. There’s a bench at the bottom platform, perfect for catching your breath and soaking up the scenery.

To reach the platforms, follow the trail from the car park. The upper platform is just a short, easy 20-metre walk away. The lower platform is a 1-kilometre return walk, and you should allow about half an hour for the trip.

Walking Distance: 20-minute walk, with stairs.

Difficulty: Medium

Time: Allow 1 to 2 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO HOPETOUN FALLS

6. Carisbrook Falls

Carisbrook Falls is a quick and easy walk, taking just 10 minutes from the car park along a gently graded path to a lookout over the gorge. These falls are some of the highest along the Great Ocean Road, though instead of a vertical drop, they tumble down a sloping rockface. The best time to visit is after heavy rain for the most impressive view. The walk starts from the car park, which is located just off the Great Ocean Road, 12 km east of Apollo Bay.

Walking Distance: 1km return | Time: 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy – Medium

Time: Allow 1 hour

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO CARISBROOK FALLS

7. Stevenson Falls

Stevenson Falls, near the town of Forrest, features a wide, multi-tiered cascade that makes for a beautiful sight, especially after rain. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Otways, with a relatively flat track, perfect for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed walk through the forest.

The walk starts at the car park and winds through a stand of towering Californian redwoods, remnants of a trial plantation from the 1980s. You’ll cross the Gellibrand River before following the path along the riverbank to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.

Walking Distance: 3.4 km return | Time: 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Time: Allow 1 to 2 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO STEVENSONS FALLS

8. Erskine Falls

Erskine Falls is just a short drive from Lorne, along the aptly named Erskine Falls Road. It’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the Otways, and it’s easy to see why. Even with minimal water, the 30-metre drop into the pool below is stunning. The walk to the first lookout is easy and offers a great view of the falls. For those willing to take on a steeper challenge, the steps down to the second lookout lead to an incredible view from the fern-filled gully below.

From the car park, it’s only a five-minute walk to the first lookout, where you can see the falls cascading into the lush fern gully. If you’re up for it, you can also take the steps down to the Erskine River for a view from below. Further along the river, about 400m downstream, are Straw Falls, which have a 15m cascade. For more experienced walkers, there’s a 7.5km one-way trek from Erskine Falls to Lorne, which takes around three hours. Along the way, you’ll pass both Straw Falls and Splitter Falls, but be cautious—this hike shouldn’t be attempted when water levels are high.

Walking Distance: Short walk to viewing platform; longer walk to base with stairs.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: Allow 1  hour

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO ERSKINE FALLS

9. Sabine Falls

Sabine Falls, named after nearby Mount Sabine, is one of the tallest waterfalls near Apollo Bay. With three impressive cascades to check out, these falls are set at the start of Smythe Creek and are truly a majestic sight.

You can start your walk from the car park at the Sabine Falls Picnic Area. The track is just under 4 km return and typically takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Since the route is moderate and there’s plenty of parking, you’ll likely come across other runners, walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts along the way.

Walking Distance: 4km return | Time: 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy – Medium

Time: Allow 1 hours

GOOGLE MAPS BIMBI PARK TO SABINE FALLS