Cumberland Falls, Lorne

Waterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide

Cumberland Falls flows around a giant mound of exposed rock into a circular pool, several kilometres inland from Lorne in the Great Otway National Park. These falls are only accessible during dry weather, with four river crossings along the walking track to the falls. Above: Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River near Lorne (Order this image)

The falls can be heard from some distance downstream, but first come into view when scrambling over the last hillock, from which there is a commanding view of the falls. Find a comfortable boulder to sit on or wander around to the angled rock shelf on the southern edge of the waterfall pool to watch the two streams of water flow into the pool - one gently flowing to the side in a delicate fan that spreads out over the rock shelf and one crashing its way down over rocks and fallen logs as it announces itself on the centre stage. It is also possible to climb above the falls under dry conditions and with extreme care on the slippery rocks near the water's edge. Above: The secondary waterfall segment at Cumberland Falls in the Otways (Order this image)

Reaching these falls takes a little more effort than many on the Great Ocean Road, so you are more likely to be able to spend time in nature here without bumping into too many other people, particulalry once you get past Jebb's Pool. The track was well maintained and in good condition when I visited, with the river crossings of varying degrees of difficulty. The first and last crossings were relatively easy, but the second and third crossings were difficult to traverse without getting at least one foot wet, so be prepared for this possibility.

Best Time of Year to Visit:	Best Time of Day to Visit:
Avoid higher flow periods in winter/spring and after heavy rainfall, when it can be dangerous to cross the river. The Cumberland River has not dried up completely in past summer/autumns, even in drought years.	Any time of the day is fine

Before you head out, make sure to read the waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises against trying to walk to the falls when river levels are high, and recommends "experienced walkers only from Jebbs Pool" to Cumberland Falls. Use particular caution when using the stepping stones to cross the river, as they can be unstable and slippery when wet, and be very careful on the sloping rock faces around the pool at the falls, which can be slippery when wet. The marker indicates the approximate location of the visitor carpark at the start of the walk to Cumberland Falls, noting that the walk is along the river, not via the Cumberland Track. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply refresh this web page.
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