Henderson Falls
Henderson Falls
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
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Chicken Kebab
Australia2,746 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at these falls. Nestled amongst multiple ferns these falls were worth the extremely muddy track. They can be accessed from the Sheoak camping ground car park, or you can shave 1.5 kms off the walk if you start from Sharps track, about 1 km on the right before you arrive at Sheoak car park.
Wear boots and be prepared for plenty of mud. There are other falls to be seen on route. The walk is easy and follows an old logging tram way.
Wear boots and be prepared for plenty of mud. There are other falls to be seen on route. The walk is easy and follows an old logging tram way.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beck & Steven X
Melbourne, Australia4,223 contributions
June 2016 • Family
The Great Otway National Park is a stunning part of Victoria with native forests, hiking trails, camping grounds & at least seven [7] waterfalls located within the bushland surrounding Lorne alone.
[Henderson Falls]:
Situated along Allenvale Road you will find the Sheoak Creek Picnic area. It is from this juncture that various walking trails commence including the track to the Phantom Falls, The Canyon & Henderson Falls.
I have to admit that our family became quite confused during our hike. Whilst there are signs, they weren't as clear as they could be & with paths branching off in many directions & the trail to Henderson Falls actually crossing over two [2] roads it can be quite easy to loose your bearings.
As it was, even though we were positive that we hadn't missed any of the directional markers or signs, we somehow must of taken a wrong turn as despite walking an age Henderson Falls refused to show itself. After rounding a bend to find yet another bridge that lacked any indication that we were nearing our destination we noticed that dusk was quickly approaching so opted to play it safe, deciding to head post-haste back to the car with the goal of arriving by nightfall.
Fortunately our reluctant retreat ended up being perfectly timed as we only just made it back to within a few minutes walk from the Sheoak Creek Picnic area when darkness descended.
[With Delight from Disappointment]:
Our goal for that day had been to reach Henderson Falls so we were all rather disappointed when we failed to achieve that, however our efforts were rewarded in that along the way we discovered a smaller waterfall that hadn't previously appeared during any of our preparations.
Into a small rock pool a charming babbling brook gently falls. Lush fern trees abound & a viewing deck has been built to enable visitors an opportunity to fully enjoy this beautiful scene. Both tranquil & invigorating at the same time this surprise find is known as the Won Wondah Waterfalls & is just as gorgeous a setting as its nearby counterparts.
***[Summary]***
With towering eucalypt trees, picnic tables, fireplaces & public conveniences the Sheoak Car Park itself is a great place at which to dine al fresco before heading off along one of the many hiking trails.
= If like us you wish to attempt to reach the Henderson Falls then we suggest that you may wish to leave early enough in the day so as not to have to rush to beat nightfall!
Depending on which way you decide to go it is understood that this walking loop can potentially expand to a nine [9] kilometre trek so please ensure that you prepare your route in advance.
Regarding the paths themselves whilst not paved or boarded the dirt was quite compact & dry at the time of our visit. The gradient can be somewhat difficult in places & you do need to deal with the usual patches of slippery material such as moss & leaves so choose your footwear well.
Overall despite my personal mobility issues I was able to handle this particular trail fairly well as long as I kept a tight grip on my husbands arm. Our ten [10] year old had no trouble at all, bounding ahead with a companion who is also agile.
= I would suggest that this is not suitable for prams or for the use of any type of walking
aide or equipment. Selecting a day where the weather will not be an impediment would be worth considering & the beauty of this area is that even if you can only make it as far as Won Wondah you will still get to experience the breathtaking spectacular that nature has on offer.
Thank you for reading this review, I hope that it is helpful.
PS: Based on all things being considered this waterfall encounter was far less nerve-racking than our recent trip to the Cora Lynn Cascades which I have also written about for the benefit of my fellow travellers. :)
[Henderson Falls]:
Situated along Allenvale Road you will find the Sheoak Creek Picnic area. It is from this juncture that various walking trails commence including the track to the Phantom Falls, The Canyon & Henderson Falls.
I have to admit that our family became quite confused during our hike. Whilst there are signs, they weren't as clear as they could be & with paths branching off in many directions & the trail to Henderson Falls actually crossing over two [2] roads it can be quite easy to loose your bearings.
