The Otways Waterfall Adventure MEDIUM

Otways Forest VIC, VIC

See more trips

I'll be heading down to the Otways for a waterfall tour before the June gate closures. I grew up in the area and visited all the waterfalls as a kid but haven't been back to the Otways for over 20 years. Loose plan is to meet at Winchlesea and head down to Lorne then make our way to Kalimna Falls on Garvey Track west of Lorne, from here we head west to Lake Elizabeth for a look at this intersting area before getting back in the cab and heading to Stevensons Falls 20 mins further west. Depending on the weather this might be as far as we get on day one so possible camp sites include Lake Elizabeth or Stevensons Fall camp, Lake Elizabeth is quieter. If we make good time I'd like to head into the Aire Valley south of Beech Forest to camp near Hopetoun Falls on the Aire River, although we may need to do this part of the track on Sunday morning. From Beech Forest we'll head up through Gellibrand to Colac and out. 

 

This is a good opportunity for those who like waterfalls, (there will be three really impressive waterfalls to check out) and want to check out this often neglected part of Victoria. There are good, challenging tracks through the Otways but a lot of clay so if it rains you need to be prepared with your own rated recovery gear including at least a reliable long handle shovel, 2 rated shackles, snatch strap and recovery tracks. Electric winch or hand winch are also useful resources, but these should only be required if it rains. There are a few crossings of the Barwon River which should be relatively straight forward but, again, if there is rain beforehand a snorkel is a must, although we will take a safety first common sense approach on all crossings and tracks.

 

A Friday night camp is also an option so let me know if you want to meet Saturday morning or Friday night. 

Requirement

  • Recovery Gear
  • Jono (Varangian) I am first-aid qualified I have mechanic skills

    GOING
    Myself only
    Discovery 3 TDV6 (2008 Discovery)
    • 32" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Trina (TrinaH)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (18-May-2017 21:47)
    Tsakani (2008 Patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Rick (Rick T) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (18-May-2017 16:49)
    (2020 troopy)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Dave (Stoops) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 4 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Driver + 2 AdultsChecked-In (19-May-2017 17:38)
    Triton (2016 Triton)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Winch

  • Mien And Jack (DutchDuo) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (19-May-2017 10:57)
    FJ Cruiser 4.0 L V6 (2015 FJ Cruiser)
    • 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Mick (Gosling1) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (18-May-2017 12:44)
    Hilux SR5 D4D (2010 Hilux)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Winch

  • Josh (FlexyXJ) I am first-aid qualified I have mechanic skills

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (18-May-2017 19:33)
    4.0 Petrol Jeep XJ (1998 XJ)
    • 33" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch


  • Steve (80_Steve)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    80 Series 1HDT (1992 Landcruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch


  • Alexander (ENDGME)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Volkswagen touareg tdi (2005 Touareg)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted

  • Brian (BTD4x4)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Disco 4.6 V8 (1999 Discovery 2)
    • 30" Tyres
    • Winch


  • Andrew (Klrwrangler)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    CruiserCamper (2016 Landcruiser VDJ79)
    • 34" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Winch


  • Michael (Mickm91) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 5 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    VW Amarok Ultimate (2018 Amarok)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock

  • Isaac (BT50)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    LC 200 (2018 LC200)
    • 30" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Jack (Dynamic Dutch Duo)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Toyota FJ Cruiser (2015 FJ Cruiser)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

