Bendoc - Old Growth Forest Walk
The Errinundra Old Growth Forest Walk is a magnificent bushwalk through some of Victoria's most impressive ancient forests, featuring enormous Shining Gums, beautiful tree ferns and lush rainforest vegetation.
Located in the remote Errinundra National Park in East Gippsland, this 5km return walk provides an opportunity to experience an extraordinary forest landscape containing some of the oldest and largest Shining Gums known to exist.
The walk follows part of an ancient Aboriginal ridgeline route, passing through towering wet eucalypt forest and cool, sheltered rainforest.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 5km return.
- Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate bushwalk. Regional tourism information grades the walk Level 2-3, while Parks Victoria's management plan records Grade 4.
- Start and Finish: Gap Road Scenic Reserve car park.
- Track: Forest walking track with sections of boardwalk.
- Highlights: Giant Shining Gums, old growth forest, tree ferns, mossy vegetation and rainforest.
- Facilities: Car parking at the trailhead. Do not rely on drinking water or other facilities being available.
Walk Description:
Starting from the Gap Road Scenic Reserve car park, follow the walking track into the beautiful wet forest.
The surrounding forest contains towering Shining Gums, with some enormous trees rising high above the dense understorey.
Tree ferns, mosses and other rainforest plants create a lush green environment beneath the forest canopy.
Sections of boardwalk help visitors negotiate wetter parts of the forest, while other parts follow a natural bushwalking track.
The enormous trees are the major attraction, with their impressive trunks demonstrating the remarkable age and scale of this ancient forest.
The quiet forest environment also provides opportunities for birdwatching and discovering the variety of plants that thrive in this high-rainfall region.
Return to the car park along the designated walking route.
Getting There:
The Old Growth Forest Walk starts at Gap Road Scenic Reserve within Errinundra National Park.
The reserve can be reached from Orbost via Bonang Road through Goongerah, followed by the Bendoc-Orbost Road, also known as Gap Road.
The roads through this remote area are unsealed and can become slippery or impassable during wet weather.
Most of the park is best visited during the warmer and drier months. Some roads are subject to seasonal closures, particularly during winter and early spring.
Important Information:
- Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven and potentially muddy tracks.
- Carry drinking water, food and suitable clothing.
- Allow plenty of time for the drive on remote forest roads.
- Check current road closures, weather conditions and fire warnings before travelling.
- Mobile phone reception may be limited or unavailable.
- The walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the national park.
- Remain on the designated track to protect the fragile rainforest environment.
- For 2026, seasonal deer hunting is permitted in parts of Errinundra National Park from 15 February to 15 December. Check Parks Victoria information and obey local signs.
Opening Hours:
Access depends on weather conditions and seasonal road closures. See current park information and warnings.
Review:
The Errinundra Old Growth Forest Walk is a wonderful experience for families who enjoy bushwalking and exploring beautiful natural environments.
The enormous Shining Gums are the stars of the walk, with their massive trunks and towering heights creating a truly impressive forest landscape.
The lush tree ferns, moss-covered vegetation and peaceful rainforest atmosphere make the surroundings feel almost prehistoric.
This is not a short stroll through a landscaped park. The walk requires reasonable fitness, suitable footwear and preparation for the remote location.
Access is also a significant consideration, with a lengthy drive along unsealed roads that may be unsuitable in wet weather.
For families with older children who enjoy bushwalking, the opportunity to explore this magnificent old growth forest makes the journey particularly rewarding.
It is one of the more memorable forest walking experiences in East Gippsland, especially for visitors who appreciate the natural beauty of ancient trees and rainforest environments.
Location
Bendoc-Orbost Road, Bendoc 3888 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/errinundra-national-park
