September 19, 2017August 28, 2026
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Myrtle Gully Tanglefoot Loop

by in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Rangestags , , , , , ,
Myrtle Gully Tanglefoot Loop

There are three potential places where the Myrtle Gully Tanglefoot Loop hiking trail could 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. We will first head up Myrtle Gully Circuit, and then at the halfway point cross over to continue along Tanglefoot Loop.

There are several hiking trails that extend out from Wirrawilla carpark which can be linked together in many different ways. This is quite a long loop of 17.5km so it can be quite taxing for some people. Be sure to take enough supplies with you of water and food/snacks. If you are running short at the halfway point, you do have the option to bail out and head back to Wirrawilla carpark which is a nice option to have.

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. Combined with Tanglefoot Loop, this is a lovely hike.

This hiking trail is a Grade 3 walk. Total distance of the track is 17.5km. Formed earthen track, few obstacles. Width: variable and less than 1200mm. Kept mostly clear of intrusions and obstacles. Sign posted. Track head signage and route markers at intersections and where track is indistinct. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Users may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable surfaces and minor water crossings.

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 Tanglefoot Loop hiking trail is a 17.5km loop hike which will take about 5 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:

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: 17.5km
  • Trail Type: Loop Hike
  • Elevation Gain: 650m
  • Elevation Loss: 650m
  • Minimum Elevation: 640m
  • Maximum Elevation: 950m
  • Time to Complete: 6 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.
Turn RIGHT here continuing along Myrtle Gully Circuit – the first half of our walk.
Myrtle Gully Circuit – the first half of this walk.
Keep to the LEFT here.
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.
Another 4km to go from here till we reach the halfway point. Mostly flat or slightly downhill to the halfway point.

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.
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.

This is the halfway point (approximately). Continue STRAIGHT here along a gentle uphill section following the sign (not visible in this picture) pointing towards Tanglefoot Loop.
And keep to the RIGHT here. The trail on the left is an old section which is no longer in use.
This entire stretch of almost 6km continues on a gentle uphill.
Take a sharp RIGHT here.
The trail is a bit drier along this upward slope.
You want to go LEFT here. This is another point where many get confused due to the signs on the other side of this gate. I think this may have been an old part of the trail at some point.
A few wooden walkways along the way break up the scenery between lush fernery.
Have a seat. Take in the forest. Listen to the wildlife.
Follow the main trail around to the RIGHT.

The trail is very self-explanatory. Keep walking uphill until you reach the road.
There are a lot of low lying ferns up near the top of this hiking trail which make the track a little difficult to see.
You have reached the road. Proceed through the gate…
And turn RIGHT. Clear signposts are lacking. This needs to be fixed.
Continue down the road for about 200 meters. Please take care this is a road where cars travel along.
On the RIGHT you can pick up the trail again.
It’s all downhill from here people. Long and steady.

Another confusing sign. Again I will say IGNORE this sign, and GO STRAIGHT. Continue downhill which leads back to the carpark.

Almost there…
And back to the carpark, congrats! If you’ve got a bit of additional time on your hands you can go for a short walk through along the 1.15km Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.
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