Grade 1

Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)

Yarra State Forest

Victoria

5.2km

2.5 hrs

Grade 3

Circuit

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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:
3
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
6 Reviews
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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.

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.

Practical information

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

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
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GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Register your plans

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

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

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

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

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Gallery

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Photos: Darren Edwards

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Ada Tree & Federal Mill Circuit Walk (5.2km)

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

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Acknowledgement of Country

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

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:

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