Mushroom Rocks is a collection of monumental granite boulders hidden in thick montane forest. Escape the crowds and follow a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track from Mount Erica Carpark to reach this hidden gem on the Baw Baw Plateau.
Escape Melbourne for a daytrip or overnight stay at Mushroom Rocks. The drive to this special place near the summit of Mount Erica is stunning. Starting at Mount Erica Carpark, follow the Australian Alps Walking Track through Mountain Ash forest dotted with silver wattle. There's a good chance you will see a Superb Lyrebird here, so tread quietly and look out for this charismatic creature scratching around in the undergrowth for food.
It's only 3km to the rocks from the carpark, but it's a challenging walk. Eventually the vegetation changes to Snowgum and you will start to see the massive granite tors draped in moss that give this place its name. Camping is allowed, but there are no facilities. This is a beautiful spot whenever you visit, but if you wake up here on a misty morning, it is simply magical.
It's only 3km to the rocks from the carpark, but it's a challenging walk. Eventually the vegetation changes to Snowgum and you will start to see the massive granite tors draped in moss that give this place its name. Camping is allowed, but there are no facilities. This is a beautiful spot whenever you visit, but if you wake up here on a misty morning, it is simply magical.
Things to do in the area
Baw Baw Plateau
The Baw Baw Plateau features extensive sub-alpine woodlands dominated by Snow Gum with a scrubby understorey of Mueller’s Bush-pea, Alpine Pepper and Dusty Daisy-bush.
Camping in Baw Baw National Park
Dispersed bush camping is permitted on the Baw Baw Plateau. The Plateau is a fuel stove only area – no solid fuel fires are permitted and collecting firewood prohibited in the Park. The area falls within domestic water supply catchments, so care must be taken with the disposal of human waste.
Mount St Gwinear
Mount St Gwinear is a family-friendly snow attraction with free entry which offers toboggan runs, cross country trails, a snowplay area and a heated shelter room. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from a food van on weekends and school holidays.
How to get there
Mushroom Rocks
The Mushroom Rocks Walk starts at Mount Erica carpark. Take the Mount Erica Road turn off from C481 Thomson Valley Road.
When you're there
The trail to Mushroom Rocks is part of the Australian Alps Walking Track and continues on to the 1500m-high summit of Mount Erica, 2.5km away.
The Beech Gully Nature Walk also departs from Mount Erica carpark and is a short 30 minute circuit through groves of Myrtle Beech and fern gullies.
Dispersed camping is permitted here and across the Baw Baw Plateau. There is a toilet at Mount Erica carpark, but there are no facilities at Mushroom Rocks.
The Beech Gully Nature Walk also departs from Mount Erica carpark and is a short 30 minute circuit through groves of Myrtle Beech and fern gullies.
Dispersed camping is permitted here and across the Baw Baw Plateau. There is a toilet at Mount Erica carpark, but there are no facilities at Mushroom Rocks.
Need to know
Mushroom Rocks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
Similar Experiences
Masons Falls
Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Masons Falls Picnic Area. Set among towering gums, the large shelters and free gas barbecues make it the perfect place for a social gathering. The short waterfall walk is a real highlight.
Lerderderg Campground
Lerderderg campground is five kilometres from O'Brien's Crossing on Upper Chadwick Track and has picnic tables, toilets and fireplaces.