The McKenzie River Rainforest Walk: A Piece of Heaven on Earth
- Step Into Gippsland
- Mar 21, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2023
☑️ Kid friendly
❌ Wheelchair friendly
❌ Pram friendly
❌ Bicycle friendly
⭐⭐ Stair rating – Approx. 40 stairs
Duration/Length:
Approx. 1 km return
The best way to describe this walk is similar to an Alice in Wonderland experience… it’s not what you imagine it might be.
This magnificent walk emerges from the edge of a highway in far East Gippsland. Given its remoteness, in all likelihood, you will be travelling some distance to reach the McKenzie River Rainforest Walk, but it will be worth the effort.
Today it is very warm, perhaps hot, depending on who is describing it. But beneath the canopy of the rainforest, it feels like a fresh-scented 22-degree day.
The walk has recently been refurbished since the 2019/2020 bushfires swept through the area. Although you wouldn’t guess it as the rainforest has almost regrown to its original beauty.
You will find it difficult to miss this walk. A large car park, complete with drop dunny sits immediately beside the highway. The walk itself begins about 100m along a gravel road heading off from the rear of the car park. It is possible to drive to the beginning of the walk, however today I have chosen to walk from the main car park.
The beginning of the walk is signposted with “Rainforest Loop Walk 1km” and is not easy to miss.
The path is gravel and very level and even with a covering of leaf litter. It is a rainforest, after all, there’s no shortage of foliage in the area!
Unfortunately, there are several sets of stairs on the loop which make the walk not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
I describe this walk as enchanted or magical. The path is flanked on each side with fernery as far as the eye can see and dotted in between these are 20 or 30-metre towering eucalypts. The trees are as intimidating as they are a calming shelter, protecting all that lies beneath them.
The path weaves around before you reach a staircase leading to the first spectacular swing bridge. The bridge hovers above the namesake of the walk, the McKenzie River, which today is gurgling softly as the water trickles downstream.
There is a noticeable difference in the air quality within the rainforest. The increased oxygen and freshness from the greenery and water boost your energy and mood.
After the bridge, several raised boardwalks transport you between the foliage for a fair distance. Many signs are dotted along the walk allowing learning more about the particulars of the rainforest as you pass by the varying species of plants.
Once you reach the second swing bridge, you are almost at the end of the loop walk. The timber and wire bridges perfectly fit the rainforest environment, adding more beauty to this walk.
The final section of the walk is arguably the most magical. The fernery here hits the next level in the glamour stakes. I dare you to not take a photo to capture this memory!
As you approach the exit, a sign states, “As you wander back to the car park, notice how the canopy begins to open, the light increases and the air becomes drier”. The change in air quality is stiflingly obvious in the heat today.
Another leaf-littered gravel path continues to the beginning of the loop track, where I return to reality and the soft rumble of the highway traffic in the distance.
Note: If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Cabbage Tree Creek Cafe & Giftware is worth its weight in gold. This quaint antiquated café is brimming with old-style charm, friendly staff, home cooking and many homemade preserves and gifts.
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