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Kinglake Heritage Trail

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kinglake Heritage Trail

The Kinglake Ranges Heritage Trail features locally designed and crafted interpretive signage highlighting sites of historic environmental and social significance in the Kinglake Ranges. The trail along the north side of the main road follows the route of the timber railway, which operated from 1911 to 1926, along the central spine of the range between Kinglake West and Kinglake. The trail can be traversed from either direction starting with the Trail information and map at either end of the trail. The 32 information panels incorporate text, photographs, artist's impressions, maps and general information to explain site significance. It features locally designed and crafted signage highlighting the local flora and fauna and sites of historic interest. It also displays the work of local artists and school children. Community groups had the idea for a trail, however following the 2009 fires, the loss of life, landscape and historical buildings emphasised the need to preserve and acknowledge the heritage of the area. The Western side of the trail is situated on the Cnr Whittlesea-Yea Road and Forest Street, Kinglake West, while the Eastern side is located on the corner of the Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd and the Kinglake-Glenburn Rd.

Kinglake Central VIC

0.8 km away

Lady Stonehavens Lookout

Natural Attractions

Lady Stonehavens Lookout

Lady Stonehavens Lookout is located within Frank Thomson Reserve, northwest of the Kinglake township. The reserve sits on a hill in Victoria and has an elevation of 630 metres, offering wonderful views of Melbourne’s skyline rising from the southern plains and the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley to the east. Enjoy a family picnic or barbecue in the open grassy area of Frank Thomson Reserve with picnic tables and a gas barbecue are located close to the parking area. There is plenty of space for the kids to roam while adults can relax and enjoy the view. Dogs are prohibited in Kinglake National Park, but are permitted on a lead (at all times) in the Frank Thomson Reserve.

Kinglake Central VIC

2.3 km away

Bollygum Park — Image credit: Weekend Notes

Parks and Gardens

Bollygum Park

Bollygum Park is a magical playground based around the award winning children's book Bollygum by Garry Fleming. You will be enchanted as you wander along the shady paths of this two and a half acre wonderland, from Bower Birds Nest with its sparkling blue treasures, across the bridge over the creek and pay a visit to platypus, whose house sits on the bank of the dry creek bed. Continue down the path, bordered by native plantings, indigenous message sticks, colourful storyboards and flora information panels to Wombats house with its artistically carved story wall, slides, mirrors and wombats hiding spot. You can enjoy Wombat's favourite fishing spot by the large sandpit and he has even left a few fishing poles out for you. Frogmouths House is the main play structure of the park and has senior and junior sections so no one is left out. Among its many features are a climbing wall, monkey bars, rope bridges, flying fox, wave slide, bird nest swings, dual metal slide for racing (under cover) and many noisy musical elements and a talk and listen tube. There is an architecturally designed skate park adjoining the playground with a bowl.

Kinglake VIC

3.8 km away

Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area

Natural Attractions

Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area

Jehosaphat Gully is a pleasant open picnic area near the town of Kinglake and the starting point for several walks include the approximately 20 kilometre Mt Everard Circuit. The picnic area has plenty of picnic tables under shelter, barbecues and public toilets. Enjoy picturesque walking tracks or a social picnic or barbecue with family and friends here.

Kinglake VIC

5.1 km away

Kinglake Heritage Centre and the Kinglake Historical Society

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Kinglake Heritage Centre and the Kinglake Historical Society

The Kinglake Heritage Centre is located on the Kinglake West Reserve. Opened in 2018, it features posters, photographs and memorabilia, while providing visitors with a range of stories from Kinglake's interesting past – the early gold rush, farming pioneers, the timber industry, the first schools, halls and churches and the early days of football and cricket. The service personnel of the two World Wars are acknowledged along with the work of the local Red Cross groups. There is a special display of the effect of the 7 February 2009 bushfire. The centre is regularly visited to see what life was like in Kinglake in the pioneering days before electricity, motor transport and mobile telephones. The Kinglake Historical Society was formed in 1984 and is located at the Kinglake Heritage Centre. Over the past 40 years, they have collected a wide range of documents, photographs, maps and memorabilia, always with the aim of making these available to local residents and visitors so that the achievements of the pioneers of the Kinglake district can be understood and appreciated. The centre is open on sundays, but can be visited by groups on weekdays by appointment.

