Cumberland Falls Walk near Lorne: A Wild Otways River Hike
Cumberland Falls Walk near Lorne is one of the more adventurous waterfall hikes on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Starting at Cumberland River, around seven km's south-west of Lorne, the 6km return walk follows a beautiful Otways river valley framed by dramatic cliffs and peaceful pools before becoming considerably rougher on the way to Cumberland Falls.
Cumberland Falls Walk Distance, Time and Difficulty
The official Lorne Walks and Waterfalls guide lists Cumberland River and Cumberland Falls as a 6km return walk taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. It is graded strenuous. The early section to Jebb's Pool is easier, but beyond that the track includes numerous river crossings and scrambling over rocks. This is definitely not the walk where I would turn up in casual shoes and hope for the best.
Basically you will have to get your feet wet. And no you cannot avoid this. Just keep this in mind and if you are organised sort of person bring a towel and change of shoes you can change into after youi've completed your walk.
What the Cumberland River Valley Is Like
The river valley is a big part of the appeal. It is one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otways, with dramatic cliffs and calm pools along the Cumberland River. The landscape feels tucked away from the Great Ocean Road surprisingly quickly, with the river, forest and rock faces giving the hike a much wilder personality than a simple waterfall lookout.
River Crossings and Rock Scrambling
The important bit is that Cumberland Falls is not an easy stroll. There are several low river crossings and rocky sections beyond Jebb's Pool. Official walk notes warn that the crossings should not be attempted when river levels are high and that conditions become slippery when wet. If the water looks unsafe, turning around is the smart move. A waterfall will still be there another day.
I enjoy hiking partly because putting in a little extra effort usually makes the destination feel more rewarding. It is a bit like my low-carb experiment - the first adjustment takes determination, but sticking with the plan can deliver a result you are genuinely pleased with. Cumberland Falls has that same mind-over-matter quality, except here the sensible version of determination includes knowing when conditions mean you should turn back.
I'll be honest, the rock scrambling can be a bit tedious although I don't mind the water crossings. I just decide to let my feet and boots gets wet and then mentally crossing the river isn't an issue. You do have to keep in mind that it is pretty much impossible not to do this walk without getting your feet wet unless maybe coming here at the peak of summer.
Anyway, I belive it is all the water crossings that make this walk special and unique. There are plenty of hikes that don't require getting wet and I do like something different.
Photography on the Cumberland Falls Walk
For photographers, this is exactly the kind of walk where a lightweight setup makes sense. I love my OM-5 because a small weather-sealed body is much easier to carry when a track involves river crossings and scrambling. A wide angle or standard zoom is useful for the cliffs, river valley and waterfall.
For the avid photographer, bring a tripod and nd filters if you want to try for the classic waterfall photographs using an extended shutter speed.
The Om System Om-5 camera is great as it comes with a built-in simulated neutral density filter up to ND16 (4 stops). If you are the lazy photographer and don't want to bring along real nd filters this is useful.
However, if you are already bringing along a tripod I believe real nd filters are better and provide more flexibiity (as you can apply a greater number of stops, if you buy the right nd filters). We are all different though and I do know it all starts getting cumbersome using filters.
Best Time to Walk to Cumberland Falls
Waterfalls around Lorne can be especially impressive after rain, but Cumberland Falls creates a genuine trade-off because rain can also raise the river and make crossings unsafe. Check current conditions and the weather forecast before leaving. Sturdy non-slip footwear, drinking water and a charged phone are sensible essentials. Mobile reception is not guaranteed, so tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Is Cumberland Falls Walk Family Friendly?
I would not treat the full Cumberland Falls walk as a casual family stroll with young children. The strenuous grading, multiple river crossings, slippery rocks and scrambling make it better suited to capable walkers who are comfortable assessing outdoor conditions. Families wanting an easier waterfall outing around Lorne have other choices, including the short Sheoak Falls walk or Lower Kalimna Falls walk.
I do qualify this this though as teens may find the multiple little rivers crossings fun, particularly if they are the outdoor types. If you are a little bit adventurous this is a great walk for older kids but it does have to fit their personality type and physical ability. This is a walk where you definitely get wet feet.
Make Cumberland Falls Part of a Lorne Weekend
One of my favourite things about getting out into regional Victoria is discovering how one planned stop turns into several. A trip to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale once expanded into a Pyrenees adventure of photography, food and wineries. Cumberland Falls can do the same for a Great Ocean Road weekend. Base yourself around Lorne and add Teddy's Lookout, Sheoak Falls, Erskine Falls, the beach and other Otways walks. Sometimes getting out of the city is a breath of fresh air and great for mind, body and spirit.
Getting away from your screens and doom scrolling definitely has something going for it. I do know the irony of most people taking lots of photo's and selfies on their ever present mobile phones even out in the winderness. Of course, I'm one of those people. Lol.
