The best walks and hikes in Yarra Ranges National Park

Badger Creek flows through the heart of the Badger Weir picnic area, winding beneath towering Mountain Ash forest and dense fern gullies in one of the wetter parts of the Yarra Ranges. The creek helped shape the surrounding rainforest environment, with clear flowing water, moss-covered rocks, and damp gullies supporting tree ferns and cool temperate forest along its banks.

Slip Track winds through cool temperate rainforest near Badger Weir, passing towering Mountain Ash, dense fern gullies, and mossy creekside forest beneath a thick canopy. The name comes from the old timber “slip” routes once used to move logged timber down steep slopes in the Yarra Ranges during the early logging era. Today, the track feels far removed from that history, with shaded forest, damp ground, and birdsong dominating the walk through this section of the park.

Lyrebird Track loops through some of the lushest forest around Badger Weir, with towering Mountain Ash, dense tree ferns, and damp gullies creating a classic cool temperate rainforest feel. The shaded track is named after the superb lyrebird, which is regularly heard and occasionally spotted scratching through the leaf litter in quieter sections of the forest. Short boardwalks and creek crossings add to the walk, especially after rain when the gullies are flowing strongly.

This elevated viewpoint offers sweeping views over the reservoir, dam wall, and surrounding forested hills. Reached via short, well-maintained walking paths, it's an easy vantage point for visitors exploring the park’s gardens and trails. Popular for photography and picnicking, the lookout combines beautiful open scenery with the landscaped setting of one of Melbourne’s historic water supply sites.

Maroondah Dam Wall is a historic structure within Maroondah Reservoir Park, forming part of Melbourne’s early water supply system. Completed in 1927, the concrete dam wall rises above beautifully landscaped gardens and offers elevated views across the reservoir and surrounding forested hills. Easily accessible via short walking paths, it’s a popular spot for sightseeing, photography, and picnicking in a lovely, well-maintained park setting.

This is a picturesque spot overlooking the narrow cascade as it drops through dense mountain ash forest. A short walking track leads to the lookout, and the best time to view the falls is after rain when the water flow is stronger. Surrounded by cool-temperate rainforest, it’s a quiet, enclosed setting with lush ferns and filtered light, as the sun only slightly peeks through the trees.

Henderson’s Hill summit is a forested lookout within Yarra Ranges National Park, reached via a steady climb through tall eucalypt forest and fern-lined gullies. At the top, there are partial clearings where you can catch a glimpse across the surrounding ranges. It’s a quieter, more secluded spot than the park’s more popular viewpoints, and is an ideal place to take a break and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Yarra Ranges National Park is a vast protected area east of Melbourne, spanning 76,003 hectares and known for its towering mountain ash forests, fern-filled gullies, and cool-temperate rainforests. The park encompasses iconic locations such as Mount Donna Buang and Steavenson Falls, with a network of walking tracks ranging from short rainforest strolls to longer hikes. Popular for hiking, scenic drives, and nature viewing, it offers a peaceful escape with diverse wildlife and lush, year-round greenery.