As it was, even though we were positive that we hadn't missed any of the directional markers or signs, we somehow must of taken a wrong turn as despite walking an age Henderson Falls refused to show itself. After rounding a bend to find yet another bridge that lacked any indication that we were nearing our destination we noticed that dusk was quickly approaching so opted to play it safe, deciding to head post-haste back to the car with the goal of arriving by nightfall.
Fortunately our reluctant retreat ended up being perfectly timed as we only just made it back to within a few minutes walk from the Sheoak Creek Picnic area when darkness descended.
[With Delight from Disappointment]:
Our goal for that day had been to reach Henderson Falls so we were all rather disappointed when we failed to achieve that, however our efforts were rewarded in that along the way we discovered a smaller waterfall that hadn't previously appeared during any of our preparations.
Into a small rock pool a charming babbling brook gently falls. Lush fern trees abound & a viewing deck has been built to enable visitors an opportunity to fully enjoy this beautiful scene. Both tranquil & invigorating at the same time this surprise find is known as the Won Wondah Waterfalls & is just as gorgeous a setting as its nearby counterparts.
***[Summary]***
With towering eucalypt trees, picnic tables, fireplaces & public conveniences the Sheoak Car Park itself is a great place at which to dine al fresco before heading off along one of the many hiking trails.
= If like us you wish to attempt to reach the Henderson Falls then we suggest that you may wish to leave early enough in the day so as not to have to rush to beat nightfall!
Depending on which way you decide to go it is understood that this walking loop can potentially expand to a nine [9] kilometre trek so please ensure that you prepare your route in advance.
Regarding the paths themselves whilst not paved or boarded the dirt was quite compact & dry at the time of our visit. The gradient can be somewhat difficult in places & you do need to deal with the usual patches of slippery material such as moss & leaves so choose your footwear well.
Overall despite my personal mobility issues I was able to handle this particular trail fairly well as long as I kept a tight grip on my husbands arm. Our ten [10] year old had no trouble at all, bounding ahead with a companion who is also agile.
= I would suggest that this is not suitable for prams or for the use of any type of walking
aide or equipment. Selecting a day where the weather will not be an impediment would be worth considering & the beauty of this area is that even if you can only make it as far as Won Wondah you will still get to experience the breathtaking spectacular that nature has on offer.
Thank you for reading this review, I hope that it is helpful.
PS: Based on all things being considered this waterfall encounter was far less nerve-racking than our recent trip to the Cora Lynn Cascades which I have also written about for the benefit of my fellow travellers. :)
Written 8 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gdixonrb
Melbourne, Australia118 contributions
Oct 2019
We combined this walk with the canyon walk starting and ending at Allenvale car park and walking via Phantom Falls. The scenery includes wonderful forests, an amazing ferntree gully and :going down the rabbit hole: to enter the canyon
Written 29 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith J
Melbourne, Australia36 contributions
Sept 2019
Won-Wondah falls, meh. Luckily only 50m off the track. But further on is Henderson falls. These were the highlight of our two days in Lorne. A beautiful walk through a fern-lined valley to reach them. Loads of ferns, and fungi, and plants, etc to look at. A macro-photographer's dream! And the falls are beautiful.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary Rowan Higgins
Richmond, Australia139 contributions
June 2017 • Solo
After catching up with a friend in Lorne, I decided on an impromptu revisit to 'Hendo' falls to see how it was coping with what is, so far, a very dry winter down in the south, and the poor flow of the falls reflected this. My photo shows the same falls at another time, and is representative of what to see after very good, sustained rains (which also means that the walk in can be gluggy underfoot). This visit was not all that exciting, but it must be said the potential to WOW! is there in the right circumstances. The natural enclosed, lushly vegetated amphitheatre is very cold and still, and if you are still long enough, those darling, starving leeches will welcome you with open arms (I mean teeth-edged suckers...). Definitely do not wander off amongst the vegetation! I returned to the car to have a picnic amongst the towering gums, only to turn my back and have my sandwich pinched! Well, really! Kookaburras like vegemite sandwiches!?
