A cool, shaded forest circuit through towering mountain ash and tree ferns, home to the elusive superb lyrebird and leading to Sherbrooke Falls.
The Sherbrooke Forest Lyrebird Walk starts at the Sherbrooke picnic ground on Sherbrooke Road in Sherbrooke, within the Dandenong Ranges National Park about 40 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD. Free car parking is available at the picnic ground; there is no direct train service, though a bus connects from Upper Ferntree Gully station for those without a car. No permit is needed.
The main circuit covers about 5 kilometres, looping past Sherbrooke Falls, with a gentle cumulative elevation gain of roughly 150 metres spread over rolling forest track. The walking is easy to moderate: there are no technical sections, but the path undulates through gullies and has some exposed tree roots and occasional muddy patches, particularly after rain.
Underfoot the track is compacted earth and leaf litter, shaded almost continuously by towering mountain ash -- among the tallest flowering trees in the world -- along with soft tree ferns and sassafras understorey. The dense canopy keeps the forest floor cool and damp even in summer, and little sun penetrates the trail.
The forest is one of the best places near Melbourne to hear, and occasionally see, the superb lyrebird, renowned for mimicking other birds and forest sounds; the display season peaks in the cooler months when males perform on their mound display sites. Sherbrooke Falls, a modest cascade reached partway around the loop, is the main landmark and a natural rest or turn-around point for walkers wanting a shorter outing. Side tracks also connect to the nearby Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
There is no water source directly on the track; the Sherbrooke picnic ground at the start has toilets but no kiosk, so walkers should bring their own water and snacks. Cafes are available in nearby Sherbrooke and Sassafras villages.
| Distance | 5km circuit (Sherbrooke Falls loop) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Car to the Sherbrooke picnic ground car park; nearest station is Upper Ferntree Gully with a bus connection |
| Best season | Year-round; June-August is the superb lyrebird's peak mating-call season |
| Address | Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sherbrooke Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park
What to bring
Walking shoes, water, insect repellent
Location
Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
-37.8794, 145.3486 View on map
Highlights
- Chance to hear or see the mimicking superb lyrebird in its natural habitat
- Sherbrooke Falls cascade partway around the loop
- Towering mountain ash forest, among the tallest flowering trees on earth
- Cool, shaded gully walking year-round
Tips for visiting
- Visit at dawn or dusk in winter for the best chance of hearing lyrebird calls
- Track can be muddy after rain; wear shoes with good grip
- Keep to marked tracks to avoid disturbing lyrebird display mounds
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
When to visit
Dawn or dusk during the June-August lyrebird display season offers the best chance of sightings; the walk is pleasant year-round otherwise.
Accessibility
The forest track is unsealed with tree roots, gentle slopes, and occasional mud, so it is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly. The Sherbrooke picnic ground at the start is flat and accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see lyrebirds at Sherbrooke Forest?
The superb lyrebird's mating display season peaks from June to August, when males are most vocal and active on their display mounds, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, the rolling forest track has no technical sections and is a good option for walkers building up to steeper Dandenong Ranges trails.
Is there a shorter option than the full 5km loop?
Yes, walkers can turn around at Sherbrooke Falls for a shorter out-and-back outing instead of completing the full circuit.