20 December 2014

Wye Falls Area


Wye River Gorge and Falls

There are two options to the access to the Wye River Gorge and Falls.  Either way you start on the Mount Sabine Road and turn down either the Wye River Road or the Kennett Road.  Both roads can be blocked depending on the season. 

Option One:

Length: 13km  -  Time: 6 hours  -  Type: Return
Max Elevation: 595m  -  Grade: Medium (suitable for bushwalker)

With the Kennett Road access, the walking track leaves the road about 3kms from the Mount Sabine Road junction at 54S 745219E - 5721305N.  Be certain to identify the start of the walking track marked with ribbons on the left side of the road.  The track to the Wye River is clearly marked with ribbons and ends in a rope assisted descent to the river.  PLEASE NOTE:  It is important for you to arrange your own marker here to get out, because it is very easy to miss the turn off.  A tied ribbon in middle of the river (and a gps waypoint) is strongly suggested.  Then, walk up the river through a gorge taking the left fork in the river.  This should not be attempted after heavy rain.  It is a rather scrubby walk so be prepared for nettles, blackberries, creek rock hopping, and fallen trees.  My walking pole was put in good use.  Don't forget to remove your marker before leaving the river to start the climb back up.

Option Two:

Length: 5.9km to 6.3km  -  Time: 4 hours  -  Type: Return
Max Elev: 519m  -  Grade: Medium
Reference Map:  VicMap 1:50k - The Otways & Shipwreck Coast
Book:  Walking The Otways by Geelong Bushwalking Club 2001

With the Wye River Road access, the walking track leaves the road at the junction of the Wye River Road and an old road at 54S 746886E - 5723355N.  It is easy to follow the track, which is marked with ribbons; but, it is also steep and there is no rope assistance to descend into the Wye River Gorge.  On reaching the river, turn right and follow the river as described for the other access track.

Reach the river, then head upstream
 
Moss-covered cliff and fallen trees


Wye River Falls

Cascades

Wye River Gorge and Falls Routes

Quick clips of the Wye River Falls

16 December 2014

Sheoak Creek & Lower Cumberland Circuit

Lorne Waterfalls - Walk Three
Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls, and Cumberland Falls 

Length: 15.4km,  Time: 5hours,  Type: Loop
Max Elevation: 295m,  Grade: Easy – Medium

Start and finish at the Sheoak Picnic Area on the Garvey Track, which is a park management track. Follow the Kalimna Falls sign at the east end of the picnic ground.  The Kalimna Falls track crosses the Garvey Track and then you can follow either of the two tracks along either side of Sheoak Creek to the Lower Kalimna Falls (2.9km) and the Upper Kalimna Falls (4.1km), then back track to a link track, which takes you across Little Sheoak Creek back to the Garvey Track.  Then, walk 1.2km east-north-east along The Garvey Track to the Cumberland River turn off.

The path to the Cumberland River is 1.5km and steep at the river end of the track.  At the river, turn right following the track along the Cumberland River about 400m to the falls.  There is a river crossing before reaching the falls.  Then retrace your steps back to the Garvey Track and continue down the track back to the start.  There is an alternative route back to the picnic area on the Castle Rock access track. 

The start                             Lower Kalimna Falls

Upper Kalimna Falls                                Sheoak Creek

 
Cumberland River Track & Falls
 
GPS route on GE
and
(Lorne Waterfalls - Walk Three)


(Lorne Waterfalls - Walk One)

14 December 2014

Lorne Waterfalls - Walk Two

Henderson Falls, The Canyon, Phantom Falls, and Won Wondah Falls 

Length: 8.15km,  Time: 3hours+,  Type: Return
Grade:  Easy
Maximum elevation:  202m

Start and finish at the Sheoak Picnic Area, which is located at Allenvale Road end, southwest of Lorne.  Follow the signposts to Henderson Falls, then return to the turn off to The Canyon and Phantom Falls.  On the return journey from Phantom Falls, the Won Wondah Falls can be viewed from a viewing platform, which is on a short side track off the main track back to the start.

                                    Henderson Falls
  
Wildflowers

                             The Canyon and Phantom Falls                                

Route on GE, and
A 4 minute video YouTube of Lorne Waterfalls - Walk Two 

 Back to  Erskine & Cora Lynn Valleys Circuit
(Lorne Waterfalls - Walk One)
(Lorne Waterfalls - Walk Three)