Ada to Starlings Gap via New Ada Mill (16.1km), Yarra State Forest, Victoria

Ada to Starlings Gap via New Ada Mill is a 16.1km, grade 3 hike located in the Yarra State Forest, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hrs to complete.

Length: 16.1km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade: 3

Style: One Way

Start: Ada Picnic Area

End: Starlings Gap

Location: Yarra State Forest

Closest town: Warburton

Victoria

From state capital: 120km

Longitude: 145.8677522

Latitude: -37.81850401

Hike summary

This is a very beautiful Ada to Starlings Gap via New Ada Mill hike that passes the Ada Tree. One of the largest trees in Australia, at 76 metres high. It passes through some very beautiful and lush rain forest. It has well deserved reputation as a very scenic walk.

Starting at the Ada Tree Picnic area, after approx 1.6km you will come to the Ada Tree. Then follow the marked trail to Federal Mill and on to the Crossroads. Where you can take the diversion to the New Ada Mill (or Ada Mill if you wish). After returning to the crossroads continue to Starlings Gap.

The trails are mostly over old tram tracks and therefore of gentle incline. The Ada to Federal Mill is over gently undulating ground, plus from Crossroads to New Ada Mill is a mild incline.

Overall one of the most beautiful hikes in the Melbourne Area for sure.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 16179 m
Max elevation: 802 m
Min elevation: 685 m
Total climbing: 664 m
Total descent: -665 m

Download file: Ada to Starlings Gap via New Ada Mill.gpx

Trail Features

Tips

This area can have a lot of leeches so bring your favourite leech remedy or repellant.
This can be started from either end, just make sure you have transport arranged at the end.

Gear you might need

As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>

Location

Access Conditions

2WD Access

Getting there

There are various routes to do, but perhaps the simplest is to find your way to Powelltown (assuming you come from the West), then look for the turn off to Big Creek Road on your left (roughly 6km after Powelltown). Follow the signs to Ada Tree.

Get directions

Let someone know before you go

It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.

Weather

Gallery

If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

Upload photos

Hikes you might like

Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.

Suggest an edit

Does this hike info need updating? maybe the route, features or access conditions have changed? Suggest an edit here.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

Preparing to Hike | Hiking Safety | Hiking Skills | Hike Navigation | Hacks and Tips