Best daywalk in the Otways

[pazzar]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to go on a daywalk in the Otway's next weekend and I was wondering what you consider as the 'must see' place to visit. I have read about various tracks but I can't make up my mind. No issues as far as capability goes, actually, the more difficult - the better!

Cheers,

Jared

[Hallu]

Do you want a coastal walk or a forest/waterfalls walk ? It's not possible to have both. For the first one, I think that a big loop starting at Aire River West Campground going all the way to Rainbow Falls and then coming back inland is very nice. However, you can tackle longer sections of the GOW if you can do a one way walk with 2 cars. Further North deep in the forest it's usually shorter walks, apart from the big circuit starting at Lorne and taking in Erskine Falls. For this area, I think you should do short walks and visit as many waterfalls as you can. I think that the circuit around Lake Elizabeth is a beautiful short walk too. For all this, you should have a good map, such as The Otways Touring Guide by Meridians ( http://www.meridianmaps.com.au/products ... _guide.asp ).

[MickyB]

If you want forest/waterfall walk you could start at Lorne and walk up to Erskine Falls passing Splitter and Straw Falls along the way. Just up stream from Erskine Falls is Wanliss Falls. From Erskine Falls follow the road south until you get to the track for Cora Lyn Falls on the right (from memory 1 or 2kms). This track will take you past Cora Lyn Falls and then onto Phantom, Henderson and Won Wondah Falls. Between Phantom and Hendseron Falls is The Canyon which IMO is one of the best parts of the Otways. You could then either follow the track back to Lorne or if you have the energy do a 'side trip' to Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls.

Do you want a coastal walk or a forest/waterfalls walk ? It's not possible to have both. For the first one, I think that a big loop starting at Aire River West Campground going all the way to Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is on the coast so technically you can .

[pazzar]

Thanks for that. I've seen a bit of the coast down there already, so I was keen to check out the falls. It's not my usual type of walk, I'm usually up in the mountains.

[MickyB]

The over nighter I suggested in the following forum could be done as a day walk, especially now that we have day light saving

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=14983

[Snowzone]

I agree with Hallu that Lake Elizabeth is certainly worth seeing. Last time I was in the Otways I went from the back of the Lorne caravan park and followed the river up to Erskine Falls, that was a pretty walk but rather tame. A few years back I went into Wild Dog Falls which was a good walk.

[vorpal]

I made my own circuit trek last weekend in the Otways. Got pictures and so forth and going to make it a video early next week.

[MickyB]

What part did you end up doing, Ryan?

[vorpal]

Didn't really follow a track. I just drove early in the morning to the Hammond Road campground, parked the car, got my pack, and walked this. Such a nice walk though. From the 9km mark until I was back at the campsite I saw about 3 cars.



Ryan

[vorpal]

Okay - He's a few teaser photos. Others will just be in a video. It's much easier.







Ryan

[inxs]

There are so many tracks out the back of Lorne you could pretty much customise your own for whatever duration and number of waterfalls you want.
Both Sheoak picnic area and Allenvale Mill carpark provide a good starting point with plenty of marked tracks branching off them to combine for longer walks.

For all the involved walks you can do, and I've done a few off track hikes further inland/upstream of Cumberland River, some of my favourite views are easy walks (Marriners Falls out the back of Apollo Bay) or not walks at all (Cumberland river at the campgrounds, Teddys LO).
Of ones that involve marked tracks, I would recommend walking up Cumberland River to Depps Pool, I think you can get to Castle Rock from there and the track continues up high for views over the top of the Cumberland River Campgrounds. As I mention below, The Canyon is also a pretty cool and unique area.

For a longish 20+ km loop walk which starts and finishes at Lorne lifesaving club you could do the following:
Walk along the beach past the pier. At reaching Shelly beach head inland crossing the GOR at Hird St and walk along the Tramway track which is parallel to the GOR until you reach the track next to St George River.
Follow the north bank of the river before crossing over Cherry Treek creek. At the fork take the left branch along St George River all the way to Allenvale Mill carpark/campground. (Toilets)
Continue on the track along the river by crossing over Allenvale Rd. Within 5 mins cross over the river to the northwest bank and the track makes its way through a pretty Fruit Orchard. From here its a steep walk up the hill. Bypass Henderson Trk on your left (optional 15 mins to The Canyon which is worthwhile). Turn right just before the creek crossing and go down the stairs to Phantom Falls. Continue on along the creek track for 20 mins crossing over the creek before reaching the gate to Allen Reservoir. (optional 20 min return walk up hill, not really worth the effort).
Otherwise bypass the gate and continue on along the track for 50 mins to Cora Lynn Cascades. Continuing on past the cascades for another 15 mins and where the track splits head left on Lemonade Creek track to Erskine Falls crossing Erskine Falls Rd along the way.

From the Falls its just a matter of following the track along Erskine River past Splitters Falls all the way back to Lorne.