Melbourne Travelogue | Tarra-Bulga National Park: Rainforest, Suspension Bridge, and Hiking Guide
If you're tired of Australia's coastlines and want a change of scenery, Tarra-Bulga National Park, southeast of Melbourne, is an excellent choice. There are no magnificent ocean views like on the Great Ocean Road. Instead, you'll find towering mountain ash trees, dense fern-filled gullies, and a suspension bridge spanning the rainforest canopy.
It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Melbourne city center, and a day trip is completely feasible, though it might be a bit rushed. Many people choose to combine this with Wilsons Promontory National Park, spending two or three days exploring two distinctly different places.
Reasons to visit
1. Corrigan Suspension Bridge
This bridge is a landmark of the park. Standing twenty to thirty meters above the ground, your view is level with the tree canopy. Looking down, you see a deep fern gully; looking up, you see dappled light filtering through the dense forest. The bridge itself isn't long, but it sways slightly, adding a small thrill to the experience.
The current bridge was rebuilt by the military in 1982, with the earliest version dating back to 1938. If you're interested in old structures, look out for the information plaque near the bridge's entrance.
2. Fern Gully
Further into the park from the suspension bridge, there's a dedicated nature trail called the Fern Gully Nature Walk. The ferns on both sides are taller than a person, moss covers tree trunks and rocks, and there are exotic plants. When humidity is high, sunlight streams through the trees, and you can clearly see mist and light beams in the air. This is also one of the best spots in the park for photos; wearing bright colors is recommended to stand out against the green environment.
3. Ancient Mountain Ash Trees
The Strzelecki Ranges, where the park is located, preserve some of Victoria's few remaining cool temperate rainforests. The Mountain Ash is the iconic tree species here. You don't need to specifically look for them; most hiking trails will pass by these giant trees. When you look up, it's hard to see the treetop at a glance.
Choosing Your Route
The park's trails are mainly concentrated in two areas: near the Visitor Center and Tarra Valley. Depending on your fitness level and time, you can choose from the following:
Easy (1-2 hours)
· Corrigan Suspension Bridge Loop: A 2.9 km loop, taking about 1 hour. Starting from the Visitor Center, you cross the suspension bridge and return via another path. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.
· Fern Gully Nature Walk: A short 720-meter return walk, taking 15-20 minutes. If you're short on time or don't want to exert yourself too much, this linear path offers the best value, showcasing the essence of the fern gully.
· Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk: A 1.4 km return walk, about 40 minutes. This trail is in the Tarra Valley area, with a stream and Cyathea Falls along the way, offering a quieter atmosphere than the Visitor Center area.
Moderate (2-3 hours)
· Scenic and Lyrebird Track Loop: A 6 km loop, approximately 2 hours. It passes the suspension bridge and includes a ridge walk, allowing you to see the transition zone between rainforest and eucalypt forest.
Challenging (Half-day or more)
· Forest Track + Lyrebird Ridge Track: The total length is about 4.4 km, but the incline is significant, and the path is a natural dirt track that can be slippery after rain. Suitable for those with some hiking experience.
· Grand Strzelecki Track (sections): This is a long-distance trail over 100 km, connecting Morwell and Tarra-Bulga National Parks. Unless you plan a multi-day hike specifically for this, most visitors only walk a small section.
Some practical information
Park entry is free, and it's open year-round. However, some trails may close after rain, so it's best to check the latest status on the Parks Victoria website before you go.
Transportation
There is no public transport; you can only drive. Navigate directly to "Tarra-Bulga National Park Visitor Centre," and parking is next to the visitor center.
Equipment recommendations
· Non-slip shoes: The rainforest ground is often wet, and rocks and tree roots can be slippery. Regular sports shoes might not be sufficient.
· Waterproof jacket: Rain is common here; even if the forecast is clear, there might be a light drizzle in the rainforest.
· Insect repellent: Especially in summer, there can be small flying insects.
· Water and food: There are no shops in the park. The Visitor Center and the Tarra Valley and Bulga areas have picnic tables and electric BBQs, so you can bring your own food for a picnic.
· Offline map: Most areas of the park do not have mobile phone signal, so it's recommended to download an offline map or take a photo of the route map in advance.
Note
· No dogs allowed. Pets are prohibited in national parks.
· You must take your rubbish with you; there are no bins in the park.
· Lyrebirds are quite common in the park, and if you're lucky, you might see them scratching the forest floor for food. Stay quiet and do not feed them.
Tarra-Bulga isn't a place where you need to "check off" many attractions. Just walking around, looking at the trees, and listening to the birds is quite pleasant.
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