Tarra-Bulga National Park

Tarra-Bulga National Park is a national park that holds a small patch of temperate rainforest in Victoria's Central Gippsland region. == Understand == === History === The area was initially protected as the Bulga National Park in 1904, which covered only 20 hectares (49 acres). In 1909, the Tarra Valley National Park was established nearby. Over the decades, the two parks were constantly expanded and finally merged under the current name in 1986. Today, at 15.22 km2 (5.88 sq mi), it is still relatively small compared to many Victorian national parks, but it's significantly larger than what it once was. === Landscape, flora and fauna === The park's deep river valleys are dominated by moist sclerophyll forest (mainly giant eucalyptus). The rest consists largely of blackwood, pomaderris and tree ferns. In some spots in the park you can also find cold temperate rainforest with myrtle beech trees. The heights are covered with low, sparse forest, mostly eucalypti of peppermint and gum species. === Climate === The park's climate varies between cool and very cold, though the patches of deforested areas can feel warm or even hot during the summer (and will continue to do until climate change gets under control). === Visitor information === Parks Victoria website 1 Tarra Bulga Visitor Centre, 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, ☏ +61 3 5196 6166. Sa Su & public holidays 10AM–4PM (3PM during winter). While it is the park's visitor centre (and interpretation centre), it is run by a trust foundation and is not officially affiliated with Parks Victoria. Nonetheless, the staff here are more than willing to give up-to-date information and help you learn about the park's environment better. . (updated Apr 2024) == Get in == If you are using a navigation app, direct your GPS to the town of Balook. To access the park, drive south from Traralgon along the Traralgon Creek Road (C483), north from Yarram along the Tarra Valley Road or Balook Yarram Road, or via the Grand Ridge Road (C484; unsealed) from either Carrajung or Mirboo North. Note: C484 is only one lane (shared between both sides) north of the southernmost Tarra River crossing. Drive with extra caution. == Fees and permits == As of April 2024, there is no fee for entering the national park. == Get around == Most of the walks around the visitor centre can be reached on foot. However, if you are visiting the Tarra Valley for the two waterfalls, you will need to drive. == See and do == === Waterfalls === 1 Cyathea Falls, Tarra Valley Rd (C484), Tarra Valley (at the end of Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk). The Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk (coloured on map) is an easy 1.4-km 40-minute return walk, passing through ancient myrtle beech forest from over 20 million years ago. Unfortunately, much of the area today has been slowly taken over by eucalypt trees, but it remains strong in the area it survives in. (updated Apr 2024) 2 Tarra Falls, 2079 Tarra Valley Rd (C484), Tarra Valley. Although the falls itself may not be very impressive, it's very easily accessible as you can just park and find the waterfall at the instant (no walking required). (updated Apr 2024) === Bushwalking trails === The park has six bushwalking trails, five of which are in the vicinity of the visitor centre. The sixth is Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk in the Tarra Valley (see § Cyathea Falls above). Lyrebird Ridge Track (coloured on map) – a 2.4-km (45 min return) walk taking you through mostly regenerative mountain ash forests. Ash Track (coloured on map) – a 680-m branch track off the Lyrebird Ridge Track. Most of the vegetation on this branch track is very similar, but there are very visible remnants of logging that occurred here during the early-20th century. Fern Gully Track, including the Willis Track (coloured on map) – an easy 15-minute loop that takes less than a kilometre, but more importantly, passes through 3 Corrigan Suspension Bridge, the park's main draw. Scenic Track (coloured on map) a 1-km 20-minute (one way) walk connecting Corrigan Suspension Bridge to the entrance near Bulga. It contains one of the park's finest temperate rainforests. Forest Track (coloured on map) – this 4.4-km 90-minute loop is the longest walk solely within the park, passing through a rainforest gully and a thicket of Hazel Pomaderris. It is very steep, but doable if you have some experience; part of the track utilises a disused road (Old Yarram-Balook Road), and this section tends to be more tolerable. In addition, the 85-km-long Grand Strzelecki Track partially runs through the park. See Central Gippsland do for information regarding that track. == Buy == Postcards and other souvenirs can be purchased at the visitor centre. == Eat and drink == There is only one cafe in the area with odd opening hours. Bring your own food if you are visiting outside their opening hours. 1 Inline Cafe, 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, ☏ +61 437 154 953. W–Su 10AM–4PM (closed M Tu). The only eatery in the area with relatively reasonable prices. Dine-in includes al fresco dining. The layout of the cafe makes it so you have great views of the forest surrounding you while you enjoy your coffee or pie. (updated Apr 2024) == Sleep == === Lodging === There is no lodging within the park, but there are two very close to the park. If you want to minimise your car use, Tarra Bulga Guesthouse Balook is walking distance from the visitor centre, while Tarra Valley Retreat is a bit further away but cheaper on price. 1 Tarra Bulga Guesthouse Balook, 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, ☏ +61 3 5196 6141. A guesthouse with 7 rooms, but only one has a 4-person capacity. It contains most modern facilities; all rooms have individual bathrooms. (updated Apr 2024) 2 Tarra Valley Retreat, 1906 Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley, ☏ +61 3 5188 0100, info@tarravalleyretreat.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Apr 2024) === Camping === Unusually, there are no campgrounds within the park, but it is possible at the nearby Tarra Valley Retreat. == Stay safe == When driving, ensure you are always attentive to vehicles coming in the oncoming direction as the roads in the park only have 1 shared lane. Take extra precaution around tight corners. == Go next == Wilsons Promontory National Park – the southernmost point of mainland Australia.