Location of Californian Redwood Forests in Victoria
Victoria has several beautiful places where visitors can walk among towering Californian Redwood trees. These impressive evergreens are native to the Pacific coast of North America, where they are among the tallest trees in the world.
In Victoria, Californian Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) were planted during the twentieth century, including experimental forestry plantations in the Yarra Ranges and Otways. The trees have flourished in Victoria's cool, moist conditions, creating atmospheric groves with towering trunks, soft foliage and a peaceful forest environment.
The two best-known Californian Redwood forests are at Warburton East and Beech Forest. Another lovely place to see these trees is Stevensons Falls in the Otways, where a redwood boardwalk forms part of the waterfall walking experience.
Californian Redwood forests in Victoria
1. Redwood Forest (Warburton East)
Cement Creek Road, Warburton East
Located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, approximately 90 km east of Melbourne, the Cement Creek Redwood Forest is one of Victoria's most popular and photographed forest destinations.
The Californian Redwoods were planted in orderly rows, creating a remarkable landscape of tall, straight trunks and a sheltered forest floor. Visitors can wander among the trees, admire their immense height and explore the surrounding forest environment.
The forest is particularly atmospheric on misty mornings, when the trunks appear to disappear into the fog.
Visitor facilities were upgraded in 2025, improving access and helping protect the forest from the impacts of increasing visitor numbers.
Highlights:
- Large grove of Californian Redwood trees
- Easy opportunities for forest photography
- Walking paths through the trees
- Beautiful forest scenery
- Nearby Cement Creek
2. Beech Forest - Californian Redwoods
Binns Road, near Horse Paddock Road, Beech Forest
Located in the Great Otway National Park, the Californian Redwood plantation beside the Aire River is one of the most impressive forest experiences in Victoria.
The trees were planted during the 1930s as part of an experimental softwood forestry project. The cool climate, fertile soil and abundant rainfall have provided excellent growing conditions, with many trees reaching heights of more than 60 metres.
Visitors can wander through the towering redwoods, which stand beside a picturesque river lined with tree ferns. The contrast between the enormous reddish trunks, green ferns and flowing water creates a beautiful environment for photography and nature appreciation.
This is an excellent destination for families exploring the waterfalls and rainforests of the Otways.
Highlights:
- Magnificent Californian Redwoods exceeding 60 metres in height
- Short walks among the trees
- Picturesque Aire River
- Tree ferns and lush forest vegetation
- Picnic tables
- Public toilets nearby
- Free entry
3. Barramunga - Stevensons Falls
Stevensons Falls Road, Barramunga
Stevensons Falls offers a different way to experience Californian Redwoods, with a redwood boardwalk forming part of the scenic walking routes beside the Gellibrand River.
Visitors can walk beneath the tall trees before continuing through beautiful forest and riverside scenery towards the waterfall.
The area has been substantially upgraded, with improved visitor facilities, walking tracks and access to the waterfall viewing area.
Unlike the dedicated redwood plantations at Warburton East and Beech Forest, the redwoods here are one attraction within a larger nature reserve and waterfall destination.
Highlights:
- Californian Redwood trees
- Redwood boardwalk
- Picturesque Gellibrand River
- Walking tracks
- Spectacular waterfall
- Picnic facilities
- Nearby campground
- Free entry
Other places to see Californian Redwood trees
Maroondah Reservoir Park (Healesville)
Maroondah Highway, Healesville VIC 3777
Maroondah Reservoir Park has an extensive collection of exotic and native trees, including Californian Redwoods.
The landscaped gardens also feature attractive lawns, walking paths, picnic areas, impressive trees and views of the historic reservoir and dam wall.
This is a lovely place for a family outing, although it does not have the same extensive redwood plantation experience as Warburton East or Beech Forest.
Which Californian Redwood forest should you visit?
- Best forest near Melbourne: Warburton East - Cement Creek Redwood Forest
- Most impressive towering trees: Beech Forest - Californian Redwoods
- Best combination of redwoods and a waterfall: Barramunga - Stevensons Falls
- Best landscaped gardens with Californian Redwood trees: Maroondah Reservoir Park
Tips for Visiting
- Visit early in the morning for atmospheric forest photography and fewer people
- Wear suitable walking shoes as tracks can be muddy or slippery
- Bring warm clothing and rain protection, particularly in the Otways
- Remain on designated walking tracks to protect fragile vegetation and tree roots
- Do not climb trees or damage their bark
- Dogs are not permitted in the national park redwood forests
- Check official park information for closures, maintenance works and changed access conditions before travelling
Cost:
Entry to the three main Californian Redwood forest destinations is free.
Further Information:
Parks Victoria provides visitor information, park conditions and information about temporary closures.
