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.
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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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. -
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. -
Cambarville circuit walk (Yarra Ranges National Park)
The lower section of Cumberland walking track at Cambarville is closed until further notice (Cora Lynn falls remains open)
- The lower section of the Cumberland walking track is closed until further notice, however Cora Lynn falls remains open.
- The upper section of Cumberland track including the Elephant Tree and the Big Tree are still open.Attachments: Cambarville_A4_0412 (1,190KB)
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Yarra Ranges National Park
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed
The Dee Road Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safetySubsequently, the O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Road Picnic Ground. 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. Please plan your visit accordingly.Works to provide continued access to the trail are being investigated.Southern Fall of Donna Buang Deer Control night closures
Parks Victoria will be undertaking deer control works on the southern fall of Mt Donna Buang between April 22nd and 30th August 2024. During this time sections of the O'shannassy aqueduct, the Mt Victoria walking track and a number of access points to this area will be closed between the dusk and dawn, approximately 5pm in the evening and 6am in the morning. These specific times will change with daylight hours. Signage will be placed at all access points to the control zone. Please read these signs and for public safety reasons do not enter the site if they state control is taking place. Please refer to the attached map for more information or call 131963.Temporary closures for southern fall of Mount Donna Buang
Parks Victoria will be undertaking deer control works on the southern fall of Mt Donna Buang between April 22nd and 30th August 2024. During this time sections of the O'shannassy aqueduct, the Mt Victoria walking track and a number of access points to this area will be closed between the dusk and dawn, approximately 5pm in the evening and 6am in the morning. Signage will be placed at all access points to the control zone. Please read these signs and for public safety reasons do not enter the site if they state control is taking place. Please refer to the attached map for more information or call 131963. -
Big Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)
Big Peninsula Stepping Stones Closed
Big Peninsula Stepping Stones closed due to flood damage. -
Little Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)
Little Peninsula Bridge Closed
Little Peninsula Bridge closed due to storm damage.