Five ways to enjoy the forest this winter

As the temperature drops, Victoria’s state forests offer a unique winter escape, with many ways to enjoy the crisp winter's air and connect with nature.

We’ve collated 5 options for you to enjoy the forest this winter.

1. Take a scenic drive

When it's too chilly to wander the trails or pitch a tent, watch the changing landscape from the warmth of your car. Here are some scenic routes to inspire a weekend getaway.

Mount Disappointment Forest Drive

Wurundjeri Country

Head to Mount Disappointment State Forest near Whittlesea along the 40 km return forest drive for epic views of the summit and Strath Creek Falls. Or drive along Murchison Spur Road for breathtaking views over the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Be sure to stop at Murchison Gap Lookout located north towards Strath Creek Road.

Powelltown to Noojee, Yarra State Forest

Wurundjeri Country

Drive through dense forest of beautiful ferns and towering mountain ash along the Yarra Junction-Noojee Rd and Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road. Stop for a picnic at the Powelltown Picnic Area, or Toorongo Falls just past Noojee.

Waanyarra Forest Drive

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Travel through beautiful ironbark forest on this easy 8.2 km drive located just out of Dunolly west of Bendigo. You’ll pass through the historic mining town of Waanyarra, once popular for its alluvial nuggets—gold deposited by water.

2. Catch a breathtaking view

Gain a new perspective on the landscape below at these 3 beautiful forest lookouts.

Murmungee Lookout, Stanley State Forest

Just 12 minutes from Beechworth is Murmungee Lookout, overlooking the grazing and cropping lands of the Murmungee Basin. Pack your lunch and take in the breathtaking landscape from the lookout’s picnic table.

Hermans Hill Lookout, Big Desert State Forest

Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Country

Head west to Hermans Hill near Rainbow for expansive desert views over the Mallee landscape. Situated in the southeastern corner of Big Desert, a short 3 km walking trail will take you to the lookout.

Seven Acre Rock, Seven Acre Rock Natural Features and Scenic Reserve

Bununrong Country

Enjoy a sweeping panorama of Yarra State Forest and Bunyip State Park, at granite outcrop Seven Acre Rock, 15 minutes from Powelltown. An easy 1.3 km walk will take you through towering mountain ash and a smaller woodland of silver wattle before a small rocky climb to the lookout at the end.

3. Hit the mountain bike trails

With cooler weather and fewer people around, now is the perfect time to explore over 400 km of mountain biking trails in state forests.

Buxton Trails, Black Range State Forest

Taungurung Country

Mount Taylor Trails, Bullung-Warl State Forest

Gunaikurnai Country

Choose from over 30 km of downhill, all mountain and cross-country tracks at Mount Taylor Trails, just out of Bairnsdale. Designed for the experienced rider, the uphill challenges, flowy descents, abundance of jumps, gaps and bermed corners are sure to keep the winter chill at bay.

La Larr Ba Gauwa, Harcourt

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

La Larr Ba Gauwa in Harcourt is a 34 km mountain biking network that has over 11 cross-country trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views over Harcourt and unique rock formations.

4. Warm up by the fire

State forest campgrounds welcome day visitors too! Many spots have fire pits - perfect for a BBQ, toasting marshmallows or keeping warm. Bring sustainably sourced firewood, matches, and water to safely put out your fire.

Coopers Creek Day Visitor Area, Coopers Creek Copper Mine Historic Area

Gunaikurnai Country

Coopers Creek is a stunning site on the Thomson River about 20 minutes from Walhalla in Gippsland. Set up at one of the picnic tables and fire pits overlooking the river. Stop off at the nearby historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway and Poverty Point Bridge Walk.

Starlings Gap, Yarra State Forest

Wurundjeri Country

Starlings Gap near Warburton makes the perfect base for exploring Yarra State Forest. It has everything you need, including picnic tables, firepits for a campfire lunch, toilets and shelter. After lunch take a walk through the cool temperate rainforest and discover the lost tramway relics from the timber mill that once stood here.

5. Explore a forest walk

Venture along one of our state forest walking trails for a burst of nature.

Beauchamp Falls, Otway Forest Park

Eastern Maar Country

For the ultimate short winter walk, head to Beauchamp Falls, 45 minutes inland from the Great Ocean Road. Breathe in earthy temperate rainforest as you walk 2.5 km through the lush ferns and towering mountain ash of the Otway Forest Park to the magnificent falls.

Latrobe River Walk, Yarra State Forest

Admire the towering mountain ash along this beautiful river walk just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne. Set up lunch at the picnic shelter, picnic benches and wood-fire BBQ before a short 800 m stroll along the Latrobe River Walk. While you're in the area, head to the nearby Ada Tree and Seven Acre Rock.

Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, Colquhoun/Boyanga Gidi State Forest

Gunaikurnai Country

At 276 m long and 20 m high, the red ironbark and grey box timber Stony Creek Trestle Bridge near Nowa Nowa is one of Victoria's largest standing bridges of it's kind in the state. Although you can't walk across the bridge, you can admire it from an elevated viewing platform and walk or ride along the nearby East Gippsland Rail Trail.

Page last updated: 05/06/25