There are two places where Myrtle Gully Circuit can start from. In this case we are starting from Wirrawilla Carpark in Toolangi State Forest at the end of Quarry Rd, off Sylvia Creek Road.
There are several hiking trails that extend out from Wirrawilla carpark which can be linked together in many different ways. See Trail End Options.
[adinserter name=”Toolangi State Forest Maps”]After my most recent hike here in September 2017, Myrtle Gully Circuit has to be one of my favourite hiking trails in Victoria, second to Cathedral Ranges/Grampians. The forests are incredibly lush and the sounds of the wildlife in the area are simply beautiful.
 Trail Head Options:
- The only way to get to the start of Myrtle Gully Circuit is by car. Drive to Wirrawilla Carpark in Toolangi State Forest at the end of Quarry Rd, off Sylvia Creek Road.
Myrtle Gully Circuit is a 9.5km loop hike which will take about 2-3 hours to complete. The hiking trail is lush with ferns and other greenery, and you can be assured that the ground will be muddy with some streams flowing down the trails in wetter months. Hiking poles may come in handy for additional stability in muddy areas.
Trail Features:
- Wirrawilla Rainforest
- Lyrebirds aplenty
Welcome to the Wirrawilla Rainforest:
Descend down into the fern gully and meander along the rainforest boardwalk through the spectacular cool temperature forest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this special place as the forest creeks merge and flow beneath the ferns and ancient Myrtles.
Trail End Options:
- Jump back in your car and head home.
- Walk the 1.15km Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.
- Hike the 10.5km Tanglefoot Loop.
Trail Statistics:
- Starting Point: Wirrawilla Carpark in Toolangi State Forest at the end of Quarry Rd, off Sylvia Creek Road.
- Hiking Trail Difficulty: Grade 3
- Distance: 9.5km
- Trail Type: Loop Hike
- Elevation Gain: 275m
- Elevation Loss: 275m
- Minimum Elevation: 640m
- Maximum Elevation: 870m
- Time to Complete: 2-3 hours
- Ending Point: Wirrawilla Carpark in Toolangi State Forest at the end of Quarry Rd, off Sylvia Creek Road.
Detailed Hiking Trail Guide:
Starting from Wirrawilla carpark, head over to the signboard at the back of the carpark. This is the only place to start any hike from here.
To start this hike, follow the sign that points to Wirrawilla Walk on the left.
Go straight here across the bridge.
Follow the raised decking while being careful as it can sometime be a little slippery. They should really deck it in chicken wire for safety purposes.
It’s a bit confusing at the beginning of this hike to know that the Myrtle Gully Circuit starts along the Wirrawilla Walk, which isn’t signposted properly. I also met some other people who were confused as to where to go and had taken wrong turns after having wanted to hike Tanglefoot Loop. So, Turn RIGHT here.
With the additional section through Wirrawilla Walk, the total distance of Myrtle Gully Circuit from Wirrawilla Carpark works out to 9.5km.
Today we are veering LEFT here. On our return we will be coming down from the right.
Over the next 4km the trail gently rises uphill by about 200m through lush fern forests.
There a a couple of small stream crossings and some muddy sections to walk through when wet. They shouldn’t be too much of an issue though.
There are loads of Lyrebirds in the area. Unfortunately you probably won’t get to see them because they’re not very social. But they like to dig. Here is a fine example. You will however get to hear them. Some of the most beautiful sounds in the forest.
The surrounding forest is stunning. Don’t forget to stop and take it in.
This section of the trail is pretty straight forward. Keep following the main trail.
And… Don’t forget to look up. Beauty is all around you here.
It’s a little wet. This was taken in September 2017. But so beautiful.
And muddy. Hiking poles are useful in slippery times such as these.
An abundance of ferns. So. Utterly. Beautiful.
You’ll see a few paths like this where it seems that a trails leads off into the forest. I think these are probably water run offs. Continue straight where possible unless signposted.
Crazy Beautiful. If you can, come here in the morning as the sun is rising.
Here we turn RIGHT.
And continue along Myrtle Gully Circuit. No it is not another 8km… this is another starting point of the hike. Another 5km to go, all downhill from here!
You’ll find a few park benches along this trail where you can sit down and take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.
Another viewing area on the left. Otherwise, continue to the RIGHT.
If you are not Management, please continue STRAIGHT.
I loved this walk so much, that I built a house here. You can see it up ahead. Drop in for a chat if you’re ever in the area LOL.
A small social gathering hut along a raised walkway in the middle of the forest. How stunning.
I adore these raised walkways. There are usually streams running beneath them. Take some time to stop at each one and listen to the sounds of nature around you.
Not management? Continue STRAIGHT.
Turn RIGHT here! The final home run. Just over 1km to go. This is a steep-ish downhill section. Not too steep though.
More beautiful ferns, and fallen giant trees.
We are back to the signposted beginning of the trail, turn LEFT here.
Continue back onto the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk. Go STRAIGHT here.
Follow the raised walkway and admire the many streams that flow beneath them in this area.
Take a LEFT here.
Take a RIGHT here.
And…
You’re back! Hope that you enjoyed this walk. If you want more try the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk or the Tanglefoot Loop hiking trail.
Last modified: October 4, 2017
