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Erskine River Rapids, Lorne VICWaterfall Seasons - The Waterfall Guide
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The Erskine River rapids is a solidified lava flow over which the Erskine River flows shortly before it reaches the sea at Lorne.
The water moves in many different directions across this large slab of rock, following little crevassas and dropping into circular holes.
Above: The lava flow at the Erskine River Rapids
(Order this image)
In low flow months you can explore the length and breadth of the rapids, following the lava rock upstream into the Little Erskine River, which bends up to the right, above the Erskine River main stem.
In high flow months it is not possible to negotiate the rapids by foot, and it is
best to observe the fast flowing water from the bank or the walking track above the river.
Above: The lava flow at the Erskine River Rapids
(Order this image)
Compared to Erskine Falls, which can sometimes be overrun by tourists, there is a good chance you will have this place all to yourself. The fact that you can immerse yourself in this site, rather than just being a passive observer, is a big plus. Leaf racing and body sliding can also be part of the experience, but make sure you bring suitable protective gear if you are body sliding. There are plenty of flattish sections of rock for a picnic or afternoon tea next to (or in between) the rushing waters.
You can continue on from the rapids up to the Erskine Falls around 7km further on, but the walk is uphill, so it is much easier doing it in the other direction.
Here is a video of the rapids, taken in autumn when the flow was low enough to walk across the rapids, but there was still enough flowing water to listen to and slide around in. Getting to this spot is a little bit tricky, but the video offers some directions from the Great Ocean Road:
View Larger Map
Above: The lava flow at the Erskine River Rapids
(Order this image)
In low flow months you can explore the length and breadth of the rapids, following the lava rock upstream into the Little Erskine River, which bends up to the right, above the Erskine River main stem.
Above: The lava flow at the Erskine River Rapids
(Order this image)
Compared to Erskine Falls, which can sometimes be overrun by tourists, there is a good chance you will have this place all to yourself. The fact that you can immerse yourself in this site, rather than just being a passive observer, is a big plus. Leaf racing and body sliding can also be part of the experience, but make sure you bring suitable protective gear if you are body sliding. There are plenty of flattish sections of rock for a picnic or afternoon tea next to (or in between) the rushing waters.
Here is a video of the rapids, taken in autumn when the flow was low enough to walk across the rapids, but there was still enough flowing water to listen to and slide around in. Getting to this spot is a little bit tricky, but the video offers some directions from the Great Ocean Road:
Your Seasonal Guide:
| Best Time of Year to Visit: | Best Time of Day to Visit: |
|---|---|
| Reliable flow all year except during summer/autumn in drought years. | Visit in the late afternoon to see the sun falling directly onto the rapids. |
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Erskine Falls Walking Track, Lorne.
Latitude:-38.530732 Longitude:143.968814
Getting there: Lorne is located along the Great Ocean Road, 140 km south west of Melbourne (approx. 1 hr and 50 minute drive). Once you arrive in Lorne, park in Erskine Avenue and then walk across the bridge or rock hop across the river to the caravan park on the other side. Parking is available in front of the caravan park, but it is time limited. Walk alongside the river through the caravan park until the end of the park, when the public walking track to Erskine Falls commences. At the fork in the track about 500 m along, head down to the river, where you will see the sign announcing the Erskine River rapids.
Water source: Erskine River
Approx. height: 20 m Approx. width: 50 m
Approx. length: Gradual fall over 200 m
Swimming available at the falls: Yes
Facilities: None
Entrance fee: Not applicable
Opening times: Always open
Sun shade: Bring sun protection in the middle of the day when there is no shade on the rapids.
Wheelchair access: None
Prohibitions: The managing authority recommends not walking on or sliding down the rocks for your safety.
Managing authority: Surf Coast Shire Council
Nearby attractions: The shallow, warm waters of the St George River estuary, 4 km to the south.
Before you head out, make sure to read the
waterfall safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Latitude:-38.530732 Longitude:143.968814
Getting there: Lorne is located along the Great Ocean Road, 140 km south west of Melbourne (approx. 1 hr and 50 minute drive). Once you arrive in Lorne, park in Erskine Avenue and then walk across the bridge or rock hop across the river to the caravan park on the other side. Parking is available in front of the caravan park, but it is time limited. Walk alongside the river through the caravan park until the end of the park, when the public walking track to Erskine Falls commences. At the fork in the track about 500 m along, head down to the river, where you will see the sign announcing the Erskine River rapids.
Water source: Erskine River
Approx. height: 20 m Approx. width: 50 m
Approx. length: Gradual fall over 200 m
Swimming available at the falls: Yes
Facilities: None
Entrance fee: Not applicable
Opening times: Always open
Sun shade: Bring sun protection in the middle of the day when there is no shade on the rapids.
Wheelchair access: None
Prohibitions: The managing authority recommends not walking on or sliding down the rocks for your safety.
Managing authority: Surf Coast Shire Council
Nearby attractions: The shallow, warm waters of the St George River estuary, 4 km to the south.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the location of the start of the walk to the rapids at the rear of the caravan park. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply refresh this web page.
View Larger Map
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