Deb (80seriesbigfella)
Hi Jono
I have been interested in seeing these waterfalls for some time and look forward to joining you all on this trip.
I would be keen. To meet up on the Friday night.
Cheers Deb
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Welcome Deb and thanks for the note.
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Welcome Trina and Naomi.
27 Apr 2017
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Would love to go only got all terrains will that be ok only done a few trips so how hards it likely to be as would love to take wife as she loves the waterfalls
27 Apr 2017
wayne (Defender130)
Very keen to join you all. However I won't know until closer to the day whether I can attend or not. Hopefully it doesn't book out before I know.
27 Apr 2017
Trina (TrinaH)
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks! Likely Friday night for me too :)
27 Apr 2017
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie)
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to getting away :)
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Mark Townsend (tractorboy) wrote: Would love to go only got all terrains will that be ok only done a few trips so how hards it likely to be as would love to take wife as she loves the waterfalls
A/Ts will be fine.
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
I might be able to open up one more spot. There's plenty of room at lake Elizabeth campground. I'll update when I know more.
27 Apr 2017
Alexander (ENDGME)
Hope to join the trip, would love to see how the dirty German does on a 2 day hike
27 Apr 2017
Deb (80seriesbigfella)
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to getting away :)
Hi Naomi. Am looking forward to catching up ..
27 Apr 2017
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie)
Deb (80seriesbigfella) wrote:
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to getting away :)
Hi Naomi. Am looking forward to catching up ..
Hi Deb, will be good to catch up....it's been a while since we got lost with Big Kev ;)
27 Apr 2017
Deb (80seriesbigfella)
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Deb (80seriesbigfella) wrote:
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to getting away :)
Hi Naomi. Am looking forward to catching up ..
Hi Deb, will be good to catch up....it's been a while since we got lost with Big Kev ;)
Lol.. Yeah was a lot of fun ...
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Deb (80seriesbigfella) wrote:
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Deb (80seriesbigfella) wrote:
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie) wrote:
Jono (Varangian) wrote: Welcome Trina and Naomi.
Thanks Jono, looking forward to getting away :)
Hi Naomi. Am looking forward to catching up ..
Hi Deb, will be good to catch up....it's been a while since we got lost with Big Kev ;)
Lol.. Yeah was a lot of fun ...
Ok so this is the vehicle limit at this stage as I have a friend and his son joining us who will be tail end Charlie to keep me up to date on the convoy. He's also a native of the area, very good on the tools and is a practical guy so will be a good resource. This will make it 6 vehicles.

I may also bring my 9 year old boy along if I can get him off the iPad as I think kids will get a lot out of the trip.
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
As there is a fair bit of interest in this one I am happy to provide route notes etc. and if someone else wants to lead a second trip half an hour later it could work. There may be options for alternate routes to the same destination also. Just putting it out there...
27 Apr 2017
wayne (Defender130)
Jono (Varangian) wrote: As there is a fair bit of interest in this one I am happy to provide route notes etc. and if someone else wants to lead a second trip half an hour later it could work. There may be options for alternate routes to the same destination also. Just putting it out there...
Hi John,
If I can make it that weekend then I am more than happy to lead a second convoy.
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
All, I've just realised (because I am a caring Father - note my wife has informed me), that Sunday 14 May is Mothers Day. Can I please have yays and nays for the following week which would be 20/21 May. I will push the date forward a week. Sorry for the inconvenience!
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
All, I have pushed the trip back a week to allow me to be with my wife and kids on Mothers day.
27 Apr 2017
wayne (Defender130)
I can't do 20/21 May but could possibly do 27/28 May
27 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Wayne (Defender130) wrote:
Jono (Varangian) wrote: As there is a fair bit of interest in this one I am happy to provide route notes etc. and if someone else wants to lead a second trip half an hour later it could work. There may be options for alternate routes to the same destination also. Just putting it out there...
Hi John,
If I can make it that weekend then I am more than happy to lead a second convoy.
Thanks Wayne
27 Apr 2017
Deb (80seriesbigfella)
The 20/21 is much better for me..
27 Apr 2017
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie)
20/21 good for me also
27 Apr 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Hi all,
Firstly Jono, thanks for posting the trip.
20/21 is good for me. Happy to meet up Sat morning.
I haven't been through the Otways before and it sounds great.
28 Apr 2017
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hi Jono,
I'm interested in case someone cancels.. however reading on the Parks VIC regarding dog regulations it states


"Otway Forest Park: Dogs must be on a lead and under direct control at all times at Stevensons Falls
Camping Area, Dandos Camping Area, Beauchamp Falls Camping Area, Birnam Station Picnic Area, Loves
Creek Picnic Area and Paddy's Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area. Dogs are allowed off-lead outside these areas.
Great Otway National Park: Dogs are only allowed on a lead in designated dog areas within the Great
Otway National Park. Please observe regulations and onsite signage on where and when you can take your
dog into the park"

Looks like we are driving a mix of tracks through here and the routes were going and camps were staying, do you see any issues regarding the statement above with my dog tagging along if I was to come? She has been camping with us before and is very obedient so she won't be a hassle to the group at all.

