Redwood Forest (Warburton)
A forest of Californian Redwoods, Sequoia Sempervirens, located a few kilometres outside Warburton is one of the regions best kept secrets.
The Californian Redwood trees were planted by the Board of Works about 1930 following clearing of the original eucalypt forest. Trees planted were Bishop Pine, Douglas Fir and Californian Redwood. Further plantings of Radiata Pine, Western Red Cedar and Redwood took place in 1960-63. The plantations were selected for experimental purposes as part of the Board's hydrology research program.
There are over 1476 trees ranging from 20 metres to the tallest being 55 metres. They have been planted in a grid and are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
There are hiking trails, which were originally the access tracks, which pass through and around the Plantation.
Directions - Drive through Warburton, following the Warburton Highway until it becomes Woods Point Road. After about 7 km, turn left on Cement Creek Road. This is unsealed and a bit rough in places. After 0.7 km you will find a small parking area on the right along a fence line and small gate barrier. Walk through the barrier.
Update July 2023: 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 16 kilometre round trip.
Review:
A real gem. This place has an awesome atmosphere with tall straight trees rising above you in regular patterns. There are a lot of branches moulded into nests scattered about the forest. At the bottom of the hill a track winds through a series of tree ferns down to the river. Just follow the sound of the rushing water to reach the river. There are walking tracks each way in this area. Note that the tracks around the river can be very boggy.
There is a clear grassy area next to the plantation which has a nest. There are no picnic tables or toilets (closest public toilets are located at the East Warburton Public Hall) and the parking area filled up on a nice Sunday afternoon.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs cannot be taken in the Redwood Forest as it is a National Park.
Photos:
Location
Cement Creek Road, Warburton East 3799 Map
Web Links
→ East Warburton Redwood Forest on Facebook
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/cement-creek-redwood-forest
→ Redwood Forests of Victoria (2 Cups Of Travel)
