When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is from May to September for scenic views, but the trail is enjoyable year-round.

Cora Lynn Cascades Walk, Great Ocean Road

The Cora Lynn Cascades Walk is a secret spot along the Great Ocean Road, a peaceful escape into the heart of the Great Otway National Park. This little pocket of wilderness lets you explore ancient rainforests, dramatic waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual stroller, this walk delivers an experience like no other, with natural wonders from tall trees to waterfalls to the sound of cascading water. It’s the perfect spot to experience the rugged coastline, coastal tracks and inland trails of Victoria’s south coast.

Otway’s Hidden Gem

The Cora Lynn Cascades Walk is more than a walk; it’s a journey through time and nature. Starting at the Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, the trail winds its way through the Otways, which is a moderately difficult walk—4.2 km return, 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. There’s plenty of time to stop, take in the views and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.
The trail starts near Allenvale Mill, a historic site that was once a busy sawmill. Only the remains are left, but the area provides an interesting insight into the region’s industrial past. The path descends gently into the rainforest, where the mountain ash and ferns create a canopy that filters the sunlight and casts a soft green glow. The trail is well-marked, but the terrain can be rough in places, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Along the walk, you’ll cross small wooden bridges and step over streams, all while being serenaded by the forest. From the birds chirping to the leaves rustling in the wind, every moment feels alive. This part of the Otways is less crowded than some of the more popular spots along the Great Ocean Road, so it’s a peaceful and intimate experience.

Flora and Fauna

The Otways are famous for their biodiversity and the Cora Lynn Cascades Walk is no exception. The trail passes through several ecosystems, from ancient rainforest to dry inland forest, each with its own special species. The tall eucalyptus and sprawling tree ferns create a lush green environment that feels almost primeval. Wildlife lovers will love the native wildlife. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds whose remarkable ability to mimic sounds will confuse first-timers. Superb fairy wrens flit about in the underbrush, koalas can be seen munching on eucalyptus leaves high up in the canopy, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a swamp wallaby darting through the ferns. The flora is just as impressive, the forest floor is carpeted in mosses, fungi and wildflowers. In spring the forest comes alive as native plants bloom and add colour to the already stunning scenery. The trail also offers glimpses of ancient tree species some of which are hundreds of years old and a reminder of nature’s endurance.

A Guide to the Scenic Waterfall Walk

The best part of the walk is the Cora Lynn Cascades. These are a series of gentle cascades over smooth rocks surrounded by greenery. Unlike the big drops of Erskine Falls or Hopetoun Falls, the Cora Lynn Falls are understated and peaceful.
The sound of the water creates a calming soundtrack and people often sit here for a while just by the falls, enjoying the mist and the calmness of the surroundings. The falls are very photogenic especially after rain when the water is at its peak.
If you want to see more waterfalls, the Otways won’t let you down. Nearby are other beautiful cascades, such as Triplet Falls, Cumberland Falls and Hopetoun Falls in Beech Forest, each with its own character.

Getting to the Cascades

Located near Lorne, a lively seaside town on the Great Ocean Road, the Cora Lynn Cascades are easy to get to. From Port Campbell, follow the coastal roads past Bells Beach, Wye River and Kennett River, each with stunning coastline and beach culture. The trailhead is at the Blanket Leaf Carpark, just a minute from the main road. If you’re exploring other parts of the Great Ocean Road, nearby are Port Fairy, Cape Otway and Johanna Beach, each with its own natural wonders and coastal views.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit the Cora Lynn Cascades on a Great Ocean Road trip is during the wet season (May to September) when the rain makes the water flow bigger. The cooler months bring a mystical quality to the forest with mist and dew adding a magic to the old growth forests. If you prefer warmer weather and clearer skies, spring and summer (October to March) is a different experience with sun streaming through the canopy and wildflowers along the track.

Hidden Trails and Scenic Wonders

Beyond the waterfalls, the Great Otway National Park has heaps of other adventures. Head to Beech Forest to see the 85m Big Tree or Cape Bridgewater for coastal drives with ocean views that will take your breath away. Port Campbell National Park has the famous 12 Apostles limestone stacks, and the Bay of Islands has rugged limestone cliffs and marine life. If you want more waterfalls, Steavenson Falls, Keppel Falls, and Triplet Falls are the way to go. Don’t forget to visit Lake Elizabeth and the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for a different perspective of the rainforest canopy.

Expert Tips to Guide You

Plan: Check weather and trail conditions on the Corporate Site Contact for up-to-date information.
Wear Good Shoes: The trail has uneven ground and rocky sections, especially after rain.
Pack: Bring water, snacks and a first aid kit, for longer trips bring sunscreen and a map of the area.
Start Early: Get there early so you have time to enjoy the trail and avoid the crowds.
Respect the Park: Stay on the marked path and leave no trace to protect the park’s cultural and environmental heritage.