Kinglake VIC

5.5 km away

Masons Falls

Natural Attractions

Masons Falls

Masons Falls is nestled in Kinglake National Park, the largest and closest national park to Melbourne, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. After just a short walk you'll discover an impressive high drop waterfall with streams of water cascading down the rock shelves into the gully below. There are several short walks nearby including the shady Lyrebird Circuit Walk, which is 500m long and specifically designed for people with limited mobility or the more challenging 7.8km Running Creek Walk with fern gullies, towering gums, and drier ridges to explore. The Masons Falls picnic area also provides a large, sheltered area, free gas barbeques, plenty of tables and toilet facilities making it the perfect spot to while away the hours with friends or family after a day soaking up mother nature.

Kinglake West VIC

5.7 km away

Lyrebird Circuit Walk

Natural Attractions

Lyrebird Circuit Walk

The Lyrebird Circuit is the first track off the Masons Falls walk that you will come across after leaving the picnic area. The circuit track is a 500 metre easy walk that loops around connecting to the Masons Falls track. Dotted along the circuit is information about the historical site of Carman’s Mill that once operated in that area and the local flora and fauna that call Kinglake National Park their home. If you follow on to the Masons Falls track, it will lead you to the viewing platform of Masons Falls. Masons Falls, located within Kinglake National Park, is home to native plant species of trees, fungi, undergrowth and many small insects and animals including lyrebirds - if you are lucky or quiet enough to see one.

Kinglake West VIC

6.1 km away

Wombelano Falls — Image credit: Parks Victoria

Natural Attractions

Wombelano Falls

Wombelano Falls is a hidden gem nestled amongst the tall eucalypts and lush gullies of Kinglake National Park. A must-see waterfall near Melbourne, its picturesque beauty can be viewed from the lookout platform as you watch streams of water cascade down 30 metres into the gully below. The walk down to the falls from the car park is a 1.5 kilometre circuit that weaves through scenic forest ferns and towering trees. You can return via the same track or explore a second track of equal length that leads you back to the car park. The walking track to Wombelano Falls starts at the carpark on Captains Creek Road. Travelling to Kinglake West, turn north east onto Flowerdale Kinglake Road (Extons Rd) which is 100 metres from the oval that leads to the Kinglake Middle School. Travel north east on Extons road for 4 kilometres and then turn right onto Captains Creek Road, a sealed road until the last 300 metres leading to the car park where it becomes unsurfaced. Access via Extons Road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, but contains potholes and puddles. Access from Eucalyptus Road is suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles only.

Kinglake VIC

7.1 km away

Mt Everard Circuit

Natural Attractions

Mt Everard Circuit

The Mt Everard Circuit Walk is approximately 22 kilometres in length so allow five to six hours to complete. It resides in the Kinglake National Park, only 50 kilometres out of Melbourne and home to almost 600 native plant species, over 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species. This loop tackles three of Kinglake's highest forested peaks, Mt Beggary, Mt Everard and Mt Jerusalem and is a great challenging walk. The circuit can be started from several locations but it is recommended from Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area. Begin on Shelley Harris Track through lush bush land, crossing several small streams in the wetter months. This trail then connects to the Mt Jerusalem Track for a short way to the Cookson Hill Track. Through this section you may catch a glimpse or two of Melbourne in the distance before connecting with the Mt Everard Track. Here the trail follows the edge of the ridge line and you'll be rewarded with views of surrounding forest ridges. This then connects with the Bundy Track before reconnecting to the Mt Jerusalem Track for the return. Throughout the entirety of the route there's a mix of scrubby bush, gum trees and ferns along its length.

