Photographing Triplet Falls

About Triplet Falls

About the falls

Triplet Falls is a set of cascades that are just near the 'Otway Fly' park and within several kilometres of Hopetoun and Beauchamp Falls. The falls are near the end of a pleasant scenic walk though the bush. The falls are awkward to photograph, as while there are many viewpoints from the walking path, they all seems to have vegitation growing between the path and the falls, partially obstructing the view.

Triplet Falls is one of the most attractive rainforest waterfalls in Victoria's Great Otway National Park.

Located in the Beech Forest hinterland, the waterfall is formed by Youngs Creek as it descends through a deeply shaded gully in a series of three principal cascades.

The falls are surrounded by classic Otway wet forest containing:

1. Mountain Ash.
2. Myrtle Beech.
3. Blackwood.
4. Tree ferns.
5. Moss-covered logs.
6. Fungi and other rainforest details.

Some of the Mountain Ash trees along the walk are estimated to be more than 200 years old.

Triplet Falls differs photographically from nearby Hopetoun Falls.

Hopetoun presents a relatively clean single waterfall dropping into the Aire River, while Triplet Falls is a more complicated series of cascades partially enclosed by rainforest.

The challenge at Triplet Falls is therefore not simply to photograph the waterfall, but to organise the water, rocks, ferns and forest into a coherent composition.

The walk itself is also an important part of the photographic experience. It passes through beautiful rainforest and the remains of a former timber mill, including historic machinery and log-hauling artefacts.

Current Access - September 2026

Viewpoints

Without attempting to cross the creek or climb trees, I found that the only viewpoints were from along the track that ran beside the creek and gave partially obstructed views up the creek to the falls. There were several of these, none of them ideal in my opinion.

1. Main Triplet Falls Viewing Platform

   The principal viewing area provides the classic photograph of Triplet Falls descending through the rainforest.

   The strongest compositions generally need to balance:

   1. The principal cascades.
   2. Dark wet rocks.
   3. Surrounding tree ferns.
   4. The creek below the falls.

   Recommended lens: 24-70mm.

   I would begin at approximately 35-50mm rather than immediately using an ultra-wide lens.

   This keeps the waterfall visually important within the frame and removes some of the visual complexity of the surrounding forest.

2. Upper Cascades

   The upper sections of Triplet Falls provide more intimate compositions than the complete waterfall.

   Look for:

   1. Individual ribbons of water.
   2. Water spilling over dark rock shelves.
   3. Fern-framed sections of cascade.
   4. Contrasts between white water and wet vegetation.

   Recommended lenses: 70-200mm and 24-70mm.

   The 70-200mm is particularly useful for removing distracting vegetation and concentrating attention on the structure of the waterfall.

3. Lower Cascades

   The lower section provides another opportunity to photograph the falls as a series of individual cascades rather than one large waterfall.

   Try both horizontal and vertical compositions.

   A vertical frame can work particularly well when several levels of falling water can be aligned through the image.

   Look for dark rock or foliage around the edge of the frame to contain the brighter water.

4. Telephoto Cascade Details

   Triplet Falls is an excellent location for the 70-200mm lens.

   Rather than trying to show everything, isolate:

   1. A single cascade.
   2. Water striking a rock shelf.
   3. White water passing behind fern fronds.
   4. Small sections of moss-covered rock.
   5. Patterns created by several parallel streams of water.

   These photographs can be more distinctive than the conventional complete-waterfall view.

5. Fern-Framed Waterfall

   Tree ferns are one of the defining visual elements of the Otways.

   Use them deliberately rather than trying to eliminate all foreground vegetation.

   A fern frond can provide:

   1. A natural frame.
   2. Foreground depth.
   3. A sense of place.
   4. Colour contrast against the waterfall.

   Take care that a bright foreground fern does not become more visually important than the falls.

6. Elevated Rainforest Walkways

   The elevated walkways around Triplet Falls are photographic subjects in their own right.

   Look for:

   1. Walkways disappearing into the forest.
   2. Repeating rails and leading lines.
   3. Tree ferns arching across the path.
   4. A person included for scale.
   5. Wet timber reflecting soft light.

   A 24-70mm lens is ideal for these compositions.

7. Mountain Ash Forest

   Do not regard the forest simply as the route to the waterfall.

   The walk passes through impressive wet forest containing very old Mountain Ash.

