Deep in the Yarra Ranges, Marysville provides access to picturesque waterfalls and deep primordial forest. Take the Lady Talbot Drive to see Taggerty Cascades, visit the abandoned town of Cambarville and see Victoria's tallest known tree or go to Lake Mountain for snowplay, mountain biking, wildflower displays and walks.
Marysville is the gateway to the remotest part of the Yarra Ranges National Park and one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum. There is no better way to introduce yourself to this mountainous cool temperate rainforest than by taking a drive along the stunning Lady Talbot Drive. Stop for picturesque strolls at the Beeches Walk, Taggerty Cascades and Phantom and Keppel Falls.
If you like some heritage mixed in with your waterfall walks, visit the abandoned sawmilling township of Cambarville. Although the ruins were damaged in a recent bushfire, you can still see where the houses once stood and the deep cuts in the old stumps where tree fellers fitted boards to stand on while they cut above the wide buttresses of the giant Mountain Ash trees. The walk here passes some pretty waterfalls and the 'Big Tree', the tallest known Mountain Ash in Victoria.
The Yarra Ranges reach their highest altitude as they rise to 1400 metres above sea level at Lake Mountain. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy walks among wildflowers and views across the Alps to Mount Buller - or go mountain biking. In the winter, Lake Mountain is for snowplay, tobogganing and cross country-skiing.
If you like some heritage mixed in with your waterfall walks, visit the abandoned sawmilling township of Cambarville. Although the ruins were damaged in a recent bushfire, you can still see where the houses once stood and the deep cuts in the old stumps where tree fellers fitted boards to stand on while they cut above the wide buttresses of the giant Mountain Ash trees. The walk here passes some pretty waterfalls and the 'Big Tree', the tallest known Mountain Ash in Victoria.
The Yarra Ranges reach their highest altitude as they rise to 1400 metres above sea level at Lake Mountain. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy walks among wildflowers and views across the Alps to Mount Buller - or go mountain biking. In the winter, Lake Mountain is for snowplay, tobogganing and cross country-skiing.
Things to do in the area
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Mountain biking
Explore parks on two wheels with mountain bike trails to suit most experience and fitness levels.
Skiing and snow play
Stomp, ski, snowshoe or toboggan in Victoria's alpine region with snow season spanning from mid June to September each year.
Lady Talbot Drive
This scenic drive, featuring several attractions along the Taggerty River, was named after the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, Governor of Victoria from 1903 to 1908. If time permits stop for a picnic along the way or take one of the scenic walks.
Picnic areas in Yarra Ranges National Park
There are several designated picnic areas within the Yarra Ranges National Park including Donnellys Weir, Dom Dom Saddle, Fernshaw and Badger Weir Picnic Areas.
How to get there
Marysville Lake Mountain and Cambarville
Lake Mountain is 120km from Melbourne. Follow the Maroondah Highway through the Black Spur taking the turn at Narbethong to Marysville. From Marysville follow Woods Point Road for 11km to Lake Mountain Road. A further 11km and you arrive at Lake Mountain.
Lady Talbot Drive commences from Woods Point Rd, on the edge of Marysville township.
To get to Cambarville Historic Township keep going a further 6.5km past the Lake Mountain turnoff on Woods Point Road.
Lady Talbot Drive commences from Woods Point Rd, on the edge of Marysville township.
To get to Cambarville Historic Township keep going a further 6.5km past the Lake Mountain turnoff on Woods Point Road.
When you're there
Yarra Ranges National Park visitor sites are open every day, including weekends and public holidays. Numerous picnic areas and walking tracks are open to the public, however sections of the park are designated closed water catchments and are not publicly accessible.
During the snow season a fee is charged for entry to the alpine resort at Lake Mountain. For snow season information please obtain a Lake Mountain snow brochure from the Marysville Visitor Information Centre or Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Visitor Centre. For more information, go to lakemountainresort.com.au
All walks at Lake Mountain start from the main car park and visitor centre. During the designated snow season, ski trails are managed for skiing only. Walking on the ski trails during this time is prohibited. Lake Mountain Summit and Summit Loop Walk are open to walkers all year around.
During the snow season a fee is charged for entry to the alpine resort at Lake Mountain. For snow season information please obtain a Lake Mountain snow brochure from the Marysville Visitor Information Centre or Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Visitor Centre. For more information, go to lakemountainresort.com.au
All walks at Lake Mountain start from the main car park and visitor centre. During the designated snow season, ski trails are managed for skiing only. Walking on the ski trails during this time is prohibited. Lake Mountain Summit and Summit Loop Walk are open to walkers all year around.
Need to know
Marysville Lake Mountain and Cambarville
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 Sites
Cambarville Toilet Block Closed
Cambarville Toilet Block Closed until further notice. -
Yarra Ranges National Park
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed
The Dee Road Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safety
Subsequently, the O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Road Picnic Ground. Please plan your visit accordingly. We recommend accessing the western section of the Trail from the Dee Road Picnic Ground in Millgrove and the eastern section from the Yuonga Road Picnic Ground in Warburton.Works to provide continued access to the trail are being investigated. -
Big Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)
Big Peninsula Stepping Stones Closed
Big Peninsula Stepping Stones closed due to flood damage. Follow signage onsite for alternative access to the tunnel viewing platform. -
Little Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)
Little Peninsula Bridge Closed
The Little Peninsula Bridge is closed due to risk of collapse. Alternative access to view the tunnel is via the upper/western car park. -
Phantom Falls (MARYSVILLE STATE FOREST, Yarra Ranges National Park)
Phantom Falls walk closure
The walking track to Phantom Falls is currently closed due to extensive storm damage. The second bridge and viewing platform are damaged and deemed unsafe. The track is overgrown and has numerous fallen tree obstructions.Access beyond the first bridge, overlooking the Taggerty River is not permitted.Access to the carpark, picnic area and first bridge is still permitted. -
Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area - Toilet Closure
Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area toilets are permanently closed and will be removed in their entirety at a later date.The nearest toilets are at Fernshaw Picnic ground.