Kinglake VIC

9.0 km away

EF Path — Image credit: Edible Forest YV

Parks and Gardens

Edible Forest Yarra Valley

Hidden within the Yarra Valley Estate property, you will find the Edible Forest. A place to grow unique edible plants, create experiences and breathe the fresh air. The ultimate goal is to have 1000 plants, ranging in maturity, from over 350 different varieties all with their own purpose of being either edible, medicinal, nutritional for the soil, bee attracting or for companion planting. The Edible Forest is consciously designed using Hügelkultur and Permaculture methods. Permaculture is based on three ethics that mirror their philosophy – care of the planet, care of community and take personal responsibility for the way you organise your life. Chemical free and proudly organically grown, the abundant vegetation has created its own healthy eco-system. Birds flit around the garden, together with bees and butterflies to ensure pollination and seed scattering, which would occur naturally within a forest. Seed gathering and plant shoots allow the regeneration of plants and provide the garden to additional growth. When you visit, you will feel the calming and healing effect that a forest creates and the best of what nature has to offer. Guests can now purchase plants in the Edible Forest Nursery and continue their edible gardening journey at home.

Dixons Creek VIC

11 km away

Kinglake National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Kinglake National Park

Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, a short drive from Melbourne. Enjoy scenic walks, thrilling mountain bike trails and picnics against the backdrop of panoramic views of the city, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs. The park is home to a variety of native birds. Keep an eye out for Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, lyrebirds, King Parrots and colourful rosellas. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the surrounds of tall eucalypts before embarking on a short walk to Masons Falls. See water cascading over the sheer mudstone walls, which are fossilised sea beds. The Gums Campground is ideal for families and small groups. It has 18 campsites, five of which are suitable for caravans up to 20ft in length (without annex). Each campsite is surrounded by vegetation providing a delightful bush setting. Kinglake National Park includes the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri Peoples. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Kinglake West VIC

14 km away

King Parrots mural, Flowerdale

Landmarks and Buildings

Dindi Arts Trail

The Dindi Arts Trail is a series of murals located throughout the Kinglake Ranges, each telling their own unique story. There are 10 different murals spread over six different locations in Toolangi, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West and Flowerdale. An easy day trip from Melbourne or part of your weekend getaway, the Dindi Arts Trail is a must do on any visit to the area.

Toolangi VIC

15 km away

Yea River Walk

Natural Attractions

Yea River Walk

The Yea River walk exists on land donated to the people of Toolangi and until the turn of the century a sawmill, 'Scherbers' operated in this forest. The Yea River begins its journey in the mountains of the Central Highlands and becomes part of the Goulburn water catchment, flowing into the Goulburn River. This walk is an easy one hour loop that takes you through two different forest types: open forest at the start of the walk and then it changes dramatically to Mountain Ash and associated ferns and mosses at the Yea River. Across Kinglake- Healesville Road the Toolangi Sculpture Trail can be added on if you have time for a longer walk and an appreciation for ephemeral art.

Toolangi VIC

15 km away

Sugar Loaf Reservoir — Image credit: Yarra Ranges Tourism

National Parks and Reserves

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Nestled in the Christmas Hills, Sugarloaf is a tranquil setting for a picnic or a stroll near the reservoir shores, offering wonderful views across the water. For the more energetic, there is a 15 kilometre walk that circumnavigates the reservoir. Try shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin, roach or European carp. Take a walk along one of the tracks in and around the park including the lronbark, Chris Phillips and Sugarloaf Walking Tracks. Sailing at Sugarloaf is an enjoyable and exhilarating recreational pursuit. Visitors are permitted to launch appropriate watercraft from the Sugarloaf Sailing and Boating Club only. Launching facilities are available to visitors on Sundays and public holidays by calling the club. A launching fee may be charged. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Christmas Hills VIC

17 km away

Wisteria longissima in full bloom (mid October)

Parks and Gardens

Alowyn Gardens

A beautiful seven acre award winning display garden in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Featuring nine distinct garden areas, with seasonal displays. There is an extensive plant nursery with interesting and unusual plants and a cafe with great coffee, teas and cakes. The purpose of the gardens at Alowyn is to provide an informative and educational experience for anyone interested not only in gardening, but also the enjoyment of a beautiful garden. It has been designed with shade and comfort in mind. Plant names are on view to educate and inform visitors about the gardens.

