Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 850m
Min elevation: 675m
Total Ascent: 856m
Hike overview
Winding through the towering forests of the Yarra State Forest, the Starling Gap Ada Tree Circuit is a 25-kilometre hike rich in both natural beauty and historical intrigue. Allow around six to seven hours for the full circuit, which traces the remnants of a once-busy network of timber tramways and sawmills that shaped the early 20th-century logging industry in this region. It’s a walk that invites you to slow down, observe, and reflect — not just on the landscape, but on the layered stories beneath your feet.
The hike begins at Starling Gap Campground, the site of the old Portas Mill, which has long since returned to forest. From here, follow Big Creek Road for about 3.6 kilometres before keeping an eye out for a signposted VHC walking track on your right. This well-worn path leads gently uphill for roughly a kilometre before you reach a less-defined track branching left. Here, the trail slips into the cool, shaded stillness of a mature Mountain Ash forest, where myrtle beech, tree ferns and sassafras cluster together in the damp gullies.
Before long, you’ll reach the site of the New Ada Mill — one of several abandoned mill sites scattered along this route. Many of these are not immediately obvious, their timber structures having long decayed into the soil, but with a little attention you’ll notice rusted machinery, moss-covered rails, and subtle earthworks hinting at what once stood here. Continuing south, the trail brings you to a four-way junction — a key point on the circuit.
From the junction, veer east and follow the trail that shadows the Little Ada River toward one of the walk’s highlights: the Ada Tree. This giant mountain ash is one of Victoria’s most significant trees, both in size and age. Estimated to be over 300 years old, it towers around 76 metres high with a base circumference of 15 metres. Standing beneath it, surrounded by silence and filtered light, it’s hard not to feel a sense of reverence. This tree has withstood storms, fires and decades of change — a living reminder of the ancient forest that once blanketed much of this landscape.
After spending time with the Ada Tree, continue south on Federal Track to reach another trail junction. Turn west here and follow the path past the New Federal Mill site, eventually looping back to the earlier four-way junction. Before heading back to camp, consider a short detour south to the Ada No. 2 Mill site — a ten-minute return walk that’s well worth the time. Of all the sites along the circuit, this area offers perhaps the clearest glimpse into the forest’s industrial past, with the most visible and widespread remnants of milling infrastructure.
To complete the circuit, follow the Ada River Walking Track as it meanders north-west, guiding you past the Ada No. 1 and original Ada Mill sites before arriving back at Starling Gap.
There’s a timeless quality to this part of the forest. Old sawdust heaps and moss-covered tramway cuttings are still visible nearby, hinting at how nature has gradually reclaimed what industry once cleared. On weekends, the site can draw a few bushwalking groups, but there’s often still plenty of room to find a quiet spot and enjoy the solitude.
Whether you’re there for the towering forests, the rich history, or simply the pleasure of a long day on foot, the Starling Gap Ada Tree Circuit offers a grounded, rewarding experience — one that brings together the human and the wild in a landscape that continues to evolve.
Starling Gap Campground
Starling Gap itself is a quiet, ridge-top clearing tucked within lush wet sclerophyll forest. It serves as a base for both this circuit and a wider network of walking trails in the region, which together cover over 100 kilometres. The campground is simple but well maintained, offering free car-accessible camping with basic facilities including fire pits, picnic tables, a shelter, and a public toilet. Grassy areas slope gently away from the road and are edged by tall Mountain Ash, Blackwood, wattles, and tree ferns — offering a soft, cool atmosphere even in summer.
Tips
- This area can have a lot of leeches so bring your favourite leech remedy or repellant.
- May be muddy in places, sturdy footwear and gaiters recommended.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 851 m
Min elevation: 675 m
Total climbing: 856 m
Total descent: -855 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Yarra State Forest.
Getting to the trailhead at Starling Gap Campground is relatively straightforward, especially if you’re approaching from Melbourne or the western side of the Yarra Ranges. The easiest way is to head towards the small timber town of Powelltown, which lies east of Yarra Junction along the Warburton–Woods Point Road.
Roughly six kilometres after passing through Powelltown, keep an eye out for a left-hand turn onto Big Creek Road. This gravel road is usually well-maintained and signposted. Continue along Big Creek Road, following signs toward the Ada Tree. At the junction with Fitzpatrick Road, stay right to remain on Big Creek Road. After several more kilometres of forest-lined driving, you’ll reach the Starling Gap Campground, clearly marked and located on your right. There is space to park near the trailhead, with camping and basic facilities available if you plan to stay overnight.
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
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Winding Road
- Small Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Pit
- Camping Area
About the region
Tucked between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place where towering forests, cool mountain air, and ancient landscapes come together. Located on the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People, this region carries deep cultural significance alongside its natural beauty. Stretching across a vast area that includes Marysville, Healesville and Warburton, the park offers a welcome escape from the city and a chance to immerse yourself in some of Victoria’s most remarkable cool temperate rainforest.
The forest canopy is dominated by the Mountain Ash — the tallest flowering tree in the world — rising dramatically above a dense understorey of tree ferns and moss-covered Myrtle Beech. As you move through the park, the landscape shifts from open ridgelines to deep, fern-filled gullies. Here, clear mountain streams weave through the undergrowth, feeding both the Yarra River and several of Melbourne’s key reservoirs. These catchments are critical to the region's water supply and are carefully protected, so access is limited in some areas.
Mount Donna Buang is a standout feature of the park. A drive to the summit reveals broad views across the Yarra Valley, and on clear days, you might spot both Western Port and Port Phillip Bay in the distance. It’s also the site of the Rainforest Gallery, a short elevated walkway that takes you into the canopy of the Mountain Ash — an experience that offers a very different feel compared to being on the forest floor. In the colder months, the mountain becomes a snowy retreat. For generations, it has been the first place many Melburnians have seen snow, and it remains a popular destination for snow play and tobogganing during winter.
Healesville marks the beginning of the Black Spur Drive — a scenic stretch of road known for its sweeping bends and the sheer scale of the forest that envelops it. The drive to Narbethong winds through some of the tallest and oldest stands of Mountain Ash in the country. It’s a beautiful route to take slowly, with several picnic spots and short walks to break up the journey. Donnelly’s Weir, Dom Dom Saddle, and Maroondah Reservoir Park are well worth stopping for, offering quiet places to stretch your legs, enjoy a packed lunch, or take a short walk beneath the towering trees.
The Yarra Ranges National Park blends the accessible with the remote. It’s close enough for a day trip, yet offers the kind of immersion in nature that feels far more distant. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a peaceful walk among giants, or a family-friendly snow day, this region has something to offer year-round.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Yarra State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
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.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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.