The Charming Lyrebird Forest Walk - Your full guide

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I had heard how incredibly charming and picturesque the Lyrebird Forest Walk was. Yet a place so close to home still hadn’t been checked off my to do list. So one cool Autumn day I decided it was time to set out and discover what makes this place so wonderfully special.

Known as one of the best walks in South Gippsland, the following article is your guide on visiting the Lyrebird Forest Walk. It includes details for each of the trails, amenities, plus plenty of tips and things to know before you go.

3 great walks to choose from

The Lyrebird Forest Walk is actually made up of 3 separate trails, ranging from 1 km up to nearly 5 km. So choosing which one is totally up you and how long you want to spend time exploring the peaceful forest.

The trails are all gravel.

Note: The estimated walk times are dependent on how fast you walk and also how often you stop.

Keep reading for more details on each walk.

The day I went we were the only people on the trail I saw, except one lady and her dog coming out as we were just getting started. So getting to enjoy it by yourself is a highly likely adventure. But don’t worry about getting lost as the trails are well sign posted and the tracks themselves are well carved out. This is all thanks to the Friends of Lyrebird Forest Walk who spend thousands of hours making this all possible for everyone to enjoy.

Their dedications can be found at several points around the forest in the form of park benches.

River Walk

Distance: 1 km ( 2 km return along same trail)

Expected walk time: up to 45 minutes return

Difficulty: easy

Following the Little Morwell River, this easy to follow path meanders its way through the forest to the gentle sounds of moving water.

The wide path starts off well shaded with thick bushland and tall eucalyptus trees hovering above. This changes quickly when the river presents itself to the start of a wonderland of ferns following along. The many fallen branches scattered throughout the forest’s floor are covered in a thick green moss. It’s a beautiful little rainforest that eventually ends at the start of farm land.

From here, you can decide to continue on a bit further or turn back for the 1 km return to the carpark.

Tip: this is the perfect walk for young ones as the track is relatively short and flat. It is also accessible for those with limited mobility.

a tall fern among the forest at Lyrebird Forest walk

tall trees in Lyrebird Forest Walk near Mirboo North

Coral Fern Gully Walk

Distance: 3 km loop

Expected walk time: 1 hour average

Difficulty: easy

The Coral Fern Gully walk is an extension of the river walk and can be done in any direction.

At the end of the river walk you’ll cross a bridge before heading uphill for just a short distance. Here you can rest on the park bench and take in the beauty of it all. You’ll also see the signage pointing you in the right direction. This is also where the trail splits into the longer Warrior walk.

The native bushland really opens up from here and the forest is filled with towering gum trees, banksias and low line brush. Make sure you pay particular attention to the trunks of trees where you’ll discover plenty of fungi growing.

Along this trail you’ll see the sign for Tree Fern Gully Lookout . It’s literally only a few steps off the main trail so be sure to include a look.

We also chose to take a short detour along the John Humphreys Blvd Loop. The 500 metre loop extends out along Tree Fern Gully and eventually links back onto the Coral Fern Gully walk further down.

From here, it’s a short distance back to the car park.

After several stops, a detour and picture taking, this trail loop took me around 1.15 minutes to complete.

Tip: A clearing with picnic table and seating can be found near Fern Gully Lookout, so if you plan to picnic this is the perfect place.

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Warriors Walk

Distance: 4.8 km

Expected walk time: 90 minutes

Difficulty: easy to moderate

The Warrior Walk is the biggest walk of the day. Once you have completed the River Walk, made your way across the bridge and up the short hill, you’ll come to the trail leading you further into the forest.

This trail is similar to Coral Fern Gully Walk but reaches into the depth of the forest much further.

The lay out of the land is undulating with short stints of incline, but never too demanding. All in all, the walk will be one of solitude and discovery.

Tip: be sure to wear appropriate footwear for this longer walk, and be on the lookout for that elusive lyrebird.

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more Things to know about Lyrebird Forest Walk

In order to plan the perfect day out, here are some simply things to know before you go.

Where is Lyrebird Forest Walk?

Part of the Mirboo North Regional Park, it is located a short 5 minutes drive from the quaint town of Mirboo North. Take the Strezlecki HWY just 3 km out of town and look for the sign posted turn off on your right. If you are coming from Leongatha, the drive is around 25 minutes.

Located within the scenic surrounds of the Strezelecki Ranges, the Mount Worth State Park is another wonderful place worth visiting..

The car park is not far off the road and has plenty of spaces to park.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Contrary to other websites, there is a clear sign indicating dogs are indeed allowed on the trails, but must be kept on a leash.

As mentioned, the day I was there last I saw one lady walking her dog and another couple getting ready to head out when I was leaving.

The signage does look pretty new so I would assume this is has changed recently.

What can I expect to see and hear?

The beauty of this trail is the surprising amount of things to see. When you stop to explore, you discover so much more. From mossy tree trunks, to various fungi on trees and on the forest floor, to beautiful wild flowers.

When you listen out, you hear the sounds of the forest. This includes an overwhelm of bird life, but also elusive animals and critters rustling through the bushland. Though many times I had no idea what I was listening to, the sounds were intriguing and unique.

Bird life includes crimson rosellas, kookaburra, cockatoos and white-throated tree keepers.

Wildlife includes wombats, koalas, echidna, possum and wallabies.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring is ideal for a visit when the forest is flowering and birds are constantly calling out. Native animals such as

Autumn is also another great time to stop by. The fungi love the cool wet conditions with periods of sun. Walkers also get ideal conditions.

Summer time is warmer but the shade provided is enough to still make it ideal. Be sure to check the temperatures and fire warnings as there is lots of thick overgrown vegetation.

Winter is no reason to miss out. The temps might be cool to cold but its also when ferns look amazing when water is collected on the fronds and glistens in the light. The only consideration is the track itself which may get muddy in sections. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.