Yarra Glen VIC

17 km away

Gulf Station — Image credit: National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gulf Station Historic Farm

Visit Gulf Station and learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia. Gulf Station is an extraordinary survival of Victoria's farming heritage, showcasing self-sufficiency and resilience. The farm buildings are all hand constructed using traditional techniques making use of the materials available. They show the development of the farm and its domestic uses. Scottish immigrants Agnes and William Bell colonised the land in the 1850s to run a farm. The practical and hardworking Bell family were generous, resourceful and kind. They ran the Station for 100 years. Mary Anne Bell was the matriarch and after her husband died, she continued to run the property. On Open Days, families can join a guided tour at 11.30 am or explore at their own pace, wandering through the homestead, gardens, old schoolhouse and historic outbuildings. Meet the resident Clydesdales, and explore the barns and farm buildings where generations once worked the land. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn and experience the domestic world of a colonial farming family, where resilience, resourcefulness and hard work shaped daily life.

Yarra Glen VIC

17 km away

Climb the Wall on Funfields Typhoon Waterslide. ProSlide World Record Holder — Image credit: Funfields Themepark

Amusement and Theme Parks

Funfields Themepark

Get ready for a summer of fun at Funfields Theme Park Melbourne. Experience an unforgettable one day holiday filled with thrilling rides, delicious treats and all the fun you know and love. Funfields Theme Park is the closest, ultimate sun-soaked summer escape, just 40 kilometres from Melbourne's city centre. With the addition of the brand-new Lava Lagoon and Cyber Drift, you can decide if you want to float or bump your way through summer fun. Season passes and day passes available. Season passes give you unlimited fun all summer long. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers looking for value for money and endless adventures. If you just want to experience a one day holiday of non-stop excitement, the day pass is perfect for you.

Whittlesea VIC

18 km away

Evie's Evergreen

Shopping and Markets

Evie's Evergreen

Evie's Evergreen is a beautiful 100-year-old heritage shop with classic bay windows and historic character, nestled in the heart of Hurstbridge Victoria on the edge of the beautiful Yarra Valley. The boutique emporium celebrates timeless style and the joy of discovering something truly unique. The team have created an immersive experience where every corner invites you to explore a seemingly endless array of treasures. The old world charm of the original shop has been lovingly preserved while creating a warm and inspiring space, enhanced by the rich vintage style gold window signage and show piece bespoke wallpaper murals and textiles. Alongside a carefully selected collection featuring Australian-made products, handmade pieces and gifts, you'll find an exclusive range of fashion and home textiles. These collections are designed by the team, made in their Kinglake studio. They use vintage fabrics and trims including own original prints, printed in Melbourne, making every garment and textile unique and special. Connected to the boutique is Evie's Bloom Room florist and just a two-minute stroll away is their dedicated workshop space - Evie's Make and Create Space for creative workshops and events including botanical classes and a range of crafting. Easily accessible by train and bus, experience the beautiful Evie's Evergreen shop and the village charm of Hurstbridge, where you can slow down be inspired and relax.

Hurstbridge VIC

18 km away

Ferns and mosses thrive in this cool and damp environment

Natural Attractions

Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk

Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk is an easy and spectacular short circuit walk through cool temperate rainforest in Toolangi State Forest, one and a half hours drive north east of Melbourne. The ancient myrtle beech trees and southern sassafras provide a dense canopy that shades the understory all year round. Ferns, mosses and fungi love these dark, damp conditions and thrive in the moist soil environment. Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk is a Grade 1 all abilities walk. It is around 700 metres return and approximately 450 metres of the trail is a boardwalk wide enough for wheelchairs. There is a short formed dirt track from the carpark down to the start of the boardwalk. From the carpark and trailhead on Sylvia Creek Road visitors have the option of undertaking three different walks – the short Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk or longer Myrtle Gully Circuit or Tanglefoot Loop. Picnic facilities, shelter and a toilet can be found adjacent to the Wirrawilla car park.

