Tarra-Bulga National Park

With its lush gullies, giant mountain ash trees and tree ferns, Tarra Bulga National Park is one of only four major areas of cool temperate rainforest in the state.

Picnic under a mountain ash

Have lunch at the Tarra Bulga Picnic area, just off the Grand Ridge Road, or the Tarra Valley picnic area off Tarra Valley Road. Both spots are set amongst the giant mountain ash and shady fronds of tree ferns and offer tables, fireplaces, toilets and picnic shelters.

Bushwalks, waterfalls and rivers

Try out one of the numerous walking tracks that emanate from the picnic areas. Meander through the forest, head south down to Tarra Falls, or take the Fern Gully Nature Walk, which includes magnificent views along the famous suspension bridge.

Plants and wildlife

The rainforest is a haven for plants and wildlife. Discover a wide variety of birds including the pilotbird, yellow tailed black cockatoo, eastern whipbird, and currawongs. Visit in the evening when the forest comes to life as possums, owls and bats emerge to feed. If you're lucky, you may see a lyrebird scratching the forest floor looking for food or catch a glimpse of some of the other inhabitants like wombats, swamp wallabies, gliders and platypuses.

Accommodation

Camping is not permitted within the Tarra Bulga National Park. However, Tarra Valley offers a range of accommodation including a guest house and tearooms, country house-style accommodation, a Swiss-style chalet with sweeping views and a caravan park with cabins available.

How to get there

Make your way to the park from the Princes Highway at Traralgon by following the Traralgon Creek Road to Balook. Alternatively, follow the Tarra Valley Road from Yarram. Although the roads throughout the area are narrow and winding they offer magnificent scenery with panoramic views from several points.

Another possible route is the spectacular Grand Ridge Road, which is mostly unsealed but well maintained and starts from the Warragul-Korumburra road finishing at Carrajung, North of Yarram. Enjoy incredible views north across the verdant pastures of the Latrobe Valley to Mt Baw Baw and south to the sandy beaches and blue waters of the Bass Coast and Wilsons Promontory.

Note: some tracks and picnic areas within Tarra-Bulga National Park are closed due to storm damage. Please check the Parks Victoria website for more information.