Lower Kalimna Falls Walk, Lorne: A Lush Otways Waterfall Hike
The Lower Kalimna Falls walk near Lorne is a beautiful forest hike in Great Otway National Park, following an old timber tramway through a deep, fern-filled creek valley.
Starting at Sheoak Picnic Area, the official Lorne walking guide lists the Lower Falls route as a 6.5 km return walk taking about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The waterfall is not one of the Otways' biggest, but its mossy setting and rock overhang make it one of the more distinctive waterfall stops around Lorne.
Why Walk to Lower Kalimna Falls?
This walk is as much about the journey as the waterfall. Towering forest, tree ferns and the old tramway route create a wonderfully green Otways atmosphere, while the track gives you a proper hike without committing to an all-day expedition.
At Lower Kalimna Falls, water spills over a rock ledge into a pool surrounded by mossy rocks and logs. The sheltered setting is particularly appealing for hikers and photographers.
It's pretty easy: One of the main reasons to do this walk other than the cool rock ledge that you can stand under is it's relative ease. The walk isn't unduly up or down and is nice and sheltered from the sun. In essence it's a nice family friendly walk plus you have the picnic ground at the start/end as well adding to its family friendliness.
WARNING: Note that as at 4 September 2026 this is one of the few open walks to a waterfall in the Lorne area.
We suggest checking at the Lorne Information on the latest as damage in early 2026 rendered many walks around Lorne closed.
In my mind there are three main reasons to visit the Lower Kalimna Falls:
- It's a relatively easy walk.
- You can literally stand underneath the waterfall thanks to the huge horizontal rock ledge making it a unique waterfall experience.
- The family friendly Sheoak Picnic area serves as a great starting and ending point for families.
Lower Kalimna Falls Walk Distance and Time
From the lower car park at Sheoak Picnic Area, allow around 6.5 km return and 2 hours 30 minutes for Lower Kalimna Falls. This is a relatively flat and easy walk, although Parks Victoria's broader Lorne visitor guide classifies the combined Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls route as difficult and recommends preparation.
Conditions can also change after rain, so footwear with decent grip is a much better idea than treating this like a paved stroll.
Personally, I regard the walk as relatively easy although everyone has varying fitness levels. The key thing regarding difficulty is that the walk doesn't really have steep up or downwards sections plus it is sheltered from the sun.
What the Track Is Like
The trail follows the route of a historic timber tramway once used to transport timber toward Lorne between the 1890s and 1920s. That history helps explain the gentler alignment through parts of the valley.
Today the reward is a cool forest walk beneath tall trees with dense ferns and plenty of that classic Otways greenery.
Keep in mind that when you are walking the track you would never know this. It basically feels like a normal bushwalk and there are no obvious hints that a tramway ever existed.
What Makes Lower Kalimna Falls Special
Lower Kalimna Falls is modest in height, so arrive expecting atmosphere rather than a giant vertical drop. The real attraction is the broad rock ledge and alcove behind the falling water.
From the sheltered area you can look outward through the cascade toward the pool and moss-covered rocks. After decent rainfall the scene becomes especially photogenic.
Yes, the rock ledge is definitely what makes this waterfall distinctive especially as you can actually walk underneath it unlike almost all waterfalls. Plan ahead and have a little picnic or snack under the rock ledge.
The rock ledge is probably the defining feature and well as being able to view the waterfall at base level rather than from above. Anyway, its just a great walk also because it isn't particularly demanding physcially.
A Great Walk for Photography
I am an avid photographer, and this is exactly the sort of walk where the camera earns its place in the backpack. Ferns, wet rock, flowing water and filtered forest light give you far more to photograph than just the final waterfall.
My experience travelling around regional Victoria is that making the effort to get out and explore often leads to unexpected discoveries. A hike that starts with one waterfall can easily turn into a full day of forest, lookouts, food and Great Ocean Road scenery.
If you are the keen photo enthusiast bring your tripod to get that classic waterfall long exposure look.
Continue to Upper Kalimna Falls
If you still have energy at Lower Kalimna Falls, continue roughly another kilometre along the trail toward Upper Kalimna Falls. The upper falls are a series of cascades rather than one large drop.
The official Lorne guide lists the full outing from Sheoak Picnic Area to Upper Kalimna Falls as about 8.5 km return and 3 hours 30 minutes. That makes the extension a straightforward way to turn the outing into a longer hike.
WARNING: This is closed as at 4 September 2026 although when you read this it may be open.
When to Visit Lower Kalimna Falls
The forest is attractive year-round, but waterfall flow is naturally more impressive after rain and during wetter periods. Rain also means slippery surfaces, mud and potentially higher creek levels, so conditions matter. Check current park alerts before leaving, carry water and suitable clothing, and remember that Otways weather can change quickly.
Our Lower Kalimna Falls Walk Tip
Do not rush straight to the waterfall and back. Give yourself time to enjoy the forest and the remnants of the old tramway route. If you have a camera, a wider lens is useful for the forest and waterfall setting, while a short telephoto can isolate ferns, moss and details along the track.