Thanks
28 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Hi Jono,
I'm interested in case someone cancels.. however reading on the Parks VIC regarding dog regulations it states


"Otway Forest Park: Dogs must be on a lead and under direct control at all times at Stevensons Falls
Camping Area, Dandos Camping Area, Beauchamp Falls Camping Area, Birnam Station Picnic Area, Loves
Creek Picnic Area and Paddy's Swamp Trail Bike Visitor Area. Dogs are allowed off-lead outside these areas.
Great Otway National Park: Dogs are only allowed on a lead in designated dog areas within the Great
Otway National Park. Please observe regulations and onsite signage on where and when you can take your
dog into the park"

Looks like we are driving a mix of tracks through here and the routes were going and camps were staying, do you see any issues regarding the statement above with my dog tagging along if I was to come? She has been camping with us before and is very obedient so she won't be a hassle to the group at all.

Thanks
Hi Thurstain, I have absolutely no problem with that - you've done your research and understand the regs. Jono.
28 Apr 2017
Naomi (AbleBakerCharlie)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry everyone, clash of dates with a prior commitment :(
Hope you all have a stella time 👍🍻
28 Apr 2017
Jono (Varangian)
All, will put up a track itinerary closer to the date including indicative time frames for lunch and waterfalls.
07 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Jono (Varangian) wrote: All, will put up a track itinerary closer to the date including indicative time frames for lunch and waterfalls.
That would be great Jono, I will have my wife Jo with me who is a photographer so hopefully we will have time at the waterfalls for her to get some good shots. Is anyone in the group going on the Friday night ?
07 May 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Thanks Jono
07 May 2017
Deb (80seriesbigfella)
That's great Jono ..
My partner and I are going Friday night won't get there till late as we leaving after work, should arrive between 8,,9 pm.
08 May 2017
Deb (80seriesbigfella)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Have a great weekend,
13 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
Saw that a spot opened up...and jumped in!!
13 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
Bah! Missed it! 😥😏
13 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Welcome Mien and Jack
13 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
What's everyone doing Friday night, we have booked into the Winchelsea motel
15 May 2017
Trina (TrinaH)
Dave (Stoops) wrote: What's everyone doing Friday night, we have booked into the Winchelsea motel
We're either camping somewhere (would arrive quite late) or coming down Saturday morning.
15 May 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Hi all,
I'll be coming down Saturday morning.
15 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
Dave (Stoops) wrote: What's everyone doing Friday night, we have booked into the Winchelsea motel
We will be there Saturday morning too
15 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Mien And Jack (DutchDuo) wrote:
Dave (Stoops) wrote: What's everyone doing Friday night, we have booked into the Winchelsea motel
We will be there Saturday morning too
Hi All,

Track details and further information for this weekend's trip will be posted tonight! Who's excited? Should be good. Many thanks to Rick for offering to bring firewood! I have some red gum logs I'll throw in too...
16 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Yep excited, looks it's going to be wet and slippery.
16 May 2017
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Dave (Stoops) wrote: Yep excited, looks it's going to be wet and slippery.
Think you might be right Dave, going by the latest weather forecast. Hope you all a great trip and look forward to seeing the trip report and the pics.
16 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
Yep, we are excited too because:
- doing the Otways and falls again
- Seeing old friends
-meeting new people
- trying out the FJ in wet and slippery conditions!
16 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
All, I am opening up an additional 2 spots which will make it 7 spots. This is a 4wd tour of sorts so I don't expect long delays due to technical sections. Should be reasonably straight forward run although the rain may change that as there is a lot of clay through there.

