September 18, 2017August 28, 2026
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Tanglefoot Loop

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

There are two places where Tanglefoot Loop hiking trail 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.

The forests are incredibly lush and the sounds of the wildlife in the area are simply beautiful.

This is a Grade 3 walk. Total distance of the track is 10.5km. 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.

Tanglefoot Loop is a 10.5km loop hike which will take about 2-3 hours to complete. The hiking trail is lush with ferns and other greenery, and some areas of the ground will be muddy with some streams flowing down the trails in wetter months.

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: 10.5km
  • Trail Type: Loop Hike
  • Elevation Gain: 470m
  • Elevation Loss: 470m
  • Minimum Elevation: 650m
  • Maximum Elevation: 950m
  • Time to Complete: 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 very confusing at the beginning of this hike to know that the Tanglefoot Loop starts along the Wirrawilla Walk, which first turns into the Myrtle Gully Circuit, and then into Tanglefoot Loop. Signposting is not good in this direction. I met two other sets of people who were totally lost. So, turn RIGHT here.
And the sign… what can I say? Ignore it and continue. Take the next RIGHT.
TURN RIGHT HERE for Tanglefoot Loop.
The first section of this hiking trail can be a little steep and muddy when wet.
Look up. Some of these trees are so beautiful.

As you reach the top of this section while wondering if you’ve gone the right way or not because the signs said something totally different… You will see the sign for Tanglefoot Loop hidden on the right. Turn RIGHT here.
And keep to the RIGHT again 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 for a total ascent of 470m from the carpark.
Take a 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.
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. If you’re still feeling adventurous, you can try out the 9.5km Myrtle Gully Circuit which continues from the carpark or go for a stroll on the 1.15km Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.