Written 7 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marg95
Warrnambool, Australia346 contributions
June 2017 • Family
We visited here on a long weekend and only saw one other group doing this walk, which amazed me because they were sooo pretty. It is about a 45min walk in from Sheoak Picnic Area (follow the signs to the Nature Trail and turn off it, or walk back along the road about 300m to where the track crosses the road), easy mostly flat although muddy in parts so wear suitable shoes. Won Wondah Falls are first and are in a chasm so less visually appealing, but then continue walking to Henderson Falls, along the river, through beautiful huge ferns, and then you reach the falls set amongst more stunningly pretty ferns. This was the most beautiful walk of the few we did in the area and really worthwhile. We took kids age 5 and 7, they walked all of it no problems. Highly recommended, with no tourists (compared with Erskine Falls that were really busy). The picnic area is also really nice.
Written 12 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loki_crazycat
Ballarat, Australia10,895 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
My daughter and I walked from the Allenvale Mill Picnic Ground via Phantom Falls, the Canyon, Henderson Falls and Won Wondah Falls back to the picnic ground. It took us almost three and a half hours at a very leisurely pace.
Phantom Falls was pretty good, with the best views from down below. There was quite a lot of water going over after the very wet spring we've had.
The Canyon was really interesting and involved some clambering to follow the path, which went down into a rock cleft at the beginning. Lots of rainforest plants and tree ferns all through the Canyon, which had high rock walls which were hard to see through the greenery.
The walk between the Canyon and Hendersons Falls was brilliant. So many ferns, tree ferns, epiphytic ferns, and everything was so green. This was the part that took the longest, because we stopped so often. Some great birds around (Satin Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Crescent Honeyeater), frog choruses in the background, plus we heard koalas calling a couple of times, but couldn't spot them in all the dense foliage.
Hendersons Falls is really pretty, and my favourite of the three waterfalls. Won Wondah Falls is not very spectacular, but still nice to see.
The early and late parts of the track were through eucalypt forest, with lots of wildflowers: Pink Triggerplant, white Daisy-bush and Clematis, purple Mintbush, yellow Bacon and Eggs and Guinea Flowers. We finally spotted a koala near the Sheoak Picnic Ground, and we heard kangaroos moving through the bush as well.
A really lovely walk, with lots to see, hear and smell.
Phantom Falls was pretty good, with the best views from down below. There was quite a lot of water going over after the very wet spring we've had.
The Canyon was really interesting and involved some clambering to follow the path, which went down into a rock cleft at the beginning. Lots of rainforest plants and tree ferns all through the Canyon, which had high rock walls which were hard to see through the greenery.
The walk between the Canyon and Hendersons Falls was brilliant. So many ferns, tree ferns, epiphytic ferns, and everything was so green. This was the part that took the longest, because we stopped so often. Some great birds around (Satin Flycatcher, Rufous Fantail, Crescent Honeyeater), frog choruses in the background, plus we heard koalas calling a couple of times, but couldn't spot them in all the dense foliage.
Hendersons Falls is really pretty, and my favourite of the three waterfalls. Won Wondah Falls is not very spectacular, but still nice to see.
The early and late parts of the track were through eucalypt forest, with lots of wildflowers: Pink Triggerplant, white Daisy-bush and Clematis, purple Mintbush, yellow Bacon and Eggs and Guinea Flowers. We finally spotted a koala near the Sheoak Picnic Ground, and we heard kangaroos moving through the bush as well.
A really lovely walk, with lots to see, hear and smell.
Written 15 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia3,085 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Beautiful walk from the Sheoak Car Park. There are some smaller falls before you reach Henderson Falls. Ground a little muddy but a good track, easy walk. The lush greenery of fallen moss covered logs and huge ferns along the trickling water is such a magnificent experience. It was a beautiful walk.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A-Man90
Melbourne, Australia231 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
We parked at the sheoak picnic ground and did approximately 30 minute walk to the Won Wondah falls. It was such a let down. Could hardly see the falls due to the vegetation. We enjoyed all the other falls in the region but This was a disappointment.
We didn't go to the Henderson but if anyone is thinking of only doing the Won Wondah falls I would strongly advice not to do it.
We didn't go to the Henderson but if anyone is thinking of only doing the Won Wondah falls I would strongly advice not to do it.
Written 25 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Beautiful, relatively easy walk through beautiful forest. Very scenic. Both falls are located near each other. It had been raining heavily before we went. It was muddy but the falls were simply spectacular after all the rain. Worth a visit. Recommend sturdy shoes/boots if it's wet.
Written 19 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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