Lorne - Phantom Falls
Phantom Falls is a 15m high waterfall on the St George River.
The usual way of getting to the falls is from the Sheoak Picnic Area via Won Wondah Falls, Henderson Falls and the Canyon. This is 3.7km one way. For the return you can follow the track beside the St George River back to Allenvale Mill Site car park and then return along the road to Sheoak Creek Picnic area.
There is an alternative 3.5km return walk from Allenvale Road which is overall moderate but fairly steep in a couple spots. Start and end at the Allenvale Mill car park. Cross the St George River, skirt an orchard, then follow an uphill vehicle track (with some steep sections of loose gravel) above the riverbed before descending to a pool at the base of scenic Phantom Falls.
The following helpful trail notes are from Gehan Ranawana.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, Phantom Falls is a 3.9 km return walk from the Allenvale Road car park on Allenvale Road. The full walk is along a well defined gravel path. The first part of the path winds it way through a private property and the St. George River. There are clear directions and the path is easy to find and follow. While most of the path is fairly steep in places, there is one spot that is very steep. The path at this spot is also covered in loose gravel, so, be extra careful when you're going up and coming back down. On your way to the falls, when you're the top of this especially steep spot, you can see a waterfall in the distance on your right (unfortunately, I'm not sure what the name of this one is). Keep walking! This is not your final destination. As the path would get quite muddy with rain, a good pair of hiking boots is definitely recommended. Overall, I would say the walk is a moderately difficult one.
The end of the walk will bring you to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. You really can't see much from here. There is a little path to the right of the viewing platform that'll take you to the base of the falls. There are a few steep steps, so, be careful. With rain, the steps would get quite slippery, so those hiking boots would come in handy here too.
Location
Garvey Track, Lorne 3232 Map
Web Links
→ The Best Waterfalls in Melbourne and Victoria for Family Visits
→ www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/australia-phantom-falls/
