September 18, 2017August 28, 2026
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Myrtle Gully Circuit

by in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Rangestags , , , , , ,
Myrtle Gully Circuit

The Myrtle Gully Circuit can be accessed from more than one point within Toolangi State Forest. This guide begins at Wirrawilla car park, located at the end of Quarry Road off Sylvia Creek Road.

Several walks share this trailhead, allowing Myrtle Gully Circuit to be combined with the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, Tanglefoot Loop and other nearby forest tracks.

After walking here in September 2017, Myrtle Gully Circuit quickly became one of my favourite hikes in Victoria. Its lush fern gullies, towering forest and rich natural soundscape give the walk a wonderful sense of seclusion. Superb lyrebirds inhabit the surrounding forest and, although they can be difficult to see, their calls are often among the highlights of walking in this area.

Difficulty and track conditions

Myrtle Gully Circuit is a Grade 3 walk covering approximately 9.5 kilometres. Allow between two and three hours to complete the circuit, depending on track conditions, walking pace and the time spent enjoying the forest.

The route predominantly follows formed earthen tracks of varying width. While the trail is generally signposted, walkers should pay attention at junctions and carry an appropriate map or offline route.

Some bushwalking experience is recommended. Depending on recent weather, walkers may encounter:

  • Muddy or slippery surfaces
  • Minor creek crossings
  • Uneven or unstable ground
  • Steeper slopes
  • Wet timber boardwalks
  • Fallen branches or other natural obstacles

Hiking poles may provide additional stability on muddy tracks, creek crossings and slippery sections.

Trailhead and access

This guide starts and finishes at Wirrawilla car park in Toolangi State Forest.

To reach the trailhead, travel to Quarry Road from Sylvia Creek Road and follow it to the Wirrawilla visitor area. Access is by road, and conditions on unsealed roads can change following heavy rain, storms or forest operations.

Check current access and conditions before travelling.

Trail features

  • Wirrawilla Rainforest
  • Cool temperate rainforest
  • Mountain ash forest
  • Myrtle beech and southern sassafras
  • Fern gullies and forest streams
  • Boardwalk sections
  • Superb lyrebird habitat
  • Seasonal mud and minor creek crossings

Entering Wirrawilla Rainforest

From the trailhead, descend into the fern gully and follow the boardwalk through Wirrawilla Rainforest.

A dense canopy of myrtle beech and southern sassafras shades the forest floor, creating the cool, damp conditions in which ferns, mosses and fungi thrive. Small forest creeks converge beneath the vegetation and flow under sections of the boardwalk.

Take your time through this opening section. The experience of Wirrawilla comes from listening to the water and birdlife, noticing the changing vegetation and looking up into the forest canopy.

Other walks from Wirrawilla

After completing Myrtle Gully Circuit, you can:

  • Finish your visit at Wirrawilla car park.
  • Explore the shorter 1.15km Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.
  • Complete the nearby 10.5km Tanglefoot Loop.
  • Combine both longer routes for an extended forest hike, provided you have sufficient daylight, fitness, food and water.

Trail statistics

  • Starting point: Wirrawilla car park, Quarry Road, Toolangi State Forest
  • Finishing point: Wirrawilla car park
  • Difficulty: Grade 3
  • Distance: Approximately 9.5 kilometres
  • Route type: Circuit
  • Estimated duration: Two to three hours
  • Elevation gain: Approximately 275 metres
  • Elevation loss: Approximately 275 metres
  • Minimum elevation: Approximately 640 metres
  • Maximum elevation: Approximately 870 metres

Distances and elevations can vary between mapping sources and GPS devices. Treat these figures as planning estimates and allow additional time in wet or slippery conditions.

Detailed Hiking Trail Guide:

Wirrawilla Carpark
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.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk sign
To start this hike, follow the sign that points to Wirrawilla Walk on the left.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk
Go straight here across the bridge.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk
Follow the raised decking while being careful as it can sometime be a little slippery.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk sign pointing to Myrtle Gully Circuit
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.
Myrtle Gully Circuit sign post
With the additional section through Wirrawilla Walk, the total distance of Myrtle Gully Circuit from Wirrawilla Carpark works out to 9.5km.
Myrtle Gully Circuit junction
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.
Myrtle Gully Circuit stream crossing
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.

Lyrebird ground escavations
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.
Myrtle Gully Circuit muddy tracks
And muddy. Hiking poles are useful in slippery times such as these.
Myrtle Gully Circuit ferns
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.

Myrtle Gully Circuit hiking trail junction
Here we turn RIGHT.
Myrtle Gully Circuit sign post
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.

Myrtle Gully Circuit hiking trail junction
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.
Myrtle Gully Circuit hiking trail junction
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.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk trail junction
Take a LEFT here.

Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk trail junction
Take a RIGHT here.
And…
Wirrawilla Carpark
You’re back! Hope that you enjoyed this walk. If you want more try the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk or the Tanglefoot Loop hiking trail.