The Cumberland River Trail Traverses Victoria’s Lush Otway Forest & Rivers

If you want a taste of what Victoria’s Otway National Park is all about, the Cumberland River Trail is the ticket. This choose-your-own-adventure day walk is set amongst stunning tree ferns and Mountain Ash, and involves several river crossings. 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gadubanud people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

The Cumberland River Trail takes you through quintessential Otway scenery and is easily accessible when exploring the Great Ocean Road. Be prepared to get wet, either from the river crossings, the rain, or a dip in the many swimming holes dotted along the route. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Quick Overview

The Cumberland River Trail is a 6km out-and-back hike in the Great Otway National Park, Victoria, just a short drive south of Lorne. It takes between 1-2.5 hours, not allowing for time spent having a dip. You can also choose to patch on a 7km loop before returning to the trailhead.

Cumberland River Trail Quick Facts

Distance: 6km return (13.5km with additional loop)
Duration: 1-2.5 hours (4-6 hours with additional loop)
Elevation gain: ~100m (600m with additional loop)
Nearest town: Lorne

About the Cumberland River Trail

The Great Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road are some of the most iconic destinations in Australia. Tourists flock to the area at all times of year to witness the spectacular scenery that winds from the surfing heartland of Torquay to the iconic Twelve Apostles. The area contains the spectacular Great Ocean Walk, an abundance of flora and fauna, and some beautiful towns such as Lorne, Apollo Bay, Beech Forest, and Forrest.

Cumberland River Trail History

The Otway region has been inhabited by the Gadubanud people for tens of thousands of years prior to the arrival of colonialists. Due to the harsh coastline and dense forests of the Otways, Europeans and local clans avoided frequent interactions until relatively late into colonial Australia.

Like many areas along the Great Ocean Road, the Cumberland River was originally renowned by colonists for its logging. During construction of the Great Ocean Road, the Cumberland River area served as an important campsite for workers between 1920 and 1932.

Today, the Cumberland River Holiday Park is nestled by the river and attracts campers and caravanners from across the world. The river was thought to be named by George Smythe in 1846 after the Duke of Cumberland.

How to Get to the Cumberland Track

By Public Transport

Getting to the Otway region from Melbourne can be done via train to Geelong, which takes around an hour, followed by a road coach service from Geelong to a destination along the Great Ocean Road.

While there’s a V-Line coach service that travels along the Great Ocean Road from Geelong to Apollo Bay, it doesn’t stop at the Cumberland River Holiday Park. Personalised transport to get to the Cumberland River Holiday Park, where the trailhead is, will be required.

By Car

It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne to the Cumberland River Holiday Park.

Cumberland River is just 8km south of Lorne or 35km northeast of Apollo Bay.

Where to Stay Near Cumberland River Trail

Lorne is the closest town to the trailhead and has all the necessary facilities, such as a supermarket and fuel. Accommodation options range from Parks Victoria campsites to five-star luxury boutique quarters. My pick of campgrounds are Allenvale Mill, Jamieson Creek, and of course, Cumberland River campground, all situated just outside of Lorne.

Skill Level

Intermediate

This hike contains some technical terrain and multiple river crossings, so it’s not recommended for beginners.

The Otway region receives large amounts of rainfall and rivers can rise suddenly and unexpectedly. Appropriate footwear and physical capability are required to scale slippery rocks, navigate potentially fast-flowing water, and pick up the trail following river crossings. Adequate protection from the elements is required, as weather conditions can change quickly.

Read more: 7 Tips for Rainy Day Hiking

Mobile phone reception is absent for much of the hike. If you plan on swimming in waterholes along the way, be aware that fallen trees and rocks can be hidden from view when on the surface.

Essential Gear

• Hiking shoes/trail runners with plenty of grip
• Rainjacket and possibly rain pants
• Water and snacks
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Spare clothes, socks, and shoes in the car to change into at the end

What it’s Like to Walk the Cumberland River Trail

I’m a huge fan of temperate rainforest, so I’m biased in saying that the Cumberland Track is a winner no matter the weather. The misty, foggy days are just as beautiful as the bluebird ones. This trail is such an immersive experience; I love the feeling of being cradled by the clifftops and giant Mountain Ash, the sound of the river ever present, particularly during the many river crossings! I’m always on the lookout for birds and wallabies as I wind my way along the river.