   Try vertical compositions emphasising:

   1. The immense height of the trees.
   2. Tree ferns below the canopy.
   3. Contrasting trunk colours.
   4. Mist or filtered light.

   Both the 16-35mm and 70-200mm can work well here for completely different interpretations of the forest.

8. Historic Timber-Mill Remains

   Triplet Falls is also the site of a former timber mill.

   Historic log carts, machinery and other artefacts remain beside the walking track.

   These provide an important contrast to the natural rainforest.

   Look for:

   1. Rusting machinery.
   2. Old log-hauling equipment.
   3. Moss growing over industrial remains.
   4. Metal slowly being reclaimed by the forest.

   These images can add considerable historical depth to the final Auspano gallery.

9. Rainforest Details

   Some of the strongest photographs may have no waterfall in them at all.

   Look for:

   1. Moss-covered logs.
   2. Fungi.
   3. Fern patterns.
   4. Wet leaves.
   5. Water droplets.
   6. Tree bark.
   7. Small forest streams.

   These photographs help explain the extremely wet environment that creates Triplet Falls.

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 Linhof Technorama with Velvia 50 film for the panorama, and Canon 5DSR body, Canon 24 mm TS, Canon 16-35mm and Canon 35-70mm zoom Lenses, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant.

Techniques

I could only get side shots of the falls through the foliage. I tended to shoot short telephoto shots - i.e. around the 60-70mm range. A longer telephoto - in the range of 100-400mm might be more suited to avoid the foliage.

As with any falls, the water looks better (to me at least) with some movement in it, so a slow shutter speed helps to create this. The slow shutter speed in turn implies using a good tripod.

Location

Triplet Falls, Great Otway National Park, Victoria

Approximate coordinates: -38.66933, 143.48900

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 only way to get to the falls is via a car, from Melbourne, Geelong, or the Great Ocean Road towns of Lorne or Apollo Bay. There is no public transport to the falls. The falls are about 3 hours west of Melbourne along the Princes Highway. Past Gelong, continue to Colac where you turn left to Lavers Hill (Lavers Hill Road). At Ferguson, you turn left onto Beech Forest Road through Beech Forest village and shortly after turn right onto Binns Road. The Hopetoun Falls Rd is on your right and leads to the car park.

From Beech Forest

Follow the local roads towards Phillips Track and the signed Triplet Falls visitor area.

The final approach is through the forest and should be driven according to current road and weather conditions.

From Apollo Bay

Travel inland through the Otway hinterland towards Beech Forest and follow signs towards Triplet Falls.

Allow substantially more time than the straight-line distance suggests. Otway roads can be narrow, winding and slow.

From Colac

Approach the Great Otway National Park through the Beech Forest district and follow the local signs to Triplet Falls.

The Triplet Falls Walk

The official Triplet Falls circuit is approximately:

• 2 km.
• 1 hour.

The circuit passes through ancient rainforest on a combination of:

1. Natural walking track.
2. Steps.
3. Elevated walkways.
4. Viewing platforms.

Along the route are views of the upper and lower cascades together with interpretation of the area's rainforest and timber-milling history.

The nominal one-hour walking time is not realistic for a photographer carrying a tripod and stopping frequently.

Allow at least 1½-2 hours for a photographic circuit.

Parking and Large Vehicles

Parking is available at the Triplet Falls visitor area.

For photographers travelling with a large caravan, I would leave the caravan at the accommodation base and visit Triplet Falls using the tow vehicle alone.

This is particularly sensible because:

1. Otway forest roads can be narrow and winding.
2. Visitor parking can become busy.
3. Turning a long caravan combination is unnecessarily restrictive.

There is little advantage in towing a caravan to the falls when it can be left safely at the accommodation base.

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

As with any waterfall, there is more water over the falls during winter, and following good rains. Reasonable rains also mean that the bush is greener. However, the falls do not change much throughout the year and summer is the most popular time to visit the coast, and most people also visit the falls in summer. That can make for crowds (from a photographer's perspective) during summer holidays and weekends. As the falls are in a small valley, the time of day doesnt matter much. I have not seen a composition that has included sunset or sunrise.

Winter

Winter is one of the strongest periods for Triplet Falls.

Advantages include:

1. Strong waterfall flow.
2. Saturated rainforest colour.
3. Fungi.
4. Moss.
5. Frequent soft light.
6. Lower visitor numbers.

The disadvantages are wet, muddy and slippery walking conditions.

