Redwood Forest

    This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

    Explore

    Redwood Forest

    Yarra Ranges National Park

    The Redwood Forest is currently closed to all vehicle and pedestrian access via Cement Creek Road due to improvement works to upgrade the Cement Creek Road Bridge. It is anticipated it will stay closed well into 2023 when Yarra Ranges Council complete the bridge works. Visitors can access Redwood Forest by bike or on foot via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - a 16km round trip.

     

    Popular with day-trippers from Melbourne and local residents from Warburton and surrounding areas, the Redwood Forest offers the opportunity to relax on the lawns with a picnic and wander through the towering Californian Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest. 

    Now more than 90 years old, the first Californian Redwoods were planted alongside the plantations of Bishop Pine and Douglas Fir as part of a hydrology experiment conducted by the Board of Works in the 1930s. Further plantings occurred from 1960-1963 of Radiata Pine, Western Red Cedar and more Californian Redwoods and these subsequent plantings are now more than 60 years old. 

    Californian Redwoods grow to be the tallest trees in the world at up to 115m and they can live for more than 2000 years. Despite being relatively young, the trees at Cement Creek are captivating in their uniformly planted arrangement. 

    Summer is a great time to visit. Once you step amongst the towering Californian Redwoods you will enter a cooler quieter climate. For those with keen eyes, some beautiful native orchids can be found over the summer months including greenhoods and cinnamon bells. The occasional Monarch Butterfly can be spotted from time to time. Listen out for the squeals, shrieks and cackles of a seasonal population of Grey Headed Flying Fox that roost in the canopy of the Redwood Forest in summer.   

    Explore beyond the main stand of Californian Redwoods by following Cement Creek to where it meets the Yarra River. This beautiful perimeter walk takes in native vegetation including ferns and Eucalypt trees and if you are lucky you will see a variety of birdlife including yellow robins flitting amongst the dappled light.

    Just north of Cement Creek Rd, you'll find the O'Shannassay Aqueduct Trail, a popular spot for walking or cycling. 

    Please note the popularity of this site and where possible choose an off-peak time to visit as weekends, school holidays and public holidays can be extremely busy.

     

    Things to do in the area

     
    A section of the O'Shannesy Acquaduct near Warburton.

    OShannassy Aqueduct Trail

    Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled aqueduct. Stretching 30km, the trail passes fern gullies, creeks and plantations and offers spectacular views of the valley below.
    A family take in the view of the Yarra Ranges from the elevated platform at Mt Donna Buang.

    Mount Donna Buang

    At an elevation of 1.2km, the summit features a lookout tower which offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It's a great picnic spot and starting point for walks on the mountain.
    Rainforest Gallery in Yarra Ranges National Park

    Rainforest Gallery

    Take a stroll through the rainforest. This beautiful walk features a 40m long observation platform (one of only three of its type in Australia) which takes you into the rainforest canopy high above the ground.

    Upper Yarra Reservoir Park

    Nestled at the top of Yarra Valley lies the popular Upper Yarra Reservoir Park – the uppermost point of the Yarra River accessible to the public.

    How to get there

    Redwood Forest

    Yarra Ranges Council is completing important works to rehabilitate and upgrade Cement Creek Road Bridge. Vehicle access to the forest will remain closed into 2023 as bridge works are being completed.
     
    Visitors can still access the Cement Creek Redwood Forest by bike or on foot via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, however please note this journey is approximately a 16km round trip.
    Redwood Forest

    When you're there

    Please note:

    • There are no toilets on site (closest are located at the East Warburton Public Hall)
    • No picnic tables or shelters are available
    • Phone reception can be limited, depending on your provider 
    • No dogs are permitted
    • No fires are permitted
    • No camping is permitted
    • No firearms/shooting is permitted
    • All rubbish must be taken home as no bins are provided
    • No drones

    When to go

    Enjoy an escape from the summer heat in the cool of the Redwood Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for plants and animals like orchids, Monarch Butterflies and Grey Headed Flying Foxes. 

    Need to know

    Redwood Forest

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

     

    Filming and Photography

    A permit (minimum 10 business-day turnaround) is required for commercial filming and photography. A permit is also required for filming with a drone, commercially or privately (minimum 20 business-day turnaround). 

     

    Cement Creek Redwood Forest Facility upgrades

    The Cement Creek Redwood Forest in the Yarra Ranges National Park has become an increasingly popular site for visitation over the last few years thanks to the enchanting and photogenic Californian Redwood trees.

    Visitors to the Yarra Ranges National Park will soon enjoy greater accessibility, new facilities and increased protection of the environment through the Cement Creek Redwood Forest Facility upgrades. 

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Cambarville Toilet Block Closed

      Cambarville Toilet Block Closed until further notice.  

    • Little Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)

      Little Peninsula Bridge Closed

      The Little Peninsula Bridge is closed due to risk of collapse. Alternative access to view the tunnel is via the upper/western car park. 

    • Big Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra River)

      Big Peninsula Stepping Stones Closed

      Big Peninsula Stepping Stones closed due to flood damage. Follow signage onsite for alternative access to the tunnel viewing platform. 

    • Yarra Ranges National Park

      O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Dee Rd Trestle Bridge Closed

      The Dee Road Trestle Bridge has been closed for public safety

      Subsequently, the O'Shannassy Aqueduct trail now terminates at the bridge near the Dee Road Picnic Ground.  Please plan your visit accordingly.  We recommend accessing the western section of the Trail from the Dee Road Picnic Ground in Millgrove and the eastern section from the Yuonga Road Picnic Ground in Warburton.
       
      Works to provide continued access to the trail are being investigated.

    Similar Trails

     
    Two retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

    Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Great Otway National Park

    The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
    Two people stop and take in the view from the Corrigan Suspension Bridge at Tarra-Bulga National Park.

    Tarra-Bulga National Park

    Tarra-Bulga National Park on Brataualung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, it has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
    X
    By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
    Confirm