Tarra-Bulga National Park

The 1,560 hectares of this National Park are noted for their moist, lush fern gullies, beautiful tree ferns, towering mountain ash and the famous suspension bridge.  It is one of only four major areas of temperate rainforest in the State.

Tarra Bulga's famous suspension bridge

The splendid forest s full of songbirds, including the master mimic, the lyrebird, which can often be found along the network of walking tracks and shorter nature trails.  Wombats, echindas and wallabies are also found.

The upper storey of the forest is dominated by the 60 metre high mountain ash, then the smaller myrtle beech, blackwood and sassafras.  At ground level, tree ferns create a lush, soft environment, while delicte mosses and gungi rule the forest floor.  This mountain ‘cathedral’ provides a haven for visitors during the hotter months.

The Rainforest Interpretation Centre at Balook is open during weekends and holidays to provide excellent interpretation of the Park, through displays and audio visual material and to display reminders of the early settlement of the area.

High quality picnic facilities and toilets are available in the Bulga picnic area, Tarra Valley picnic ground and at the Visotors Centre in Balook.

Domestic animals are not allowed in the Park.  Fires can only be lit in the fireplaces provided and all litter must be taken home with you.

Walks

Ash Track – leading from the Visitor Centre, this walk takes about half an hour each way and ends at the famous suspension bridge.

Fern Gully Nature Walk – an extension of the Ash Track which continues over the suspension bridge.  Including the return to the Visitor Centre, allow an additional 30-45 minutes.

Lyrebird Ridge Track – a 2.4 km return track starting from the Visitor Centre and accessible to people with disabilities.  60 minutes.

Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk – a 1 km return walk through the rainforest to Cyathea Falls.  It includes interpretative signs to inform you about this special forest.  30-45 minutes.

Giant Mountain Ash

This information was sourced from Tourism Victoria’s Phillip Island & Gippsland Discovery: Grand Ridge Road’ brochure.

For more information visit the Tarra-Bulga page on the Parks Victoria website.