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The captivating wonderland of Tarra Bulga National Park is lodged deep within the region of South Gippsland. A place so rich in beauty, the cool temperate rainforest includes a prolific amount of ferns and mountain ash trees that magically engulf the entire area. With a range of walking trails to suit most, the park is an enchanting place to lose yourself for a day. Oh, and it’s free.
About the park
Only one of four temperate rainforests in Victoria, Tarra Bulga is a small but impressive national park. It is best known for its rich fern forest as well as towering mountain ash trees.
The park is one of the most popular things to do in South Gippsland and is only 100 km from another well known park, Wilsons Promontory.
The nearby towns of Yarram and Port Albert are perfect places to launch and less than an hours drive away.
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where is tarra bulga national park?
Nicely tucked away on a windy road in South Gippsland, Tarra Bulga NP feels like the middle of nowhere. But in fact it’s easily reached from Melbourne, and though you can do it in a day i highly suggest making a weekend of it to really enjoy the region.
From Melbourne: 2.18 hours drive.
Head down the M1 till you hit the C474 turnoff, located between the towns of Morwell and Traralgon. From here, the park is a short 30 minute drive along scenic country roads.
From Yarram: 40 minutes drive
Head north along Roberts road till you hit the Tarra Valley Road. The road narrows and is quite windy so be sure to drive to the condition and be sure to slow down for oncoming traffic.
walking tracks
There are several tracks in Tarra Bulga to choose from, and you can see some of these below on the map, Many of them connect to each other so it makes it easy to complete loops within the park.
Start at the visitors centre
Your first stop should be the Visitors Centre where you can pick up a map of the area. Even if the centre is closed, there will be maps outside you can pick up.
It’s a good idea to check out the different walks you can access, and which one’s best suit your time and needs, including fitness and accessibility if required. Most of the walks you will encounter today start from the car park and somehow interconnect along the way. Most are relatively short which means you can choose to do a few comfortably.
You will also find toilets and picnic tables here for convenience.
Corrigan Suspension Bridge
Distance from car park: 1.2 km one way
Expected walk time: 15 – 20 minutes
Difficulty: easy
The Corrigan Suspension Bridge is without doubt the most popular place to visit in the park.
You’ll make your way down to the bridge via Lyrebird Ridge & Ash Track, and it’s a gentle descending trail.
The track is carved out from the natural forest floor so may at times be muddy after rain. The forest is a mix of ferns and towering mountain ash trees, which gradually becomes denser the further along you go.
There is a gorgeous viewpoint of the bridge from above before you make your way down those final steps, so be sure to stop and take some awesome shots. The suspension bridge itself is a solid structure with not too much motion. Take a moment to look out across the canopy of ferns that surround the bridge from all directions.
Fern Gully nature Walk
Distance: 720 mts one way
Expected walk time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: easy
The Fern Gully track is a must walk within Tarra Bulga National Park, and it connects to the Suspension Bridge.
Discover a lush and incredibly scenic trail with giant ferns overhanging from above. On a warm summers day, the shaded rainforest is simply sublime with sparkles of light glimmering through the fronds.
You’ll also come across many ancient looking myrtle beech trees, covered in a blanket of cool green moss. It’s extremely picturesque and wonderfully peaceful.
Other walks
Lyrebird Ridge : 2.4 km
Ash Track: 680 mts
Scenic Track: 1 km
Tarra Valley Picnic Area
Once you have explored some of the other trails jump back in the car and head a short 10 minute drive to your next incredible spot, Tarra Valley Picnic Area. This is also the perfect time to bring out the picnic supplies under a canopy of tranquility.
You’ll find public toilets, a shelter, BBQ area and picnic tables here.
tarra Valley Rainforest Walk
Distance: 700 mts one way
Expected walk time: 10 to 15 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Pass over gentle running streams and through a forest of magical flora leading all the way to Cyathea Falls.
The trail is another example of how beautiful and striking the whole area is. Hear the sounds of trickling water in the background as you make your way toward the falls.
Cyathea Falls is a small but pretty waterfall that gracefully drops onto several rocky platforms. There is a seating area here with a good chance you’ll get to enjoy the surrounds to yourself.
Tarra Falls
Less than 1 km from Tarra Valley Picnic Area is Tarra Falls. It’s conveniently located right next to the road so is definitely worth stopping at.
The falls rush down a steady incline and you’ll be seeing the side on view as it pushes past you oh so closely. There is just a few short steps heading downward to a small viewing platform.
There are no facilities here so make sure you use them back at Tarra Valley picnic area if needed.
best time of year to visit Tara Bulga national park
While you might think summer is the best time to visit Tarra Bulga, this area can be beautiful all year round. In fact, during the cooler months you can expect to enjoy the area with very few other people.
Summer is perfect when the shade of the forest is blissfully cooling and the light filters through to the forest floor.
Autumn means that while the weather starts to cool off so too hae the crowds., making it even more perfect for a visit.
Winter can be quite cold and the tracks might be a bit muddy, the rainforest itself is still as beautiful as ever. You may even see some signs of snow here and there. It is always best to check the weather conditions before you head off as some roads or tracks may be closed due to extreme weather.
Spring is a gorgeous time to visit when the forest is rejuvenating and ferns are sprouting new fronds. The birds are singing and it’s a clear sign life the park is back to life.
things to consider
Check the weather before setting off
As mentioned, it is best to check the days weather conditions such as heavy rain and high winds. The roads can become hazardous when the weather is particularly wet. But also, a small drop of rain is no reason to call it off as this area can be amazing when the ferns are covered in dewy droplets.
It may be cooler than you expect
You can expect the temperatures to be cooler here than other places nearby. Being a cool temperate rainforest, you should consider an extra layer of clothing and a heavy jacket in the colder months.
There are no places to buy food and drink
Make sure to take lunch, snacks and water for your day trip as there is no food options withing the park.
Fuel up
Also, be sure to fuel up if needed because, you guessed it, no fuel stations either.
