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.
Lady Talbot Drive is closed until further notice. Check change of conditions below for details.
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
O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed
The Dee Rd Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safetySubsequently, the O'Shanassy Aqueduct trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Rd Picnic Ground, please plan your visit accordingly. We would recommend accessing the western section of the Trail from the Dee Rd Picnic Ground (Millgrove) and the eastern section from the Yuonga Rd Picnic Ground (Warburton).Works to provide continued access to the trail are due to commence in 2022 with completion expected in 2023.Road access closed to the Californian Redwoods Forest
Yarra Ranges Council Cement Creek Road Bridge works: Road access closed to the Redwoods- Yarra Ranges Council is
completing works to rehabilitate and upgrade Cement Creek Road Bridge.
These works are currently impacting road and vehicle access to the Cement
Creek Redwood Forest and car park.
- While the Cement Creek
Redwood Forest itself is not closed, vehicle access will remain closed
into 2023 as bridge works are being completed.
- Visitors can still
access the Cement Creek Redwood Forest by bike or on foot via the
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, however please note this journey is
approximately a 16km round trip.
- Information about the
Council’s Cement Creek Road Bridge upgrades and expected construction
timelines are available on their website at https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Development/Council-projects-works/Cement-Creek-Bridge-Upgrade-Project
- Yarra Ranges Council is
completing works to rehabilitate and upgrade Cement Creek Road Bridge.
These works are currently impacting road and vehicle access to the Cement
Creek Redwood Forest and car park.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
FIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKS - Warramate Hills N.C.R
Impact: Park users may notice equipment and works crews in the vicinity of Killara Road. Please follow the instructions of work crews if you need to go through the site. Selected vegitation removal and mulching will be taking place to improve the fuelbreak network in this area.Why: This work is maintaining the existing fire access roads and fuel breaks, which are critical for firefighter and emergency vehicle access and safety in the event of a fire or other emergency.
