Photographing Swallow Cave Falls

Swallow Cave Falls aka Upper Sheoak Falls

About Swallow Cave Falls

Swallow Cave (Upper Sheoak) Falls is about 6km from the town of the hoilday / beach town of Lorne. The falls are really what I would call a cascade of 4 o 5 mini-drops. During summer, these falls reduce to a trickle (as in the above photo). After heavy rains though a torrent poors down and it can look quite nice. I have cropped the bulk of the cascades out of the above photo. The falls are not far from the car park. They are also on a nice 7km walk that takes in Castle Rock. A picnic spot is nearby to make an outing oof a visit here. This all makes the falls a reasonably busy tourist attraction, so if you are going to photograph the falls, try to get there early and after good rains.

The Love Lorne website provides a nice map of Lorne, its district, and the various walking and waterfalls in the area.

Viewpoints

There is really only one main choice:

1. From the Lower area, on the river. The photograph above was taken from the Lower Area. In this case the weather was overcast and the sky just a uniform grey. While I love a bright blue sky contrasting with the lush green to found around waterfalls - I dont like grey at all, so I composed the shot to crop it out. As mentioned above, I also had to crop out the rather nice pool at the bottom due to the amount of branches and sticks that had been brought down by a storm.

Water Flow & Conditions

Water flow varies with recent rainfall and season. Higher flow gives power and separated strands; moderate flow often preserves rock texture and is easier to expose. Never enter a creek or cross barriers to improve a composition.

Other Things to Look Out For

How I photographed the falls

What I took - what was in my kit

I took my LowePro Backpack loaded with Canon 5DMkII body, Canon 24-105mm zoom, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant. I tended to shoot 28-55mm depending on how tight I was cropping.

Techniques

As with any waterfall, I want to blur the water but not the surrounding vegitation. That means using a long exposure and a tripod. I could have used NR filters, but in this case I didnt.

Location

Swallow Cave Falls, Great Otway National Park near Lorne, Victoria

Approximate coordinates: -38.55020, 143.96100

Markers identify photographic objectives rather than guaranteed parking spaces or open access.

Apple Map – Waterfall and Nearby Photographic Locations

This Apple Map shows the principal subject and nearby photographic locations. Verify signs, road status and track conditions before relying on a marker for access.

How to Get There

The best way to get to the falls is by car. It can be accessed by bike or walking from the town of Lorne. The falls are about 150km from Melbourne (2.5 hours drive) and about 6km from the town of Lorne by road, or about 4km by foot.

If taking a car from Lorne, take the Great Ocean Rd south west from Lorne towards Wye River. After about 4km there is a a bridge over the Sheoak Creek and a car park just over the bridge. Park here. The falls are about 1.5km up the walking path.

If walking from Lorne, I would recommend taking the Allenvale Rd. I also recommend the Love Lorne map or a local walking map though.

Apple Map – Driving from the State Capital

The route ends at the road-accessible destination configured above. Driving distance and time are Apple Maps estimates.

Current Access / Conditions

Follow all barriers and remain on formed public access. Do not enter flooded roads, unstable cliff edges, sensitive wetlands or closed tracks.

Best Time to Visit

These are falls that need water running over them, so post reasonable rains is best. This is likely to mean late winter / early spring. During this time the local vegitation is also greener and richer. During the summer months this can become a reasonably busy tourist spot - meaning that you might have to wait 15min to get the shot you want without people in the shot.

Accessibility

The falls are located near the Sheoak falls and are just along a short path. This path was not terribly wide, and did have some steps in it. It was fine for a nice gentle walk, even with camera gear, but would not suit a wheelchair or most bikes.

Nearby Locations

Nearby photographic locations

1. Sheoak Falls
2. Erskine Falls

Where to Stay

Lorne is an obvious choice here. It ia lovely town with many attractions, good hotels, a nice caravan park, and lots of nice and inexpensive resturants. If travelling in the summer / holiday period though, you will need to book.

Slight west of Lorne is Apollo Bay. I also recommend this for accomodation. The same can be said of Apollo Bay. It is further from these falls though.

Photography Recommendations

Photography recommendations

• Begin with a clear environmental composition before concentrating on details.
• Use a tripod only where it will not obstruct a path, platform, jetty or working area.
• Bracket high-contrast scenes and protect important highlights.
• Use a telephoto to simplify distant layers and avoid approaching wildlife or fragile features.
• Revisit the principal viewpoint as weather, tide or light changes.

Photographing Moving Water

Photographing moving water

Begin around 1/4 to 1 second and adjust to retain texture in the flow. Use the polariser to manage glare, not simply to maximise saturation, and check the lens frequently for spray.

Suggested Photographic Sequence

1. Record the trail and forest context on the approach.
2. Make the principal fall composition before the area becomes busy.
3. Work tighter studies of water, rock and ferns.
4. Return to the main frame if cloud softens the contrast.

How Long Should a Photographer Stay?

Allow two to four hours, including walking, safe setup and time for light or visitors to change. Combine nearby falls only if each receives enough unhurried time.

My Priority Photographs

1. A balanced environmental portrait of Swallow Cave Falls
2. A medium-shutter image retaining water texture
3. A tighter detail combining water, rock and ferns
4. A rainforest image that explains the approach

Waterfall Information

Include only facts that can be verified. Remove rows that are not relevant or cannot be reliably documented.