Current trail weather

7° Overcast

Forecast

The Beeches Forest Walk, Yarra Ranges National Park

The Beeches Forest Walk is a beautiful rainforest walk in Yarra Ranges National Park, near Marysville in Victoria. Also known as the Beeches Rainforest Walk, this 4 km return walk takes around 2 hours and explores one of the most atmospheric sections of forest along Lady Talbot Drive.

The walk starts from Taggerty Cascades Car Park, where the sound of rushing water sets the scene before you even enter the forest. From here, the track leads into cool temperate rainforest filled with Myrtle Beech, Mountain Ash, tree ferns, mossy logs and shaded creek crossings. Parks Victoria describes the walk as starting from Taggerty Cascades and meandering through ancient rainforest dominated by Myrtle Beech and Mountain Ash.

One of the highlights of the walk is Taggerty Cascades, where water tumbles over granite boulders through a dark, fern-filled gully. The cascades provide a lively contrast to the quieter sections of forest, and they are especially impressive after rain or during wetter months when the creek is flowing strongly.

As the track continues, you’ll pass through groves of old Myrtle Beech, with some trees estimated to be more than 300 years old. The walk also visits the Meeting of the Waters, where Whitehouse Creek joins the Taggerty River, creating a peaceful rainforest setting surrounded by ferns and mossy banks.

The Beeches Forest Walk is generally a manageable walk, but it still includes natural surfaces, steps, bridges, damp sections and occasional obstacles. The rainforest can be slippery after rain, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Listen out for superb lyrebirds scratching through the forest floor, and keep an eye out for wombats, satin bowerbirds and other local wildlife.

Facilities are available at nearby The Beeches Picnic Ground, including picnic tables and toilets, while parking is available at Taggerty Cascades. Dogs are not permitted in this section of Yarra Ranges National Park.

Access is via Lady Talbot Drive from Marysville. Road conditions can vary seasonally, and closures may occur due to weather, track works or hazardous trees. Parks Victoria currently flags visitor advice and reported issues for the Beeches Rainforest Walk area, so check current conditions before setting off.

For walkers looking for a short rainforest escape near Marysville, The Beeches Forest Walk is one of the best options in Yarra Ranges National Park. With ancient Myrtle Beech, towering Mountain Ash, fern gullies and the rushing water of Taggerty Cascades, it is a rewarding walk for anyone wanting to experience Victoria’s cool temperate rainforest.

Trail discussion

No discussions yet for this walk.