Sherbrooke Forest

Sherbrooke Forest, part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, is a serene escape of towering mountain ash trees, lush fern gullies, and the famous lyrebirds that mimic sounds from chainsaws to camera shutters. Just an hour from Melbourne, this cool temperate rainforest offers walking trails that wind through mossy logs and trickling creeks, creating a magical atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city.

Highlights & What to See

• Lyrebird Walk – Join a guided walk at dawn to see the superb lyrebird performing its incredible mimicry, a truly unique wildlife encounter.
• Sherbrooke Picnic Ground – A perfect starting point with BBQ facilities and easy access to the forest's main trails, surrounded by towering eucalypts.
• O'Donohue Track – A 1.5 km loop through dense fern gullies and over small bridges, ideal for spotting birdlife and soaking in the rainforest atmosphere.
• Grants Picnic Ground – Famous for its resident cockatoos and rosellas that will eat from your hand (bring birdseed).
• Kokoda Memorial Walk – A challenging 1000-step trail that climbs through the forest, offering a great workout and rewarding views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the short walks and enjoying a picnic. For a deeper experience, combine a morning lyrebird walk with a longer hike (allow 4–5 hours). The forest is accessible year-round, but early morning or late afternoon offers the best wildlife sightings and softer light for photography.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Puffing Billy Railway – Ride a historic steam train through the Dandenongs, with stops at Belgrave and Emerald Lake Park.
• Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden – Formal gardens with rhododendrons, azaleas, and panoramic views, located in Olinda.
• Mount Dandenong Observatory – Sweeping views of Melbourne and the Yarra Valley from the summit.
• Yarra Valley – Renowned wine region with cellar doors, gourmet produce, and hot air ballooning, a short drive north.
• Healesville Sanctuary – Australian wildlife park with kangaroos, platypuses, and koalas, set in a bushland setting.

Please check official sources for current details.