Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover a slice of Victoria's natural beauty on the Ada Tree and Federal Mill Circuit, located in the Yarra State Forest. Starting and ending at the Ada Tree Picnic Area, this 5.2km circuit trail, just a stone's throw from Warburton and 100km from Melbourne, offers a moderate hike through lush bushland and past one of the world's largest trees, the Ada Tree. The trail takes you past the serene creek and historic Federal Mill, making it a perfect choice for bushwalkers keen to immerse themselves in nature's charm.

Length:

5.2km

Duration:

2.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 791m

Min elevation: 723m

Total Ascent: 171m

Start: Ada Tree Picnic Area

End: Ada Tree Picnic Area

Yarra State Forest

Victoria

Nearby town: Warburton

From state capital: 100km

Latitude: -37.81836149115346

Longitude: 145.86793543469904

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Hike overview

This short Ada Tree and Federal Mill Circuit is a real delight to wander through, it is a very scenic and beautiful hike. Plus it includes the Ada Tree, one of the largest trees in the world. Start at the Ada Tree Picnic area and follow the marked trail to the Ada Tree. Take your time to admire the surrounds. Once you reach the Ada Tree the trail will follow a boardwalk for a short distance and then reach a junction. Go right to follow the trail to Federal Mill. The trail will gradually narrow and you'll find yourself in dark and lush bush again. To your right you will hear and catch glimpses of the creek. Once you reach Federal Mill the trail back is to your left. At the time of writing the trail sign had been vandalised. The trail from here is in more open bush and will soon meet up with the access road. Follow this back to the carpark.

Tips

The circuit can be taken either way. Plus there may be leeches so bring your favourite leech repellent/remedy.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)

Total distance: 5199 m
Max elevation: 791 m
Min elevation: 723 m
Total climbing: 171 m
Total descent: -171 m

Gallery

Photos: Darren Edwards

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Yarra State Forest.

There are a number of ways to get there, and once you leave the main road the area is a maze of interconnecting roads. So make sure you bring a map or reliable GPS. From Warburton follow Warburton-Woods Point Road, Brahams Road, Big Creek Road to the east and then Ada River Road. Or via Powelltown – Noojee Road either take Big Creek Road to the east of Powelltown or New Turkey Road to the west of Noojee to Ada River Road.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Emerald, Gladysdale, Healesville, Heathcote, Launching Place, Marysville, Millgrove, Monbulk, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Toolangi, Warburton, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Yarra State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)

6 Reviews on “Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)”

Overall rating

Virginia Cuthbert

Rod Brown Mandy Brown good times ?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Diane Godfrey

Ley Stewart

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Cassie Pronk

Andrea!

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Mathew Lawrence

Isabelle Day

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Liz Wilkinson

Ellery Wilkinson lets get on it ! It’s just a itty bitty walk though

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Acknowledgement of Country

Ada tree & federal mill circuit walk (5. 2km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

April 15, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)