Baw Baw National Park

Mountain Ash Forests, Scenic Drives & Walking Trails Near Walhalla

Baw Baw National Park | Scenic Drives, Forest Walks & Walhalla

The road through Baw Baw National Park is one of Victoria's most rewarding scenic drives. Towering mountain ash forests, giant tree ferns, winding mountain roads and hidden walking trails create a landscape that encourages travellers to slow down and appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

Baw Baw National Park showcases Gippsland's mountain landscapes, providing a striking contrast to the region's coastal villages, historic ports and lakeside communities.

Why Visit Baw Baw National Park?

Some national parks are defined by a single attraction.

Baw Baw National Park is defined by atmosphere.

The road climbs steadily through forests where mountain ash trees tower overhead.

Tree ferns spill down gullies.

Sunlight filters through the canopy.

Every corner reveals another view.

The temptation to stop for photographs is constant.

The challenge is finding a safe place to pull over.

Baw Baw is not simply a destination.

It is one of those rare journeys where the drive itself becomes part of the experience.

This article is part of the Gippsland Savvy Swaps Guide series.

The Scenic Drive To Walhalla

The winding route through Baw Baw National Park towards Walhalla is among Victoria's most memorable regional drives.

Mountain ash forests line the road.

Blackwood trees and fern-filled gullies create a changing backdrop.

The scenery feels increasingly remote as you approach the historic gold mining township of Walhalla.

Many visitors combine Baw Baw National Park with nearby Walhalla, where gold rush history and heritage buildings create one of Victoria's most atmospheric regional experiences.

Allow extra time.

You will want to stop.

Before climbing into the mountains, consider stopping in Yarragon, a village known for its cafés, local food and relaxed regional atmosphere.

Walks In Baw Baw National Park

Many visitors use Walhalla as a base for exploring the national park.

From short rainforest strolls to multi-day alpine adventures, there are walking options for all abilities.

Beech Gully Nature Walk

A short and easy introduction to the forests of Baw Baw.

This accessible trail showcases towering mountain ash, cool temperate rainforest and the rich plant life that thrives in the park.

Distance: 400 metres return

Difficulty: Easy

Facilities: Toilets and picnic areas at Mt Erica car park

Mushroom Rocks Walk

One of the park's most distinctive short walks.

The trail leads to an enormous granite tor known as Mushroom Rocks before continuing towards the remains of Talbot Peak Hut.

The walk combines unusual geology with beautiful forest scenery.

Distance: 3 km return

Difficulty: Moderate

Walhalla Tramline Walk

This historic trail follows a former timber tramway contouring around the hills above Walhalla.

Interpretation panels explain the area's gold mining history while views across the valley reveal why Walhalla remains one of Victoria's most atmospheric historic towns.

Starting at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine allows the walk to be completed mostly downhill.

Distance: Approximately 5 km

Allow: 1–2 hours

Poverty Point Bridge Walk

One of the most rewarding walks in the Walhalla area.

Beginning at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, the track crosses Poverty Point Bridge before following the Thomson River towards Thomson Station.

Many walkers choose to return via the heritage train.

Distance: 12 km one way

Allow: 2–3 hours

Great Walhalla Alpine Trail

For those seeking a larger adventure, the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail provides a taste of Victoria's alpine wilderness.

The trail links historic Walhalla with the alpine plateau of Baw Baw National Park.

Over two days hikers pass through mountain ash forests, fern gullies, snow gum woodlands, alpine meadows and striking geological formations including Mushroom Rocks.

Wildflowers, mountain streams, historic huts and gold mining heritage combine to create one of Gippsland's most rewarding multi-day walks.

Camping In Baw Baw National Park

Travellers seeking a closer connection to nature can stay at Aberfeldy River Campground.

Located near Walhalla, the campground offers a simple bush camping experience surrounded by forest.

Facilities

• Non-flush toilets

• Picnic tables

• Fireplaces

• Unpowered campsites

• Vehicle access

Good To Know

• No bookings required

• First come, first served

• No camping fees

• Firewood collection prohibited

• Water should be boiled before drinking

The park forms a memorable section of a broader Gippsland road trip, linking mountain forests with coastal scenery, historic villages and the Gippsland Lakes.

Best Bits

The best part of Baw Baw National Park may not be the walks.

Or the views.

Or the camping.

It may simply be the drive.

The winding road through mountain ash forests slows the pace almost immediately.

From mountain ash forests and alpine scenery, Gippsland's landscapes unfold eastward towards lookouts such as Tyers, where visitors gain a completely different perspective on the region's lakes and waterways.

Baw Baw National Park reminds visitors that Gippsland is far more than beaches and coastal towns. Mountain ash forests, winding roads, rainforest gullies and alpine landscapes reveal another side of the region. Combined with nearby Walhalla and the wider Gippsland road trip, the park offers one of Victoria's most rewarding opportunities to slow down and experience regional Australia beyond the obvious.

The destination becomes secondary.

The journey takes over.

And that is exactly how a great regional road trip should feel.