Though the viewing platform to Carisbrook Falls is a mere 500 meters from Great Ocean Road, once you’re there, you feel like you’re in a different realm. They appear, cascading down a rock face that seemingly comes out of nowhere amidst an abundant green terrain.
![Carisbrook Falls visited during Chasing Waterfalls trip in Lorne](https://i2.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carisbrook-Falls-Cover-Photo.jpg?fit=780%2C516&ssl=1)
The short trail to Carisbrook Falls begins from a gravel carpark that veers off from Great Ocean Road, roughly halfway between Lorne and Skenes Creek.
![](https://i1.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2186editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C516&ssl=1)
The carpark is uneven, so take it slow to avoid an extra bumpy ride.
![](https://i1.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2187editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C517&ssl=1)
The beginning of the trail is clearly signposted.
![](https://i2.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2188editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C516&ssl=1)
Follow the track uphill, ignoring blocked off deviations such as this one.
![](https://i2.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2189editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C516&ssl=1)
I visited Carisbrook Falls on my way home to Melbourne from Skenes Creek, after a 4 day Chasing Waterfalls Trip. (Itineraries for my days can be found here – Day 1 and here – Day 2). So I was exhausted. And I couldn’t imagine a waterfall being visible from here.
![](https://i0.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2190editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=497%2C750&ssl=1)
But I continued on. Soon I saw a river gushing far below in the valley, which gave me confidence.
![](https://i0.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2191editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C517&ssl=1)
I shifted my backpack, tugged my camera bag comfortably over my shoulder, and continued on. The path was short, but thin and steep.
![](https://i0.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2192editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=523%2C790&ssl=1)
And sure enough, soon I saw the falls peeking through the trees.
![](https://i0.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2193editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=780%2C517&ssl=1)
The tiny viewing platform is quite some significant distance from the falls, but still breathtaking. Best visited after heavy rainfall, such as the case on the day I visited, the water gushes down the mountainous terrain.
![](https://i2.wp.com/annabel-claire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DSC2197editedforwebwatermark.jpg?fit=678%2C1024&ssl=1)
Carisbrook Falls were a pleasant, short walk with a rewarding result. I’m glad I gathered the last of my strength to pay them a visit.
Quick Facts
Last visit | September 2017 |
Best Time | June-July |
Start / Finish | Carpark off Great Ocean Road, Wongarra |
Unsealed Roads | No, carpark road a bit bumpy |
Walking distance | 500meters one way |
Time | 40 minutes return |
Difficulty | Easy |
Facilities | None, halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay |
Lat & Long | 38.6919° S, 143.8098° E |
Nearby | Sheoak Falls & Swallow Cave |
Watercourse | Carisbrook Creek |