Sherbrooke Forest Circuit Start — Attraction in Melbourne

I took the train to Belgrave Station and walked about 1km to Micawber Tavern to start the trail in a clockwise direction. I went on a Friday morning and passed only very few people. The trail was quiet and peaceful, with many birds chanting to one another.

The loop takes you through lush, fern-filled forest, but be prepared, it’s currently very muddy, especially along Hillclimb Track leading up to Sherbrooke Falls. The falls themselves were quite small and a bit underwhelming.

Clematis Track was also muddy and slippery, and less maintained than the rest, with several fallen trees blocking the path. So be prepared for a bit of scrambling. The final stretch back to Micawber Tavern via Coles Ridge Track was a challenge, a steep climb followed by an even steeper descent at Lipscombe Break, which felt a bit dicey in slippery conditions.

It took me about 4 hours to complete the loop, including toilet breaks and photo stops along the way. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see any platypus or wombats, even though the signs asked me to keep an eye out for them. I did see some cool birds though!

I’d say this hike is perfect for those looking for a challenge and to build endurance before taking on more difficult trails. Please remember to wear proper hiking shoes, be ready for mud and a few tricky spots, and bring walking sticks if you have any for...

This hike offers an enjoyable experience with refreshing air and a sense of adventure due to narrow pathways.

While the ambiance is invigorating, certain sections can be muddy, requiring extra caution.

One drawback is occasional traffic noise from nearby roads, disrupting the serene atmosphere.

Additionally, the hike concludes with a final kilometer along a road back to the parking area, detracting somewhat from the natural trail experience.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, the overall hike is enjoyable and satisfying. The scenic beauty and adventurous moments along the trail compensate for any inconveniences.

Overall, it’s a worthwhile excursion for hikers of varying skill levels, providing a memorable adventure amidst the...

It takes you deep into a beautiful forest of mountain ash and lush ferns. With recent rains, it was quite wet and muddy, making the steep downhill sections particularly challenging. I did the loop clockwise, and it took me about three and a quarter hours, including a lovely lunch stop at Grants Picnic Ground. While there aren't any distant views of the city or the Dandenongs, the reward is the feeling of being truly immersed in this incredible natural...