The Redwood Forest, Warburton is located just 15 minutes’ drive through the township of Warburton. It is home to the magical Californian Redwood tree plantation. This has been popping up on social media a bit over the past few months and I can’t believe the number of times we have been to and through Warburton and never stopped. I can definitely say that the East Warburton Redwood Forest is one of Victoria’s hidden gems.
Eerie, beautiful and magical all at the same time
The Redwood Forest is hidden away at the base of the Yarra Ranges. We visited on a long weekend whilst camping at the Doon Reserve Caravan Park.
Some of the trees stand up to 55m high. It is dizzying to stand and look up. But do keep your mouth closed as there were some giant looking bats flying around the tops of the tress! There are approximately 1476 trees to get lost amongst.
The trees went up forever
Stepping into the forest is like what I imagine stepping into a Fairy Tale is like. It was just magical. I really can’t explain how much we loved this place! The Redwood trees have been planted in perfect rows and walking into the forest from the edge is like walking into another time. The trees somehow muffle any noise from the outside. It is magical, beautiful and quite eerie at the same time (and extra eerie given we had some smoke haze around also).
The kids couldn’t get into the forest quick enough and were off exploring within seconds. One you are inside the Redwood Forest and walking (running!) amongst the giant trees you will notice that the forest is also home to wild woven art (or Pterodactyl nests apparently!). This has been initiated by local Warburton artist David Digapony. You can check out some of his wild and woven creations on his Instagram account. His artworks within the Redwood Forest are huge circular creations and the scene is forever changing. The kids were building their own and also adding to the creations already there.
Was hard to keep the kids still for a photo
The Warburton Redwood Forest is the perfect place to soak in all the outdoorsy-ness and relax, breathe in the country air and just chill. Next time we would love to take a picnic blanket and create a space to just ‘be’(for 5 minutes with the kids ha!).
The Redwood Forest slopes gently so once you are ready for a change of scenery walk to the bottom and take one of the paths that leads you to Cement Creek. On a hot day pick a spot along the creek for some water play.
Gorgeous to play on a hot day
How to get to the East Warburton Redwood Forest
It’s no surprise that this place is a well-kept secret, without a sign to indicate it’s existence, most visitors to the region probably just drive right past it, as we have done many times in the past.
- Use the address: Redwood Forest Cement Creek Rd, East Warburton 3799
- Drive through Warburton along the Warburton Highway (which becomes Woods Point Road) and follow this until you see a small street sign for Cement Creek Road on the left (approx. 7km). There is no signage for the forest itself.
- Continue on and pass over the narrow wooden bridge and continue down Cement Creek Rd for 500m or so. The road is unsealed and a little rough in places (adding to the excitement and adventure!).
- Car park on your right-hand side.
You are here! Depending on the day of the week and time of day you might find you will need to park along the road. It is fast gaining in popularity.
Things to know before you go
- 1 hour and 30 minutes/2 hours from Melbourne traffic dependent
- There are no road signs for this location, it’s very hidden (which adds to the mystery and adventure!)
- Cement Creek Road is unsealed and quite rough. Still accessible by regular vehicles but take it slow. The road is not very wide so you’ll have to pull to the side for oncoming traffic.
- There are no toilet facilities nearby (we noticed used tissues/toilet paper in a couple of spots. Please use your brain and don’t leave it lying around, it’s gross)
- There is plenty of room to push an off road pram
- No dogs allowed – it’s a National Park.
- There are no bins, so take your rubbish when you leave.
- I had no phone/data reception in the area with Optus. Telstra had some.
- Take a picnic
Have fun exploring. This is one beautiful place!
Plenty of places to explore
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Great post and shots! It’s a wonderful day trip!