My friend is unable to make it as he has to go to Sydney for work. Tracks and a rough scenic stop itinerary up today.
18 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Allowed for 2 additional vehicles. My friend is unable to attend which open one spot and due to the interest I have allowed another.
18 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
G'day everyone.
Saw the additional spots open up and was quick enough to jump in this time :)
My partner Andrea and I are planning​ to meet up with you guys Saturday morning, looking forward to it!
18 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Hi All,

Subject to change depending on conditions;

1. Lorne
2. Garvey Track
3. STOP: Lower Kalimna Falls (754138.00 / 5727788.45)
4. Mt Cowley Track
5. STOP Mt. Cowley Lookout
6. Sabine Road
7. Thompsons Track
8. TOWNSHIP: Forrest
9. Kangalang Road
10. STOP AND POSSIBLE CAMP: Lake Elizabeth (740161.44 / 5729314.77)
11.Upper Gellibrand Road
12. STOP AND POSSIBLE CAMP: Stevenson Falls (731404.63 / 5728263.77)
13. Colac Pipeline Track
14. Sayers Track
15. Lardners track
16. Binns Road
17. STOP: Hopetoun Falls (723436.25 / 5716894.24)
18. Home north through Gellibrand.
18 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Guys, I am not camping Friday night - will be at Winch at 8:30am. Leaving by 9am.

Jono 0404 524 560
18 May 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Thanks Jono,
I'll see everyone on Saturday morning
18 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
I just had a look at Lake Elizabeth camping, and it seems in it a " walk in" camp area, vehicle access blocked...my hubby does not want to camp a way from the fridge :) :)
Found this on the Findacamp website:
Camp access road and turning circle very wet, pot holed and rough (March 2003). Day car park is gravelled, level, small. It now appears (Dec 2013) vehicle access to the camp ground has been blocked - This is now a walk-in camping area, approximately 80 to 100 metres from the parking area
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
All,

I have to postpone this trip. I am hoping to run it next weekend. I had my car at the mechanic for the better half of this week with an oil leak issue and got it back COB last night. Now it's spurting coolant out of the expansion tank and the heater is running cold. It is also over-heating. It's going back to the mechanic on Monday morning with the hope that the problem can be rectified in a day or two. I am sorry to inconvenience everyone and I know this is an inconvenience, but I cannot take this car into the bush as it stands. I will update the results early next week. I still plan to run this trip so I thank you all for your patience. Once again, many apologies, we were all looking forward to getting away - hopefully at this stage that will be next weekend. Jono.
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
I have to postpone until next weekend - please see my comments in the discussion thread.
19 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
So I have booked and paid for accommodation in Winchelsea, booked and paid for a ferry trip across the bay and taken time off work so I can pack and make to the ferry in time. Don't think I will be bothered to your trip next weekend. Jono you need to understand that people have plan to go on trips. Don't put the bloody trip up if your vehicle is not 100%. Getting major work done days leading up to a trip that you are leading is just not on.
19 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
Hi all.
That’s bad luck Jono, these things can’t be helped.
Was so looking forward to this trip and unfortunately can’t attend a trip next weekend so was wondering if there anyone else who would still be interested in going, perhaps someone else is familiar with the area?
I haven’t been there myself and not sure I’d be able to lead the trip but still happy to go if others were keen.
Michael
19 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Ok I'm still going anyone that's still up for it, let me know and we can still meet at Winchelsea and make plans from there my phone is 0407382006
19 May 2017
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Hi all
Understand that this is not the outcome we all want when we all prepared for this trip. I hope the trip leader can provide trip note so those have already comitted can still go. Yes it sucks and I know the feeling but it may be better than having a breakdown in the bush and ruin the whole trip.
Kelvin
19 May 2017
Trina (TrinaH)
Happy to still go play. There was an itinerary posted - surely we can make it up as we go along?
19 May 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Hey all,
I'm still keen and will meet up Sat morning.
Jono sorry about your ride but I just can't make it next weekend. Thanks for taking the time to post a trip. Better luck next time
19 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
We are going too!!
19 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
Yep. We're in!
19 May 2017
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hey Dave, I'm probably coming along too since jonos spot freed up... And my weekend plans got cancelled too.

