Erskine Falls

There's something really powerful about a waterfall. The pounding of water, the splashing against the surrounding vegetation, the way people stare up at it in awe. This miraculous earthly wonder. Children and tourists excited beyond belief as if Mickey Mouse was doing cartwheels in the water.

Waterfalls demand a level of respect. For some reason everyone whispers when in the presence of one and those with normally hectic daily lives find the time to sit, stare and reflect.

Nature seems to understand this too. Animals flying above and crawling below remain silent as if they have received a memo from mother nature herself.

Erskine Falls is located just outside Lorne on the Great Ocean Road and is one of the most regularly-visited of the waterfalls in the region. Another is nearby Phantom Falls. From the car park, there's a viewing area that looks down over the falls. The walk to the base is a bit tougher, wending its way 30m down steep woode steps. It's definitely worth the walk.

At the bottom, there's a raised platform and viewing area. If you're nimble and fit enough, it's worth a walk down stream but note, you'll need to cross rocks on the river and there are numerous fallen logs. We didn't see Platypus here but it's highly likely they occur. If you're fortunate to be there dawn or dusk, keep an eye out ahead for movement in pools.

We spent a couple of hours just sitting and talking (whispering) at Erskine Falls. Was a moment of peace we both so desperately needed.

Experienced walkers can follow the river from Erksine Falls to Lorne. The 7.5km one-way walk takes about three hours and passes Straw Falls and Splitter Falls. It should not be attempted when water levels are high.

An easy walk down...not so much on the way up

Almost there!

We stared for hours

Silence everywhere

So serene

We def did :)