“The magnificent Ada Tree is a giant mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) estimated to be over 300 years old and one of Victoria’s largest trees.”1
Location
Located in the Yarra State Forest, near Warburton, about 2 hours east of Melbourne.
Ada Tree Walk
- Distance: 3.2 km return
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Start: Ada Tree picnic area
- Finish: Ada Tree picnic area
- Grade: Level 2 – No experience required. The track is hardened gravel or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and some steps.2
The track is well-signposted, with boardwalks and footbridges that wind through cool-temperate rainforest filled with tree ferns, moss, and native birdlife. It’s often shaded and damp — a great summer walk but can be chilly or muddy in winter.
Peaceful and scenic — perfect if you love ancient forests and quiet nature walks.
You’ll pass creeks and dense undergrowth, and when you reach the Ada Tree, it’s genuinely awe-inspiring — its trunk is enormous, and the atmosphere is serene.
Tips
- Bring waterproof footwear — the track can be muddy after rain.
- Mobile reception is limited.
- Check conditions with Parks Victoria before you go, especially after storms.
- Take your rubbish with you — it’s a “leave no trace” area.
Note: Dogs are permitted, but they must remain on a leash.
Eucalyptus regnans
Commonly known as the Mountain Ash, it is the world’s tallest flowering plant and one of Australia’s most iconic trees, native to the cool, wet forests of Victoria and Tasmania. It can grow over 100 metres tall and live for several centuries, with smooth pale bark, glossy green leaves, and small white flowers in summer. Although it’s susceptible to fire, it relies on fire for regeneration, as heat releases seeds that germinate in nutrient-rich ash beds. These towering trees form dense, carbon-rich forests that provide vital habitat for species such as the Leadbeater’s Possum and Powerful Owl. Valued for its fast growth and high-quality timber, the Mountain Ash remains both ecologically significant and a symbol of Australia’s natural heritage.
Useful Links
- National Trust – Mountain Ash: https://www.trusttrees.org.au/tree/VIC/Powelltown/Federal_Track
- Hike at a Glance: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/ada-tree-rainforest-walk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqiNiXsDIoEVgR6lZtLaMgMoumBhGHN-eE3_-BZuFo7Tl2ohLTL
- Bushwalking Tips for State Forests: https://www.visityarravalley.com.au/see-and-do/walk-cycle/bushwalking-tips-for-state-forests
- Ada Tree Walk: https://www.visityarravalley.com.au/products/ada-tree-walk
- Ada Tree: https://www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/picnicking/ada-tree
Reference
- https://www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/picnicking/ada-tree ↩︎
- https://www.visityarravalley.com.au/products/ada-tree-walk ↩︎