Deep in the Yarra Ranges, a forest of towering Californian redwoods rises in remarkably straight rows, creating one of Victoria’s strangest and most atmospheric natural escapes.
Just beyond Warburton, the Cement Creek Redwood Forest feels almost impossibly different from the bushland surrounding it. More than 1,470 Californian redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) stand in neat formations, their trunks climbing towards a canopy more than 55 metres overhead.
Walk between the rows and the forest quickly takes on the feeling of a natural cathedral. The light filters through the towering canopy, the rust-coloured forest floor muffles your footsteps, and the regimented trees create striking perspectives that seem to stretch endlessly into the distance.
Here’s what you need to know before heading to the Cement Creek Redwood Forest.
Almost a 100-year-old forest, planted by accident
The forest dates back to the 1930s, when the former Board of Works cleared native eucalypt forest and planted Californian redwoods as part of a hydrology experiment. Nearly a century later, those experimental seedlings have become giants.
The trees are now estimated to be between 80 and 90 years old, with the tallest reaching an impressive 55 metres. What makes the forest so mesmerising is its unusual symmetry. Now, the redwoods were arranged in remarkably straight rows rather than left to grow in the organic formations of a natural forest. Walk between the trunks and the lines seem to shift and converge, creating striking optical illusions that change with every step.
There are two distinct redwood plantations here, one near the car park and another along the Loop Trail. Radiata Pine and Western Red Cedar were later added to the site in the 1960s, adding further texture to the towering landscape.
Now, as spring blossoms, the surrounding Yarra Ranges burst into life. Fresh greenery, flowering plants and native birds bring colour and movement to the otherwise quiet, imposing forest, with Superb Fairy-wrens and Yellow Robins among the local species you might spot or hear beneath the canopy.
The cooler spring weather is also ideal for wandering beneath the trees, although the dense canopy can make the forest feel surprisingly chilly even on a bright Melbourne day. Pack an extra layer and sturdy shoes, particularly if the ground is damp.
What to do near the redwood forest
The Cement Creek Redwood Forest makes a great starting point for exploring the wider Yarra Ranges, so don’t hurry back to Melbourne once you’ve wandered beneath the towering trees.
Nearby, the Rainforest Gallery offers a completely different forest experience, with lush native rainforest replacing the regimented rows of Californian redwoods. The elevated boardwalk winds through towering Mountain Ash and ancient Myrtle Beech, although it’s worth checking current conditions before visiting as the gallery can occasionally close for maintenance.
For a dose of local history, head towards McMahons Creek to explore the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel, two reminders of the region’s gold-mining past. Both offer short walks and a glimpse into the ingenious ways miners once diverted the Yarra River. Meanwhile, 10 Mile Picnic Area is an easy spot to stop for a packed lunch, surrounded by the peaceful bushland of the Yarra Ranges.
If you’re making a full day of it, continue towards Yarra Junction and visit the Blue Lotus Water Garden, where landscaped gardens, water features and colourful flowering plants provide a gentler contrast to the towering wilderness of Cement Creek.
Together, these nearby stops make it easy to turn a visit to the redwoods into a full Yarra Ranges road trip, with rainforest, historic sites, picnic spots and gardens all within reach.
Where to dine near the redwood forest
After a morning wandering beneath the towering redwoods, head into Warburton for a well-earned feed. Just a short drive away on the Warburton Highway, Little Joe is a cosy, rustic spot that fits the Yarra Valley mood perfectly, serving woodfired pizzas in a relaxed country setting. Its picturesque deck makes it an especially appealing place to settle in after a crisp spring walk.
For a meal with a view, Riverview Cafe & Wine Bar sits right beside the Yarra River, with sweeping outlooks towards the foothills of Mount Donna Buang. The menu changes with the seasons and showcases produce from across the Yarra Valley, making it a lovely option for a leisurely lunch.
Or skip the traditional country fare altogether and make your way to Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen for a hit of South Indian flavour. The restaurant serves Keralan street food and rich curries, offering something refreshingly different from the bakeries and pubs scattered throughout the region.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach the Cement Creek Redwood Forest from Melbourne is by car. The journey takes roughly 90 minutes from the CBD, depending on traffic, with the forest located about 15 minutes beyond the township of Warburton.
Follow the Warburton Highway towards Warburton before continuing onto Woods Point Road and turning onto Cement Creek Road.
Cement Creek Road is narrow in places and includes a one-way, one-lane bridge, so take care as you approach the forest. On-site parking is available, but spaces are limited and can fill quickly on sunny weekends and public holidays.
