Sherbrooke Forest

Sherbrooke Forest, a lush remnant of the great Gondwanan forests, offers a serene escape into towering mountain ash forests and cool temperate rainforest just a short drive from the Hunter Valley wine region. This is a place where you can breathe deeply, listen to the bell-like calls of lyrebirds, and wander among ancient tree ferns.

Highlights & What to See

• Sherbrooke Picnic Ground & Forest Discovery Walk: Start here for a gentle, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the fern gully, perfect for spotting lyrebirds scratching for insects.
• Lyrebird Walk: Take the 1.5 km loop trail in the early morning or late afternoon to increase your chances of seeing a superb lyrebird performing its elaborate courtship display.
• Mountain Ash Trees: Stand in awe beneath the world’s tallest flowering trees, some exceeding 80 metres. The Cathedral Viewpoint offers a fine perspective of these giants.
• Sherbrooke Falls: A short, easy walk leads to a pretty waterfall cascading over mossy rocks, especially photogenic after rain.
• Birdwatching: Beyond lyrebirds, look for crimson rosellas, satin bowerbirds, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Bring binoculars for the forest canopy.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the main trails and picnic spots. If you’re keen on birdwatching or photography, plan for a half-day. Combine with a morning in the Dandenong Ranges for a full day of nature. The forest is lovely in any season, but spring brings wildflowers and autumn paints the ferns gold.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dandenong Ranges National Park – A larger forested area with more walking trails, the famous Puffing Billy steam train, and quaint mountain villages like Olinda and Sassafras.
• Healesville Sanctuary – An excellent wildlife park showcasing Australian animals in naturalistic habitats, about 30 minutes’ drive.
• Yarra Valley – World-class wineries, gourmet food, and hot air ballooning over vineyards, a perfect pairing with a forest walk.
• Mount Dandenong Observatory – Panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra Valley, especially at sunset.
• Belgrave – The charming town at the foot of the forest, with craft shops, cafes, and the terminus of Puffing Billy.

Please check official sources for current details.