The perfect rows in Warburton’s Californian Redwood forest are stunning this autumn, the fairytale-like woods providing a great opportunity for an afternoon in nature.
The trees themselves are truly spectacular, with the around 1450 California Redwoods in the Yarra Ranges National Park able to reach up to 55 metres tall, and while at full maturity – around 400-years-old – they can reach 115m.
The trees can live for over 2000 years and they are among the oldest living organisms on earth.
The location is serene and peaceful, the large trees and their canopy muffling the sounds of the outside world, providing a perfect spot for yoga, meditation or a picnic.
Warburton artist David Digapony also initiated a series of woven art projects from fallen limbs of the trees, taking the form of huge circular creations that anyone can add to, from large masterpieces to one in its early stages.
Dogs are not permitted, other than assistance dogs with a permit, and camping and bicycles are also prohibited. Visitors are advised to take care, as limbs may fall.
The California Redwood Forest area of Yarra Ranges National Park received a $2.6 million funding boost from the state government at the beginning of the year, due to be completed mid-year in 2022.
The project will add 200 car park spaces, a public toilet, a wet-weather visitor shelter and a boardwalk viewing area along the creek that runs through the National Park.
Prior to the upgrades, the site had been subject to a forced closure by government authorities in June 2020 following concerns of severe overcrowding that resulted in police patrolling the area. Hundreds of cars lined both sides of Cement Creek and Woods Point roads at the entrance of the forest after the 200 or so parking spaces were quickly filled in May of that year.
