Summary

A very beautiful 2 hour walk through the Cumberland River valley, with impressive landscape and native forests. Includes Jebb's Pool and Cumberland Falls.

Description

It doesn't get more picturesque than this walk along the Cumberland River through a really quite lovely coastal rainforest in the Great Otway National Park.

The Lorne Walks and Waterfalls brochure describes it well:

"This is one of the more beautiful river valleys in the Otways, with dramatic cliffs and peaceful pools in which to cool off on a hot summers day."

Jebb's Pool is a great place to swim - when we were there some kids were using the cascades above the pool as a natural waterslide.

The track starts at the car park out the front of the campground (walk along the edge of the river). After you get through the campground (which has quite a spectacular setting) you come into the forest and the track is easy until you get to Jebb's Pool. At Jebb's Pool the track crosses the river and after that it is a little more difficult, with a number of river crossings, but the stepping stones meant that we never even got our feet wet.

At the end of the walk you are rewarded for your efforts by Cumberland Falls, which are quite small but pretty. It's a great place to hang out for a bit before heading back. You can swim here too if you like.

There is plenty of wildlife on this walk, we saw a number of different bird species and a lot of skinks. One was quite large - much bigger than your typical garden variety lizards (but not as big as a blue-tongue).

Notes:
- Some of the other "Cumberland River Walks" that you might see online are actually longer walks that encompass other areas as well.
- Sorry, no dogs allowed in the Otway National Park.
- The location of points of interest are indicative only.

14645 Views

Points of Interest

1. Ducks

Black ducks and wood ducks (pictured) are common on the lower part of the river especially. Some are quite tame and will let you get very close.

2. Campground backdrop

The cliff next to the river provides a pretty spectacular backdrop to the campground that you walk through to start.

3. Forest path

The path through the forest is wide and flat to start with, until you get as far as Jebbs Pool.

4. River forest

The walk follows the river through the forest.

5. River crossing

Make sure you have a good look around at the first point where you cross the river - the view is impressive.

6. Jebb's Pool

Above Jebb's Pool the river cascades over these rocks, which these children were using as a natural water slide.

7. Upper river

Above Jebb's Pool the landscape along the river changes, but is still very beautiful.

8. Skinks

As you get towards the end of the walk there is a lot of walking/climbing over rocks involved. Look out for skinks soaking up the sun.

9. Cumberland Falls

The falls are not high, but provide a lovely place to hang out before you head back, with a pool suitable for swimming (although not as big as Jebb's Pool).

Features

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river