The Lady Talbot Drive is a scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of fantastic walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. The drive from Melbourne includes the famous Black Spur Drive, another road known for its scenic beauty. Bring a picnic and escape the city for a day.
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. It is seasonally closed, so check before you visit.
To really appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient rainforest, stop for a picnic along the way or take one of the scenic walks. There's a pretty good chance you'll see a lyrebird scratching in the undergrowth - or hear them micmicking the cries of other birds.
The Beeches Rainforest Walk is a loop that starts at Taggerty Cascades before meandering through Myrtle Beech and Mountain Ash woodland. Stop for lunch at the Beeches Picnic Area.
Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls are also worth stopping to see along the way. Waterfalls and lyrebirds are best seen after wet weather, so this is a great trip to undertake during or after rainy weather.
To really appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient rainforest, stop for a picnic along the way or take one of the scenic walks. There's a pretty good chance you'll see a lyrebird scratching in the undergrowth - or hear them micmicking the cries of other birds.
The Beeches Rainforest Walk is a loop that starts at Taggerty Cascades before meandering through Myrtle Beech and Mountain Ash woodland. Stop for lunch at the Beeches Picnic Area.
Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls are also worth stopping to see along the way. Waterfalls and lyrebirds are best seen after wet weather, so this is a great trip to undertake during or after rainy weather.
Things to do in the area
BBQ
Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
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.
Long drives
Venture out on a regional road trip with some of Australia's most scenic drives taking you to its most spectacular natural attractions.
Picnics
Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
How to get there
Lady Talbot Drive
Lady Talbot Drive is just over two hours' drive from Melbourne. Follow the Maroondah Highway through the Black Spur taking the turn at Narbethong to Marysville. Lady Talbot Drive commences from Woods Point Rd, on the edge of Marysville township.
When you're there
Lady Talbot Drive road conditions vary seasonally and the road can be subject to closures. Four‐wheel drives are recommended above the Keppel Falls carpark. Please check the website before planning your trip to avoid disappointment. Currently the road is closed between the Queen’s Birthday and Melbourne Cup long weekends.
Along the 24km stretch of road, there are a number of cascades or falls. From Marysville, you'll come to Phantom Falls first followed by Keppel Falls. These are very short walks from their carparks. For a longer walk, stop at Taggerty Cascades or The Beeches Picnic Area and do the Beeches Rainforest Walk.
Download the Yarra Ranges - Lady Talbot Drive, Cambarville and Lake Mountain visitor guide before your visit.
Along the 24km stretch of road, there are a number of cascades or falls. From Marysville, you'll come to Phantom Falls first followed by Keppel Falls. These are very short walks from their carparks. For a longer walk, stop at Taggerty Cascades or The Beeches Picnic Area and do the Beeches Rainforest Walk.
Download the Yarra Ranges - Lady Talbot Drive, Cambarville and Lake Mountain visitor guide before your visit.
Need to know
Lady Talbot Drive
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.
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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Yarra Ranges National Park
Lady Talbot Drive closed until further notice
Due to increased risk of tree fall from recent and forecast high rainfall, Lady Talbot Drive is closed including access to Phantom Falls, Keppel Falls, Taggerty River Cascades and The Beeches Walk. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2020
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.
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Cement Creek Redwood Forest (Yarra Ranges National Park)
Redwood Forest Warburton closed until further notice
In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer about COVID-19, the Redwood Forest Warburton is closed until further notice. For more information, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19
