Forget California, Victoria is hiding its own redwood forests.
When someone says redwood forest, we tend to immediately think of the grand trees that are an incredible drawcard to several state parks around California. But there’s no need for an international flight to see these magnificent species. All it takes is a trip to the Yarra Valley in Victoria.
Just 15 minutes from the town of Warburton (or a 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD), an extraordinary forest of about 1500 Californian redwoods towers over visitors as they wind through the forest and down to the river to wander the walking trails. Some of these trees reach up to a whopping 55 metres high.
How did they get there?
Allow these giants to tower above you. (Image: Tourism Australia / Visit Victoria)
While 55 metres may seem gigantic, it’s only about half of what Californian redwoods can achieve. Why so small (comparatively speaking)? This forest was planted in the 1930s by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, and Californian redwoods can live for 2000 years, so they’ve got plenty of time left to reach their full potential.
Further plantings occurred in the early 1960s, making all these trees 60 to 90 years old. They were planted as part of a scientific program to improve water purity in the catchment area.
Exploring the area
Cycle to groves of ferns and eucalypt trees. (Image: Tourism Australia / Visit Victoria)
Walking trails make the Warburton Californian redwood forest the perfect day trip from Melbourne. They’re not hard to follow, so it’s an easy area to explore alone. You can even stop for a picnic beneath the stunning trees.
Follow Cement Creek past the redwoods to where it meets the Yarra River. Here, you’ll notice a tree change to native vegetation, including ferns and eucalypt trees. Keep an eye open for native orchids that bloom during summer, including greenhoods and cinnamon bells – maybe with a monarch butterfly flitting between them
The grey-headed flying fox can often be seen and heard making its way through the canopy above, along with a variety of birdlife (like yellow robins) that fly around a little closer to the ground.
Just north of Cement Creek Road, you’ll find the O’Shannassay Aqueduct Trail, another popular spot for walking or cycling.
Those looking for a little more adventure can join Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure tours . Ride through 12 kilometres of mature fern gullies, creeks and pristine mountain ash forests – stopping to marvel at the redwoods themselves, of course. Thanks to a predominantly flat track, all levels of riders and fitness levels can get involved.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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When to visit
Let the redwoods cool the summer heat. (Image: Tourism Australia / Visit Victoria)
While the redwood forest is never closed, summer is a particularly good time to visit, letting the shade of the forest cool you down. Just be aware that many Melbourne locals also love this spot, so choose an off-peak time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.
Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.
Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.
1. The Monty, Anglesea
Settle into The Monty’s unique style.
Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.
A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.
Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.
2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy
Discover this new adults-only retreat.
Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.
See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.
Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.
The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.
3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac
Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.
Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.
Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.
Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)
Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.
4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.
Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.
Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.
A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).
Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.
Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.
Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.
