Here’s a simple guide to visiting Phantom Falls, located just a short drive from Lorne in Victoria’s south-west. This stunning waterfall is a must-see for waterfall chasers, or travellers exploring the best of Victoria.
What makes Phantom Falls so special is the fact that you can literally stand at the top edge of the 15m waterfall marvelling at its beauty, and in quick 2 minute walk, you can feel the spray of the water as you stand underneath it!
Phantom Falls is not only naturally stunning, it is also one of the most unique waterfalls in the Otways. Part of the St George River, the falls can be accessed by following a relatively easy 3.6km trail. This trail is only a short 10 minute drive from Lorne.
Often overlooked for the more popular waterfalls in the Lorne area (Sheoak and Esrkine Falls), Phantom Falls is definitely one to add to your list.
>> Location: Great Otway National Park
>> Distance: 3.6km
>> Duration: 1-1.5 hour return
>> Track Condition: Good
>> Grade: Moderate with steep incline in some section
>> Start/Finish: Allenvale car park
>> Nearby: Lorne
WHERE IS PHANTOM FALLS?
Setting off from the Allenvale car park you will first cross a footbridge into a private property. The track is well signed and awkwardness aside you are going the right way!
In the grassy property you will follow a well trodded line of grass towards the boundary of the property. This is the walking track you need to follow. You might even be lucky enough to encounter some native Australian wildlife in this section. After passing the house of the property you will intersect the St George River.
From here, the walking track follows the St George River for the remaining 1.5km of the track to the top of the falls. At roughly the midway point of the journey there is a section of the St George River that is mostly big rocks with little streams. This is the perfect spot for a quick rest before you tackle the ascent.
The next section of the walk is by the far toughest. Eventually, the path ascends upwards from the St George River, toward the top of the falls. This should be no challenge for outdoor enthusiasts or people with moderate fitness.
After you complete the relatively short but steep climb, you will shortly arrived at the top of Phantom Falls.
EXPERIENCING PHANTOM FALLS
What makes Phantom Falls Special is the fact that you can stand on the edge of the falls at the top (dangerous), and in a short two minute walk, you can access the bottom of the falls.
My recommendation: view the top first.
There is a fenced off section for those adventuring with small children. The views from the observation point are still stunning. For the risk takers out there, you can easily go past the fenced off section and wander across the rock formations at the top of the falls. This will provide a more dynamic view of the falls.
The way down to the bottom of the waterfall accessed by following a narrow flight of stairs . There, you can rock scramble across the terrain to find the best viewing spot of the falls.
PLANNING A VISIT
As Phantom Falls is part of the vast Great Otway National Park there is an abundance of things to add to your itinerary to make the most of your day.
>> Melbourne – Phantom Falls 2.5 hours
>> Geelong – Phantom Falls 1.5 hours
>> Lorne – Phantom Falls .25 hours
There is so much to do in Lorne, making it one of the most popular towns along the Great Ocean Road. Take in the beautiful sandy beaches, dine in at one of the many restaurants or cafes, or explore more of the Otways.
