Murrindindi Scenic Reserve
Situated at the northern end of the Toolangi State Forest, the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve provides excellent opportunities for recreational activities such as camping, bushwalking, picnicking and fishing.
The Murrindindi River is suitable for bathing and paddling, but is generally not deep enough for swimming or canoeing.
The Murrindindi Scenic Reserve comprises 815 hectares of mixed species forest, which includes waterfalls, tree fern gullies and an abundance of birds and mammals.
Getting there:
It is possible to reach the Reserve from two directions:
From Healesville - drive 13km along Myers Creek Road toward Toolangi, then turn right into Sylvia Creek Road and travel approximately 21km through majestic Mountain Ash forest to the reserve.
From Melbourne - travel along the Melba Highway to the intersection of Murrindindi Road just before Devlins Bridge. Turn right and drive 10 km to the Reserve.
From Yea - travel south along the Melba Highway for 21 km to Murrindindi Road (200m past Devlin's bridge). Turn left and travel 8.8 km to the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve turnoff on the right, Bull Creek Road. Turn right into the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve and travel 12.5 km to the Murrindindi Cascades Day Area carpark.
Walking Tracks
Murrindindi River Walk
Grade of Walk: Grade 3
Distance: One-way 12 km
Time: 3 hours
Gradient: Short steep hills
Quality of Path: Formed track
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Occasional steps
Experience required: Some bushwalking experience recommended
Start/finish at Suspension bridge or the Cascades picnic area. This walk follows the Murrindindi River valley and extends the entire length of the Reserve. The walk crosses over five footbridges and offers river views through a variety of forest types from tall open forest to damp ferny gullies. The walk is clearly signposted and accessible from most of the picnic and camping areas.
Boroondara Track Circuit
Grade of Walk: Grade 4
Distance: Return 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Gradient: Very steep
Quality of Path: Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Many steps
Experience required: Experienced bushwalkers
Start at the Boroondara carpark located on Falls Creek Road, 700m from Murrindindi road junction. This circuit track encompasses both Wilhelmina Falls and a section of the Murrindindi River Walk. Stroll along the Boroondara Track to the Boroondara footbridge, before the track provides an invigorating walk upstream to the Wilhelmina Walk intersection. From here you can head down to the Wilhelmina Falls and take the time to take in the amazing views. Carefully descend down the rock trail to the Murrindindi River before turning to the left and following the river walk back to the Boroondara carpark.
Murrindindi Cascades
Grade of Walk: Grade 3
Distance: Return 0.6 km
Time: 30 - 45 mins
Gradient: Short steep hills
Quality of Path: Formed track
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Many steps
Experience required: No experience required
At the Cascades, the Murrindindi River drops steeply over granite boulders. From the carpark and picnic area cross the road and follow the stepped track down to where two foot bridges cross the river at the base of the Cascades. Retrace your footsteps to
return to the carpark.
Wilhelmina Falls
Grade of Walk: Grade 4
Distance: Return 6 km
Time: 2 hours
Gradient: Very steep
Quality of Path: Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Many steps
Experience required: Experienced bushwalkers
Start and finish at Water Gauge suspension bridge located at the Water Gauge camping site. By following the Murrindindi River Walk in a northern direction you will arrive at the junction of Wilhelmina Falls Track. Here the track climbs gradually to the base of the falls which flow all year round. These spectacular falls drop 75 metres down a steep granite rock face.
The hand railed viewing point is a great place to take a photo or two, but for your own safety please do not leave the track. Continue up the stairs to the top of the falls, here a new viewing platform is located providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range.
The track is fairly uneven and steep in places, and walkers need to be self sufficient with food and water and wear sturdy footwear.
Access to the top of the Falls can be obtained via Jacksons Road carpark. Take a drive along Falls Creek Road for 5.5km before turning left into Jacksons Road. Park the car at the carpark provided and meander through the gates following the signed trail to the breathtaking view from the platform.
Mill Track Loop
Grade of Walk: Grade 4
Distance: Return 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Gradient: Very steep
Quality of Path: Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of Markings: Signposted
Steps: Many steps
Experience required: Experienced bushwalkers
Crossing the Suspension Bridge located at the northern end of Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, turn left and follow Mill Track up to Jacksons Road. The road forms part of a loop that leads to the Jackson Road carpark and Wilhelmina Falls. From here follow the Wilhelmina Track down to the Murrindindi River Walk head right before crossing the Grassy Flats and SEC bridges, past the SEC camping area and back to the Suspension bridge.
Camping and Day Areas
Legend to Walks in map:
Murrindindi River Walk (green line)
Mill Track Loop (dark blue line)
Wilhelmina Falls Walk (purple line)
Boroondara Track Circuit (light brown line)
Camp or spend the day listening to the gentle sounds of the Murrindindi River. Keep an eye out for an array of wildlife found in this area.
SEC picnic area
Take time to listen to the sounds of the Murrindindi River whilst cooking your BBQ.
Facilities: Picnic facilities, fireplace, footbridge access
Ferns Camping Ground
Camping pods adjoin the one-way looped road for easy camping set up. This area will suit large family groups.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, caravan camp sites, toilets, fireplace
Blackwood Camping Area
Easy road access to various sized camping pods. This campsite is located within walking distance to the main toilet block.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, caravan camp sites, toilets, fireplace
Suspension Bridge Day Area
Relax and enjoy a picnic amongst the tall forest eucalypts, alongside the beautiful Murrindindi River.
Facilities: Information board, toilets, fireplace, footbridge access, picnic shelter
SEC Camp
Cross the Reserves only remaining timber bridge, Set up your tent then sit back and take in the peace and quiet.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, toilets, fireplace
Bull Creek Camp
Camp amongst the trees, with a short walk to Boroondara Track or along the Murrindindi River Walk to the Cascades.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, caravan camp sites, toilets, fireplace
Cassinia Camp
This area is set aside for those visitors that like to park the car and camp away from roads and the hustle and bustle of life. With no road access this area suits families with young children.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, toilets
Water Gauge
This water side camping area showcases a new Suspension Bridge leading on to the popular Wilhelmina Falls Walk.
Facilities: Tent camp sites, caravan camp sites, toilets, fireplace, footbridge access
Location
Murrindindi Road, Murrindindi 3717 View Map
Web Links
→ Murrindindi Scenic Reserve - Camping (PDF)
→ Murrindindi Scenic Reserve - Walking tracks (PDF)
→ Murrindindi Scenic Reserve Map (PDF)
→ www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/walking-in-victoria/murrindindi-river-walk