Cumberland River Holiday Park to Jebbs Pool

The start of the hike meanders through the holiday park alongside the river, with soaring cliffs to the right. At the end of the park, the trail officially begins. Take note of the warning signs, particularly after heavy rain. 

From here, the trail narrows as it enters the single track that follows the river. After a few hundred metres, the trail arrives at the first of four river crossings. In summer, this can be easily rock-hopped by a neatly arranged set of boulders. Wetter months mean taking the plunge and either having cold feet, wet shoes, or both. 

Jebbs Pool is about 1km from the first crossing and is the perfect place to take a dip. If pushed for time, this can be a good place to turn around. Otherwise, there’s a second crossing at the top of the pool, which links back up to the trail.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Jebbs Pool to Garvey Track Junction

The trail climbs slightly out of Jebbs Pool, allowing an elevated view of the river. The trail remains in good condition and is an easy hike. 

After another kilometre, there’s a third river crossing, shorter but deeper, and it can be difficult during high-flow periods. Garvey Track Junction arrives shortly after crossing the river. From here, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure. Depending on your time, fitness level, and adventurous spirit, you can either head onwards towards the Cumberland Falls or head up to Sheoak Picnic Area and Kalimna Falls.

Garvey Track Junction to Cumberland Falls

From Garvey Track Junction, there are just a few hundred metres of technical track left to the Cumberland Falls. It requires climbing over large, wet boulders and across steep rocky areas to stay on trail. There’s also the fourth and largest river crossing of the track at this point. 

In drier periods, rock-hopping across can keep the feet dry. If not, by this stage, wet feet will be the norm. Once across the river, it’s just a short scramble over rocks to the falls. Climb up the rocks and take in a slice of Otway heaven. Once the snacks have been depleted, retrace your (soggy) steps.

Side Trip: Garvey Track to Sheoak Picnic Area and Kalimna Falls loop

If an extended walk is on the cards, heading up Garvey Track will add a 7km loop to the trip. The junction is clearly signed and the 1.5km climb up to Garvey Track is a steep one. 

Once up the climb the going gets much easier. Take a right onto Sheoak Track and meander through the forest and up to Sheoak Picnic Area. This is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and enjoy your surroundings.

From the picnic area, take the trail that follows along Sheoak Creek towards Lower Kalimna Falls. Before long, the trail starts to descend and enters into a wetter area of the forest, surrounded by ferns and Mountain Ash. At the bottom of the descent, there’s a short, flat section before arriving at Lower Kalimna Falls. 

Continuing to Upper Kalimna Falls extends the walk for another couple of hundred metres (recommended!). Either way, it loops back and joins Garvey Track again. Once back on Garvey Track, the track climbs steadily back to the Cumberland junction and descends back down onto the river trail to complete the loop. 

Please note! Upper Kalimna Falls is closed until further notice from Parks Victoria. Please check the open status of the falls before continuing along the trail to the falls.

Tips For Hiking the Cumberland Track

• Outside of peak summertime, there’s a good chance that mist or rain will be close by. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants
• Being close to the coast and with surrounding mountains, weather forecasts aren’t always accurate. Be prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing
• Bring a good supply of food and water, or a water filtration method if you plan on refilling from streams
• If you’re camping nearby, check the Parks Victoria website for bookings and important updates on park conditions

Cumberland River Trail FAQs

How long is the Cumberland River Walk?

The Cumberland River Walk to Cumberland Falls is 3km each way, however it’s easy enough to add on a side trip along the Garvey Track and visit additional falls. This extra side trip adds a further 7km or so.

How do I get to Jebbs Pool?

Jebbs Pool can be reached by walking along the Cumberland River Trail, through Cumberland River Holiday Park, around a 1.5km walk along the river.

How long is the Cumberland Falls Trail?

The trail to Cumberland Falls is around 3km each way.