Trivia: The official Cumberland River and Cumberland Falls route is 6km return, and the difficult section beyond Jebb's Pool includes numerous river crossings and rock scrambling.
Getting there
The walk starts at Cumberland River on the Great Ocean Road, approximately seven kilometres south-west of Lorne. Cumberland River Holiday Park at 2680 Great Ocean Road, Lorne VIC 3232 is a useful destination reference for the Cumberland River area. Follow current signs and parking instructions.
- Drive times (approx.): Lorne is about two hours from Melbourne under typical conditions, with Cumberland River around seven kilometres further south-west along the Great Ocean Road. From Lorne town centre to Cumberland River Holiday Park, 2680 Great Ocean Rd, it is a 12 minute drive.
- Walk distance: 6km return.
- Walk time: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Difficulty: Strenuous.
When
Choose daylight hours and check weather, river levels, fire conditions and current Great Otway National Park closures before setting out. Do not attempt the river crossings at high river levels.
Cost
FREE to walk the public trail. Please do not enter Cumberland River Holiday Park.
Cumberland Falls Walk near Lorne FAQ
How long is the Cumberland Falls Walk?
It is 6km return.
How long does it take?
Allow approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Is Cumberland Falls Walk difficult?
Yes. It is graded strenuous, with river crossings and rock scrambling beyond Jebb's Pool.
Can I walk after heavy rain?
Do not attempt the low river crossings at high river levels. Check current conditions and turn back if crossings are unsafe.
Where does the walk start?
At Cumberland River on the Great Ocean Road, around seven kilometres south-west of Lorne.
What should I take?
Sturdy non-slip footwear, drinking water, a charged phone and suitable clothing. Check the weather and tell someone your plans.
Can you swim at Cumberland Falls?
Official Lorne waterfall safety advice says swimming at waterfalls is unsafe because of slippery rocks and hidden branches.
Waterfalls and walks near Cumberland Falls
While you are here why not visit these other great scenic and waterfall locations:
- Anglesea Lookout: Also known as Loveridge Lookout, enjoy panaoramic views from Anglesea Lookout or just stop here to stretch your legs and give the kids a bit of a break. Perfect if you are stopping in Anglesea already. This is a pitstop only.
- Erskine Falls: A famous Lorne waterfall surrounded by fern-filled forest.
- Lower Kalimna Falls: For something unique you get to stand under the rock ledge literally under the waterfall at the Lower Kalimna Falls plus it's a family friendly walk.
- Phantom Falls: Another rewarding Lorne hinterland waterfall walk.
- Sheoak Falls: A shorter waterfall option close to the Great Ocean Road.
- Teddy's Lookout: A classic Lorne viewpoint over the coast.
- Moggs Creek: A quieter coastal locality with nearby picnic and nature-walk options in the eastern Otways. Moggs Creek Picnic area is the gateway to the Ocean View Circuit Walk and Moggs Creek Nature Walk.
- Split Point Lighthouse: A classic Great Ocean Road landmark on the Aireys Inlet headland with coastal walking tracks and ocean views.
We also have this handy link to Lorne walks and waterfalls. Please use at your discretion as the information may be out of date and subject to weather events in the region.
This Weekend in the West
Find out events, markets and festivals this weekend in the West. Bookmark the page for your handy reference.
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Cumberland Falls map
To help your planning and get an overall idea of where the Cumberland Falls are and relativity compared to other waterfall walks in the area you can view the pdf map of Cumberland Falls and Great Otway National Park.
Link to:
Pdf map of Cumberland Falls
and Great Otway National Park
CAUTION: Use at your discretion. This map is courtesy of Parks Victoria and maybe out of date.
There are many other great and pretty waterfalls such as Phantom Falls, Lower Kalimna Falls, Erskine Falls and more in the area although access is always subject to current conditions.
Official Visitor Information
Check current conditions at Visit Great Ocean Road: Lorne Walks and Waterfalls and Parks Victoria: Great Otway National Park.
Dining in Lorne
Although I wouldn't necessarily call Lornea foodie escape, probably our favourite place to eat in Lorne is Chopstix Noodle Bar.
It offers something a bit eclectic and that is something we want from a holiday escape.
Depending where you are driving from then some options along the way to Cumberland Falls include:
- The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road: A Bellbrae chocolate, ice cream and cafe destination with landscaped grounds and family activities. The kids will love being surrounded by chocolates, sweets and ice-creams while you can grab a coffee and chill for a bit at The Chocolateries Great Ocean Road.
- The Fives Cafe and plant nursery: Have a pitstop and enjoy a great coffee, warm up by the fireplace, scout the plant nursery and stretch your legs at The Fives Cafe as you continue your drive to the Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet and Lorne.
