Beech Forest - Triplet Falls and Little Aire Falls
Triplet Falls is one of the iconic visitor sites in the Great Otway National Park. Nestled amongst the ancient forests of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech, you will discover three distinct and impressive cascades flowing through shady rainforests and glades of mossy tree ferns.
This beautiful area is set in the ancient forest and provides views into the lower cascades and the majestic main falls. A small picnic area is also available for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
Directions - Triplet Falls is 200km from Melbourne via Colac and Gellibrand, or 70km from Apollo Bay. Follow the signs from the Beech Forest - Lavers Hill Road, the falls are 3km past the Otway Fly.
Triplet Falls Walk
Distance: 2km Time: 1hr loop
Note: There are steep steps which are unsuitable for people with limited mobility.
Enjoy the history and story of this rainforest, supported by the signs that lead you around the walk. Look for the giant Mountain Ash trees along the way. Some of these trees are estimated to be over 200 years old and have generated from a seed the size of a grain of sand. Listen for the falls as you walk through the ancient forest on a series of elevated walkways.
Platforms provide you with spectacular views of Triplet Falls' lower and upper cascades. Youngs Creek flows to the falls from Weeaproinah, which has the state's highest average annual rainfall of almost two metres. The falls are even more spectacular after rain.
Stay on the path while looking for the different mosses and fungi growing on the forest floor. They play an important role in maintaining this rainforest.
Little Aire Walk
Distance: 4.5km Time: 2hr return
This walk leads off the Triplet Falls track and passes through spectacular rainforest along an old logging winch line. View the Little Aire Falls from an eight metre platform.
Route description from Forrest Accommodation:
Little Aire Falls is a 6km return walk which leaves from the same carpark as Triplet Falls. This is a fairly challenging walk due to the many steps (approx 360) as well as a lot of steeper sections.
The trail leaves from the carpark and begins out as the same path for both sets of falls, however only a few minutes into the walk, you will come across a junction. Follow the signs for Little Aire Falls.
There are many very tall Mountain Ash throughout the walk, and you cross streams using bridges at several points.
The track is well maintained and clear, although there may be patches of mud after significant rain. There are no handrails on the many steps, so if you prefer to hold onto something, bring some walking poles. At one point there is a walking track that crossed diagonally, however stay on the main path and keep going straight ahead.
Eventually you will reach a suspended viewing platform with a see-through grate base. I mention this because those who suffer from a fear of heights or vertigo might find the height of the suspended platform a challenge.
The track does not take you to the base of the falls (no access), you can only view it from the platform which is a some distance away. However, after rain, this set of falls is impressive - like a giant rock water slide. Width and amount of water falling will depend on the season and recent rains.
At an average pace of 15mins per kilometre walked, this walk will take approximately 1:30 walking time for a fit person used to walking steep hills regularly. However this time may vary greatly depending on the fitness and endurance of the walker, whether or not you have children with you etc. You might need to allow up to 3 hours walk time plus time spent at the platform depending on your situation.
Location
Phillips Track, Wyelangta 3237 Map
Web Links
→ Triplet Falls (Parks Victoria)
→ Great Otway National Park - Triplet Falls (PDF)
→ Triplet Falls (World of Waterfalls)
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
