Mountain Ash Trails and Forest Walks near Powelltown, Victoria

Just 80 kilometres east of Melbourne, the Yarra State Forest offers a refreshing change of pace from city life, with a wide range of walks, bushwalks, hikes and scenic drives that wind through towering mountain ash and lush fern-filled gullies. Located near the small town of Powelltown in Victoria, this forested area is easily reached for a day trip or a weekend escape, and provides plenty of options for both casual walkers and those seeking longer hikes through diverse terrain.

Powelltown and its surrounds are known for their impressive forests, where the mighty mountain ash dominates the skyline. These trees, among the tallest flowering plants on Earth, are part of a wet sclerophyll forest system that supports one of the most productive ecosystems found anywhere. Some of these giants soar to over 100 metres in height, their straight, towering trunks creating a dramatic sense of scale as you pass beneath them.

But there’s more variety in these forests than you might expect at first glance. The area includes a mix of forest types that change with altitude and moisture. At slightly lower elevations, damp sclerophyll forest takes over, with species like mountain grey gum and messmate thriving in the cooler, shaded slopes. In the moist, sheltered gullies, cool temperate rainforest appears, where myrtle beech and southern sassafras grow thickly, their leaves forming a green canopy overhead. The result is a varied walking experience that moves through dramatically different forest environments, all within a relatively compact area.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the forest. If you’re lucky, you might spot swamp wallabies, wombats, echidnas, or even a platypus along one of the creek lines. At dusk, several species of possums and gliders emerge. Keep your ears open too – the calls of the Superb Lyrebird, a skilled mimic, echo through the trees. This remarkable bird can imitate a wide range of other birdcalls, from kookaburras to currawongs, adding an unexpected layer to the forest’s soundtrack.

Access to the trails, camping areas, and picnic sites is via well-formed gravel roads that are usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though caution is needed in wet conditions or after heavy rain. At higher elevations like Starlings Gap or near the Ada Tree, occasional snowfall in winter can make the roads more challenging. Many of the roads are narrow and winding, and they’re also used by logging trucks, so take care and adjust your speed accordingly.

There are several excellent places to camp, with Latrobe River Camping Area and Starlings Gap being the main campgrounds within the forest. Both offer basic facilities including toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to arrive early during holiday periods.

Picnickers are well catered for too, with sites at Powelltown, Seven Acre Rock, Big Pats Creek, Latrobe River, Ada Tree and Starlings Gap. These spots make great starting points or rest stops for walks of varying lengths, many of which connect to longer bushwalks or loops that follow the forest’s contours through gullies and ridgelines.

Yarra State Forest has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for short family walks, more demanding day hikes, or peaceful places to camp and unwind among some of Victoria’s most impressive native trees.

Want to find the best trails in Yarra State Forest for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.