After the hike, Sheoak Picnic Area is a handy place to pause before heading back into Lorne or chasing another nearby waterfall.
Trivia: The Kalimna Falls track follows part of an old timber tramway used to transport timber toward Lorne from the 1890s to the 1920s. The official Lorne walking guide notes that very few trees escaped logging during that era.
Getting there
The walk starts at Sheoak Picnic Area in Great Otway National Park, about a 10 minute drive inland from Lorne. From Lorne, follow Allenvale Road toward Sheoak Picnic Area and use the lower car park for the Kalimna Falls walk. Follow the signed trail toward Lower Kalimna Falls. Always check current Parks Victoria road and track alerts before travelling.
- Drive times (approx.): Melbourne to Lorne is about 2 hours 15 minutes in normal conditions, with Sheoak Picnic Area around another 10 minutes inland from Lorne.
- Lorne: The best base for the walk, with accommodation, cafes, beach access and many other waterfall and lookout walks nearby.
- Apollo Bay: Around one hour from Lorne and a good alternative base if Lower Kalimna Falls is part of a longer Great Ocean Road and Otways trip.
When
Open year-round when park and track conditions allow. Waterfall flow is generally more rewarding after rainfall and in wetter months. Check Parks Victoria alerts before your walk because weather, fallen trees, track works or fire conditions can affect access.
Cost
FREE. There is no entry fee for the Lower Kalimna Falls walk or Great Otway National Park day access.
Lower Kalimna Falls pdf map
To help your planning and get an overall idea of where the lower kalimna falls are and relativity compared to other waterfall walks in the area you can view the pdf map of lower kalimna 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, Erskine Falls and more in the area although access is always subject to current conditions.
Lower Kalimna Falls Walk FAQ
How long is the Lower Kalimna Falls walk?
The official Lorne walking guide lists the Lower Kalimna Falls walk as 6.5 km return and about 2 hours 30 minutes from Sheoak Picnic Area.
Where does the Lower Kalimna Falls walk start?
The walk starts from the lower car park at Sheoak Picnic Area in Great Otway National Park, around a 10 minute drive inland from Lorne.
Is Lower Kalimna Falls worth visiting?
Yes. The waterfall is not especially tall, but its mossy forest setting and the rock alcove behind the falling water make it one of Lorne's more distinctive waterfall walks.
Can you walk behind Lower Kalimna Falls?
The waterfall has a large sheltered rock alcove behind the cascade. Conditions can be wet and slippery, so take care and obey any signs or access restrictions.
Is the Lower Kalimna Falls walk easy?
Tourism material describes the 6.5 km Lower Falls walk as relatively flat and easy, while Parks Victoria classifies the longer combined Kalimna Falls route as difficult. Allow enough time, wear suitable footwear and prepare for changing track conditions.
How far is Upper Kalimna Falls from the start?
The full walk from Sheoak Picnic Area to Upper Kalimna Falls is listed as about 8.5 km return and 3 hours 30 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Lower Kalimna Falls?
The walk is attractive year-round when open, but waterfall flow is usually better after rain and during wetter periods. Wet weather can also make the track slippery.
Is the Lower Kalimna Falls walk free?
Yes. Day access to the walk is free.
Should I check park conditions before walking?
Yes. Check current Parks Victoria alerts before travelling because weather, fire conditions, fallen trees or maintenance can affect roads and walking tracks.
Hikes, Waterfalls and Culture near Lower Kalimna Falls
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
- and Jebbs Pool
- Erskine Falls: One of the best-known waterfalls near Lorne, with a 30 metre drop and upper and lower viewpoints.
- Henderson Falls: A fern-gully waterfall reached from Sheoak Picnic Area, making it a natural companion walk if you have more time.
- Lorne Beach: Return to town for a relaxed beach walk, swim or cafe stop after your hike.
- Qdos Fine Arts, Lorne: If art is one of your things then it pays to visit Qdos Gallery in Lorne for an art, sculpture and creativity experience.
- Sheoak Falls: A short waterfall option close to the Great Ocean Road. At only 1.4km return, Sheoak Falls is a nice easy accessible walk plus it looks pretty too. Just 10 minutes drive from Lorne.
- Teddy's Lookout: A classic Lorne viewpoint overlooking the Great Ocean Road, coastline and Saint George River mouth.
- Upper Kalimna Falls: Continue beyond Lower Kalimna Falls for a longer 8.5 km return outing from Sheoak Picnic Area.
- Won Wondah Falls: A smaller waterfall on the walking network from Sheoak Picnic Area, often combined with Henderson Falls.
Dining in Lorne
Holiday destinations aren't usually the greatest places for dining but we've all gotta eat somewhere:
- Chopstix Noodle Bar: If you love unique and eclectic venues that make an impression then Chopstix could be your in your future for your food fetish.
Official Website
Check current park conditions, closures and visitor information here: Parks Victoria, Great Otway National Park.
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