Redwood Forest

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Redwood Forest

Yarra Ranges National Park

Popular with Melbourne day-trippers and locals alike, the 'Warburton Redwoods' offer a serene escape. Whether you’re relaxing on the lawns with a picnic or wandering through the towering Californian Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) canopy, it’s a place of quiet wonder.

Originally planted in the 1930s as part of a hydrology experiment, these trees are now over 90 years old. While Californian Redwoods can live for over 2,000 years and reach heights of  115m, this 'young' forest at Cement Creek is already captivating due to its trees rising in striking, uniform rows.

The forest's two distinct plantations, located near the car park and along the Loop Trail, feature over 1,470 trees. These giants soar more than 55 metres into the sky, creating a powerful natural cathedral. The site was further developed in the 1960s with the addition of Radiata Pine and Western Red Cedar.

To see a different side of the forest, follow the Cement Creek trail to its confluence with the Yarra River. This beautiful loop walk offers a striking contrast to the redwoods, immersing you in a lush, native landscape of ancient ferns and towering Eucalypts. Keep a quiet eye out for Eastern Yellow Robins flitting through the dappled light.

For those seeking a longer journey, the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is located just north of Cement Creek Rd. To avoid the crowded Cement Creek Car Park, try the 16km return cycle or hike starting from the Yuonga Road car park.

The Cement Creek Redwood Forest is extremely popular. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting mid-week or early in the morning and later in the afternoon.

Things to do in the area

 
A section of the O'Shannesy Acquaduct near Warburton.

OShannassy Aqueduct Trail

Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled aqueduct. Stretching 30km, the trail passes fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
A family take in the view of the Yarra Ranges from the elevated platform at Mt Donna Buang.

Mount Donna Buang

At an elevation of 1.2km, the summit features a lookout tower which offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It's a great picnic spot and starting point for walks on the mountain.
Two friends walking along the Rainforest Gallery trail in the Yarra Ranges National Parkl

Rainforest Gallery

Take a stroll through the rainforest. This beautiful walk features a 40m long observation platform (one of only three of its type in Australia) which takes you into the rainforest canopy high above the ground.

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park

Nestled at the top of Yarra Valley lies the popular Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – the uppermost point of the Yarra River accessible to the public.
Ferns in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Badger Weir

Badger Weir Picnic Area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or barbecue. Visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and forest walks passing through ancient fern gullies, across clear mountain streams and meandering among mighty Mountain Ash.
Man wearing a khaki shirt, red cap and red backpack looking up at the trees.

Cambarville Picnic Area

Enjoy a peaceful day out at Cambarville Picnic Area and explore Cora Lynn Falls along the Cambarville Circuit Walk.
Ferns in the background and a body of water with rocks in the foreground.

Keppel Falls

On your Lady Talbot Drive adventure, take a break at Keppel Falls.
The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur.

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

Redwood Forest

Access is via Cement Creek Road, located off Woods Point Road (an extension of the Warburton Highway), approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the Warburton township.

On-site parking is limited. Please park only in the designated onsite car parks.

Cement Creek Road is a municipal roadway which is partially sealed, can be narrow and includes a one-way, one-lane bridge. Strictly observe all ‘No Standing’ signs along Cement Creek Road as parking in these areas restricts emergency vehicle access and can result in fines.

On busy weekends and public holidays, the car park often fills by 10 am. If you arrive and find it full, consider visiting another nearby visitor site. For a quieter experience visit the Rainforest Gallery or Donna Buang Summit. The O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail via Yuonga Road also provides a scenic 16km return trip pedestrian alternative.

When to go

Escape the heat beneath the deep shade of the canopy. This is the best time to spot delicate wild orchids, Monarch butterflies, and a small colony of Grey-headed Flying-foxes.

Need to know

Redwood Forest

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.

  • 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.

  • Cambarville Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Partial walking track closure on Cumberland Circuit walk (South of Woods Point Road)

    There is a partial closure in place on the Cumberland Circuit walk due to hazardous tree fall risk south of Woods Point Rd (see map attached) 

    Attachments: Cambarville_A4_0412 (1,190KB)

    Cambarville toilet block closed until further notice

    Cambarville toilet block is closed until further notice due to water supply issues and structural problems 

  • Yarra Ranges National Park

    Summit Loop Trail - Partial Closure - Lake Mountain Summit

    The Summit Loop walking trail is partially closed at Lake Mountain until further notice.  

    Attachments: Lake Mountain Summit Loop Partial Track Closure (562KB)

    Restricted night time access due to Deer control Program at Mount Donna Buang and along the O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail

    Parks Victoria will be undertaking deer control in the Yarra Ranges National Park on the southern fall of Mount Donna Buang. This program will be taking place between the hours of 5pm and 6am on a number of nights between the 1st of March and the 12th of June 2026. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.
    For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the evening throughout this period. This includes the O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail and the Mount Victoria walking track. Signage onsite will provide specific dates control will take place. Please refer to the attached map for further information.
    Signage will be in place at access points when control activities are occurring. For our own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.
    For further information please call 131963

    Attachments: Donna Deer Control zone map (652KB)

    O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Partial Closure

    We are restricting access along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail between Dee Road to the west in Millgrove and Sussex Street to the east in Warburton between 24 November and late March 2026 to repair the Dee Slip Bridge.

    Temporary fencing has been put in place to keep the community safe.

    Visit the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail Dee Slip Bridge project page for more information and to register for project updates.

Similar Trails

 
Two retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.
Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

Great Otway National Park

The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
Two people stop and take in the view from the Corrigan Suspension Bridge at Tarra-Bulga National Park.

Tarra-Bulga National Park

Tarra-Bulga National Park on Brataualung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, it has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges.
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