Toolangi VIC

18 km away

Myrtle Gully Circuit

Natural Attractions

Myrtle Gully Circuit

The Myrtle Gully Circuit is one of several hiking and walking trails within the Toolangi State Forest which can easily be combined to create an even longer day hike. These include the Tanglefoot Loop (10.5 kilometres) and Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk (2 kilometres). The trail is approximately eight kilometres in length and may take anywhere up to two to three hours to complete. It loops around the lush forest filled with boardwalks, creek crossings, ferns, tall Mountain Ash and other greenery, and you can be assured that the ground will be muddy with some streams flowing down the trails in wetter months. Please note the trail can become quite muddy after rainfall so it's best to wear proper hiking shoes and prepare to get a bit dirty as you trek through the rainforest. Look out for possible streams flowing over the trails and keep in mind you may encounter a few obstacles over the path which may require you to duck under or climb over to get past. Hiking poles may come in handy for additional stability in muddy areas.

Toolangi VIC

18 km away

Yan Yean Reservoir Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Yan Yean Reservoir Park offers visitors peaceful picnic areas, a variety of walking tracks and breathtaking views of Melbourne's oldest water storage. Visit the extensive wetlands and watch the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in this area. The reservoir was Melbourne's first and has supplied the city with water since 1857. It was the plan of James Blackburn, a civil engineer who unfortunately died before ever seeing his dream developed. The historic bluestone valve house and stone water channel are reminders of the reservoir's history. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Yan Yean VIC

18 km away

Tanglefoot Loop

Natural Attractions

Tanglefoot Loop

The Tanglefoot Loop, in Toolangi State Forest, is a 10 kilometre loop hike that will take about two to three hours to complete. The hiking trail is lush with ferns, tall eucalypts and other greenery and has some short steep hills and obstacles over the path. The trail starts from the Monda Carpark off Monda Road, although it can be accessed from the Wirrawilla trailhead and picnic area as well. This grassy picnic spot sits against a backdrop of Mountain Ash forest. Enjoy a scenic lunch and then stretch your legs on one of the many forest walks close by, suitable for all skill levels. If starting from the Wirrawilla trailhead and picnic area you can access Tanglefoot Loop walk, the Myrtle Gully Loop walk or the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, a lovely short walk through cool temperate rainforest. You can also drive to the Kalatha Giant Tree Walk to a see one of the forest's giants. A little further is the Toolangi Sculpture Trail, featuring environmental art made from natural resources. Sections of the track will be muddy in wetter months so good hiking shoes are recommended. Toolangi State Forest, two hours drive north-east of Melbourne, is known for excellent camping, bushwalking, picnicking, birdwatching and fishing.

Toolangi VIC

20 km away

Yarrambat Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Yarrambat Park

Yarrambat Park provides the perfect spot for a family day out. Facilities include electric barbecues, picnic tables and a picnic shelter. Toilet facilities are also provided and have access for people with limited mobility. The area of park around the picnic area provides wide open spaces for playing cricket, kicking a football, flying a kite or walking the dog. Spectacular views of Kinglake National Park and Mt Disappointment are also on offer. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Yarrambat VIC

22 km away

Murrindindi Cascades

Natural Attractions

Murrindindi Cascades

Embark on a short, scenic walk at Murrindindi Cascades, offering multiple viewpoints of the beautiful cascades. Located at the south end of Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, the track follows the first 300 metres of the Murrindindi River Walk, starting across the road from the Cascades Picnic Area. Descend through a forested valley to the Murrindindi River where two bridges provide stunning views of the cascading river. After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the Cascades Picnic Area where you'll find toilets, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, a fire pit, and wood-fired barbeques. Whether you're into camping, bushwalking, birdwatching, picnicking, fishing, or paddling in the gentle waters of the Murrindindi River, Murrindindi Scenic Reserve caters to all kinds of outdoor adventures. There are multiple walks of varying lengths to choose from. There are seven camping areas along the river in the reserve. Facilities and suitability for tents and small caravans varies, so pick the area that best suits you. A small fee applies to camp. Murrindindi Scenic Reserve is almost two hours drive north east of Melbourne. No dogs are allowed.

Murrindindi VIC

23 km away

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