Just beyond the lush and familiar forests of Dandenong Ranges National Park, less than 90 minutes away from Melbourne, you’ll find the quieter landscapes of Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Located just a few kilometres north of Gembrook, this park was named after its historic kiln, which was used in World War Two to make charcoal. Today, you’ll find plenty of trails for walking, horse riding and bike riding, as well as picnic grounds, camping spots and a vast range of plants and animals. Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a leash.
Kurth Kiln Regional Park
Make your way over to the Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground, and check out the wartime relic. Kurth Kiln was built by the Forests Commission of Victoria to create charcoal, and used it as a substitute source of fuel during World War Two. This nine-metre-tall structure was the only kiln of its kind ever built in Victoria. It was in full production by mid-1942, but due to difficulties like transport and oversupply, the kiln was only used intermittently during 1943, and shut down soon after. Nearby, you’ll also see old cottages, which were used to house workers and their families.
Outdoor adventures
With over 20 kilometres of tracks, one of the best ways to explore Kurth Kiln is on foot. Put on your hiking shoes, and weave your way through mountain ash and stringybark trees. From the Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground, you’ll find a number of easy trails to try, including Tomahawk Creek Circuit, a two kilometre track that will take you along the gently flowing creek.
Drive a little further north to see Shiprock Falls. This quick trail packs a big punch, with a massive hunk of rock at the start of your journey. Explore Ship Rock, and feel like an explorer as you weave through the cave-like passageway. Keep going to see the cascades, where you can watch it tumble away over boulders. This walk is a 300 metre return journey from the car park.
Kurth Kiln also has shared use tracks, allowing mountain bike riders and horse riders to have fun.
As you wander around the park, look out for rare plants such as long pink-bells, tall astelia and brickmakers saw-sedge. Meander through riparian forests and swamp heathland, and amble along little creeks. As you go, look out for local wildlife, including elusive swamp wallabies, adorable wombats and prickly echidnas. Listen out for lyrebirds, honeyeaters, kookaburras and more wonderful birds.
If you’re camping, at night, you might see yellow-bellied gliders, sugar gliders, greater gliders and forest owls. Find designated sites at the Scout Loop and Magazine Camping Areas, as well as the communal Heritage Fence Camping Area.
As you are out and about in nature, keep an eye on the Parks Victoria website for any updates or closures.
Gembrook
Near Kurth Kiln, you’ll find the charming village of Gembrook. The last stop on the Puffing Billy line, this township is tucked into the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Warm up with a cup of coffee or a little treat from one of the cafes, or for something a bit more filling, treat yourself to Italian and Argentinian dishes at The Independent. Time your visit to align with the market, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month. If you can’t get enough of nature, take a stroll through Gembrook Park.