Spring

Spring is probably the best all-round period.

Water flow can remain strong while temperatures and walking conditions become more comfortable.

Autumn

Autumn can provide good rainfall, fungi and soft forest conditions.

It is another excellent period for rainforest photography.

Summer

Triplet Falls can still carry water through summer, but flow depends on recent rainfall.

Bright sunshine can also create difficult patches of extreme contrast across the waterfall and surrounding forest.

Overcast Conditions

Bright overcast conditions are close to ideal.

They provide:

1. Lower contrast.
2. More saturated foliage.
3. Longer natural shutter speeds.
4. Better control of waterfall highlights.

After Rain

Parks Victoria specifically notes that Triplet Falls becomes more spectacular after rain.

This is one of the best times photographically, but it is also when the track, steps and walkways may be at their most slippery.

I would prefer the day after substantial rain rather than attempting the walk during severe weather.

Accessibility

Triplet Falls should be considered a walking-track photographic location rather than an accessible roadside lookout.

There is a path from the car park that goes down to the water, runs along the river bank, and then returns to the car park. This is a nice open and clear dirt path.

The circuit includes:

1. Steps.
2. Steeper sections.
3. Uneven natural surfaces.
4. Potentially slippery surfaces.
5. Elevated walkways.

The complete waterfall circuit is therefore not suitable for wheelchair access.

Photographers with limited mobility should also consider the effect of carrying a tripod and camera bag on wet steps and uneven ground.

Parks Victoria currently identifies slippery surfaces, steep track and uneven ground as hazards at the Triplet Falls visitor area.

Facilities

Triplet Falls has a developed visitor and picnic area, but it remains a forest location rather than a major visitor centre.

Carry:

1. Drinking water.
2. Rain protection.
3. Suitable footwear.
4. Warm clothing in cooler conditions.

Mobile coverage should never be relied upon throughout the Otway hinterland.

Dogs are not permitted within the national park, except qualifying assistance dogs under the applicable conditions.

Nearby Locations

Nearby photographic locations

1. Hopetoun Falls
2. Beauchamp Falls

Where to Stay

The Beech Forest pub is a nice place to eat and have a beer after visiting the falls, but I dont think they have accomodation. Colac has a range of reasonable nice hotels. Apollo Bay is another 40mins south of the falls and is my pick of where to stay. It has a range of hotels and a caravan park. It also has good resturants, golf course, etc. If you are going to camp or use a caravan, then Beauchamp Falls has a lovely camp site at the car park next to the falls. This site is 'free camping' - meaning first in best dressed and no bookings. It would fit 10-15 camp sites and I have never seen more than 5 tents there. It has picnic table and toilets (Longdrop). This is also a great spot for a picnic after or before visiting the falls.

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is my preferred overall base for a multi-day photographic visit to this section of the Otways.

It provides access to:

1. Triplet Falls.
2. Hopetoun Falls.
3. Beauchamp Falls.
4. Otway Redwoods.
5. Maits Rest.
6. Cape Otway.
7. Johanna Beach.
8. The Great Ocean Road coastline.

It also provides a much wider range of accommodation, food, fuel and services than the small inland settlements.

For a large tow vehicle and 23-foot caravan, confirm the complete rig dimensions with the caravan park and request a site with generous access and turning room.

Beech Forest

Staying around Beech Forest places the photographer much closer to the principal inland waterfalls.

This can be useful if Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and the Otway Redwoods are the main photographic objectives.

Accommodation and other services are considerably more limited than in Apollo Bay.

Photography Recommendations

16-35mm

Useful for:

1. Wide rainforest scenes.
2. Mountain Ash forest.
3. Walkway compositions.
4. Environmental waterfall photographs.

I would not automatically use 16mm for the waterfall itself.

An excessively wide composition can make the falls appear small and introduce too much visual clutter.

24-70mm

This would be my principal Triplet Falls lens.

It is ideal for:

1. Complete waterfall compositions.
2. Vertical cascades.
3. Fern framing.
4. Forest scenes.
5. Historic machinery.

For the main waterfall I would begin around 35-50mm and adjust from there.

70-200mm

I would definitely carry the 70-200mm.

Triplet Falls is particularly well suited to a longer lens because it allows the photographer to extract clean compositions from a complicated rainforest environment.

Use it for:

1. Individual waterfall tiers.
2. Parallel streams of falling water.
3. Fern-framed cascades.
4. Mountain Ash details.
5. Fungi and forest details.