Will confirm later tonight after I'm packed. Will be bringing my puppy too.. She should be allowed in most places of the Otway according to parks Vic website as long as she's on leash.. Only in some areas she's not allowed and will leave her on car if I have to (doesn't look like it's gonna get hot anyway!)
19 May 2017
Josh (FlexyXJ)
Hi everyone, Im still in. How many extra spots are we going to allow? If we end up with too many cars everything will be much slower in the bush.
19 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
Sorry to hear of your car troubles
19 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Sorry about my outburst before, I'm still going and I'm happy to lead the trip. See you all tomorrow morning as planned. There won't be anymore places opened up 7 is enough.
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
It's fine Dave I understand. I may have fixed the issue. The works wasn't major. I needed a new oil housing gasket. I think they've refilled the car without running it thus creating a blockage. I have drained, refilled and ran to temperature with no problems so I am aiming for Winch tomorrow at 8:30am! If I get to Winch ok the cooling system is all good.
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Still coming I think issue rectified!
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Hi all
Understand that this is not the outcome we all want when we all prepared for this trip. I hope the trip leader can provide trip note so those have already comitted can still go. Yes it sucks and I know the feeling but it may be better than having a breakdown in the bush and ruin the whole trip.
Kelvin
Thanks Kelvin, yes this is my concern; however, I believe the cooling system issue has been rectified and I intend to be at Winchlesea at 8:30am tomorrow morning.

Thanks again.
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
If anyone wants to discuss they can call me on 0404 524 560. I've been planning and looking forward to this trip for a month and wanted to get the slight oil leak fixed before i went.
19 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
That's great news Jono! Glad you got it sorted. Look forward to catching up with everyone tomorrow:)
19 May 2017
Trip Leader Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Yeah good news Jono, see you tomorrow
19 May 2017
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Haha, good news jono.. Guess I won't be coming then. Just got home now from work and was about to start packing the truck right now.

Well have fun guys. Catch next time.
19 May 2017
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Fantastic ... hope you all have a great weekend please take more pictures and videos...
19 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Haha, good news jono.. Guess I won't be coming then. Just got home now from work and was about to start packing the truck right now.

Well have fun guys. Catch next time.
Can't squeeze one more in?
19 May 2017
Jono (Varangian)
Michael (jimgoose) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Haha, good news jono.. Guess I won't be coming then. Just got home now from work and was about to start packing the truck right now.

Well have fun guys. Catch next time.
Can't squeeze one more in?
Yes Thurstain you are welcome to attend if you get this message. Eight cars is a lot but the tracks are wide and in ok condition - its not a high country run where tracks close in on you. We do not have large amounts of hours in the car either.
19 May 2017
Rick (Rick T)
Nice one Jono
19 May 2017
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hi jono
Thanks for the invite but now it's a bit late to start packing up the truck haha. Hope you all have fun and take pictures for me! Will steal your itinerary and someday do the trip!

Thanks.
19 May 2017
Josh (FlexyXJ)
Sorry running 10 minutes late! Any problems give me a call 0413843155.
20 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
No worries.
20 May 2017
Mick (Gosling1)
Ok. Not sure what's happened to Jono. We're heading to lorne to fuel up, maybe can catch up there!?
20 May 2017
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
Wr had to switch radio channel, we're now on 10.
20 May 2017
Join or Sign in to Post a Comment.

TRIP COMPLETED

7 GOING, 11 Interested
13 adults
Trip Date
20-May-2017 (Sat) to 21-May-2017 (Sun)

Meeting Point
Eastern Reserve, Hopkins Street, Winchlesea
8:30 AM (Sat, 20-May-2017)

TRIP FULL