Four-wheel driving – Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region is an ideal 4WD destination for a day or weekend trip out of Melbourne. The towering mountain ash forest in the Toolangi and Murrindindi State Forests covers the higher ridges and a network of streams feed the Murrindindi River. Not only is this location close to Melbourne, but its offers some excellent 4WD opportunities as well as abundant wildlife, loads of bird-watching and diverse flora.

Explore vast hillsides covered with carpets of fresh green bracken under a canopy of towering trees and an outlook of mountain and valley scenery. The roads through the forest range from new, wide, unsealed tracks to trails accessible only to 4WDs, with dips full of water, river crossings, hills and dales. The Toolangi and Murrindindi State Forests offer excellent 4WD opportunities. Other parks with 4WD tracks include the Bunyip State Park and the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Toolangi & Murrindindi State Forests

Grade:  Easy to difficult
Distance from Melbourne:  70 kilometres (approximately).

Toolangi State Forest is a popular location for 4WD enthusiasts, and is suitable for both beginner and advanced drivers. Many 4WD clubs conduct their training courses here, as the terrain varies from easy to difficult driving. The main access to Toolangi State Forest is via Marginal Road, which runs between the Melba Highway and Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Many 4WD tracks connect with Marginal Road.

Camping is permitted in the Murrindindi State Forest, with many sites located along the Murrindindi River. Wilhelmina Falls, located in the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, has a drop of 75 metres and is worth a look for the views. Follow the 3.6 kilometre sign-posted walking track to the falls off the main access road.

Rooftops leisure maps of this area are available at the Service Station in Glenburn (on the Melba Highway past Marginal Road).