Tripod

A tripod is highly recommended.

It allows careful composition, low ISO and precise control of shutter speed.

Be considerate of other visitors when setting up on viewing platforms and narrow sections of walkway.

Circular Polariser

A circular polariser is one of the most useful accessories at Triplet Falls.

It can reduce reflections from:

1. Wet rocks.
2. Fern fronds.
3. Leaves.
4. Water surfaces.

This can dramatically improve colour saturation in the rainforest.

Rotate the polariser while observing the effect rather than automatically using maximum polarisation.

Neutral Density Filter

A 3-stop ND filter may occasionally be useful.

However, the dense forest often provides sufficiently low light for waterfall shutter speeds without an ND filter.

Shutter Speeds

Do not photograph every cascade at the same shutter speed.

Triplet Falls contains many different types of moving water, and each can respond differently to exposure time.

1. 1/30 to 1/10 second
   Retains considerable water texture and energy.
2. 1/8 to 1/4 second
   Provides an excellent compromise between texture and movement.
3. 1/2 to 2 seconds
   Creates the classic smooth waterfall appearance.
4. Several seconds
   Produces very soft, almost mist-like water.

My starting point would be approximately 1/4 to 1 second.

I would then make faster and slower alternatives.

Protect Waterfall Highlights

The white water can be several stops brighter than the surrounding rainforest.

Watch the histogram carefully and avoid clipping important detail in the brightest water.

If necessary, bracket exposures for a subtle natural blend.

Watch for Movement in Ferns

Long exposures can create an unexpected problem when wind moves fern fronds while the waterfall is being photographed.

If this occurs, make:

1. A slower exposure for the water.
2. A faster exposure for the vegetation.

The two can later be blended carefully if necessary.

Keep the Lens Dry

Carry several clean microfibre cloths.

Rain and dripping vegetation can place droplets on the front element without them being immediately obvious through the viewfinder.

Suggested photographic sequence

1. Arrive early.

   Early arrival provides quieter viewing platforms and fewer people on the walkways.

2. Photograph the Mountain Ash forest.

   Begin telling the story before reaching the waterfall.

3. Tree ferns and rainforest details.

   Look for ferns, moss, fungi and wet timber.

4. Historic timber-milling remains.

   Photograph machinery and artefacts being reclaimed by the forest.

5. First waterfall viewpoint.

   Make an environmental image before concentrating on individual cascades.

6. Main Triplet Falls composition.

   Begin with the 24-70mm around 35-50mm.

7. Vertical composition.

   Arrange several tiers of water through the frame.

8. Vary the shutter speed.

   Try approximately 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 second where conditions permit.

9. Switch to the 70-200mm.

   Isolate individual cascades and simplify the forest.

10. Fern-framed waterfall.

    Use vegetation deliberately rather than treating it as clutter.

11. Complete the circuit slowly.

    Look for additional forest and historical subjects rather than simply walking back to the car.

12. Optional - continue to Little Aire Falls.

    Do this only if sufficient time, weather and energy remain.

How long should a photographer stay?

Parks Victoria gives approximately one hour for the standard 2 km Triplet Falls circuit.

For serious photography I would allow approximately 1½-2 hours.

In excellent conditions involving:

1. Strong waterfall flow.
2. Mist.
3. Fungi.
4. Interesting forest light.

I would allow approximately 2½ hours.

If adding Little Aire Falls, the complete photographic excursion could easily occupy 4 hours or more.

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. Classic view showing the principal Triplet Falls cascades.
2. Vertical composition aligning several tiers of falling water.
3. Fern-framed waterfall composition.
4. Wide environmental photograph showing the waterfall within the rainforest.
5. Approximately 1/8-second version retaining water texture.
6. Approximately 1/2-second version.
7. Approximately 1-second smooth-water version.
8. 70-200mm photograph isolating an individual cascade.
9. Parallel ribbons of falling water.
10. White water against dark wet rock.
11. Tree fern framing.
12. Elevated walkway disappearing into rainforest.
13. Giant Mountain Ash vertical composition.
14. Person beneath Mountain Ash for scale.
15. Historic timber-mill machinery surrounded by rainforest.
16. Rust and moss detail.
17. Fungi if present.
18. Moss-covered fallen timber.
19. Water droplets on fern fronds.
20. Mist through Mountain Ash if conditions occur.

Waterfall Information

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