Top state forest circuit walks

Who doesn’t love the convenience of a circuit walk? Park at the trailhead and set off knowing you’ll return right where you started – meaning there’s no need for car swaps or retracing your steps.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through the forest or a more challenging hike, there’s a circuit walk in our beautiful state forests to suit your next escape into nature.

Walks under 4 km

Wail Trail and Wail Scenic Loop, Wail State Forest

Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Country

Wander beneath stringybark and native pine woodland on these 2 easy and relaxing walks — the 1.5 km Wail Trail and the 2.5 km Wail Scenic Loop. Wail State Forest is a 25-minute drive north of Horsham and borders the Little Desert National Park.

Spring is the perfect time to visit, when a burst of colour makes the state forest come to life with wildflowers including pink finger orchids, tiger orchids, twining blue fringe lilies and button daisies lining the trails.

Ada Tree Walk, Ada Tall Trees Reserve

Wurundjeri Country

Located 45 minutes east of Warburton is the 3.6 km Ada Tree Walk, that takes you past beautiful groves of ancient myrtle beech, sassafras and tree ferns. The hero of this walk is the Ada Tree — one of Victoria's largest trees standing at 76 metres tall and over 300 years old.

The Ada Tall Trees Reserve is surrounded by the Latrobe State Forest and is one of the stops along Walk into History.

The Channel Loop Walking Track, Avon – Mt Hedrick Natural Features and Scenic Reserve

Gunaikurnai Country

Or head to the Channel Loop Walking Track on the Avon River about half an hour north of Maffra in Central Gippsland. This 2.1 km loop flanked by casuarina trees follows the Avon River through a spectacular gorge that has been carved out by the river through history.

This track is part of the longer Avon River Walking Track, a 10.5 km one way walking track that starts at Huggett’s Crossing Picnic Area and ends near Dermody’s Camp. Download More to Explore to see this walk.

Rubicon Heritage Walk, Rubicon Valley Historic and Cultural Features Reserve

Step into Victoria’s timber harvesting heritage on the 3.9 km Rubicon Heritage Walk. You’ll pass the remains of an historic sawmill, an old timber trestle bridge and walk alongside the aqueduct feeding the Royston Power Station.

If you’re feeling energetic, venture a little further into the forest along the Rubicon Dam Walk — an 11.6 km return trail leading to the impressive spillway into the Rubicon River. Find more details on the More to Explore app.

Walks over 4 km

Reids Tramline Walk, Yarra State Forest

Wurundjeri Country

Discover more of Victoria’s timber harvesting past along the 6.3 km Reids Tramline Walk, starting from Powelltown — about 2 hours east of Melbourne.

This circuit traces the path of an historic tramline once used to haul logs from the forest, powered initially by horses and later steam locomotives.

Koondrook Redgum Forest Walk, Gunbower State Forest

For an even longer adventure, have a look at the Koondrook Redgum Forest Walks, just out of Koondrook on the Murray River.

Choose the Turtle Loop, a 13.2 km half-day journey, or the Eagle Loop, a 9.1 km walk rich in birdlife. Along the way, keep an eye out for wetland wildlife including turtles, herons, spoonbills, and even the majestic, white-bellied sea-eagle that gives the Eagle Loop its name.

Beeripmo, Mt Cole/Beeripmo State Forest

Eastern Maar Country

For an overnight adventure, the Beeripmo is a 21 km, 2-day loop walk starts from Richards Campground, 25 km from the township of Beaufort, the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the Grampians.

Day one covers 7.2 km and day 2 is a 13 km walk that will wind its way back to Richards Campground.

Page last updated: 29/09/25