Summary

As you walk down from the drier forest into this temperate rainforest pocket everything changes. You feel the moisture in the air increase, you see the ecosystem transform around you.

Description

Situated in the beautiful Bemm River Scenic Reserve, this short loop walk presents a great opportunity to witness the fertility and appreciate the richness of a rainforest environment first hand.

Built in the 1980s, the walking path is of firm crushed rock, extensive grippy plastic grated boardwalks and two suspension footbridges. Once you step off the crushed rock you find yourself elevated into the foliage above the river with excellent insights into the secret rainforest lifecycle of constant decay and growth.

Birdlife is prominent, with Lyrebirds a possible observation and their mimicry almost sure to be heard. Whip birds, Currawongs and Parrots also contribute to the constant background of beautiful noise.

Tune into the frogs who add their own croaking notes to the ongoing orchestra.

Interesting interpretive signage along the walk describes the interdependence of vegetation and wildlife found in this special place. The trees, climbers, ferns, epiphytes and fungi are magnificent to see. Expect to see grand specimens of River Peppermint and Messmate, climbing Clematis, tall Tree ferns, Wood fungi and Wombat berry.

This is a great place to break the long drive across East Gippsland to or from NSW. There are picnic tables at the walk start, with public toilets and bins at the rest area on the highway nearby. Carry your own drinking water.

Pets are not permitted.

Camping is not permitted. However, camping sites are available at Cann River, Orbost and Bemm River as well as within the Croajingolong National Park.

For other walks in the region
East Gippsland walks

1643 Views

Points of Interest

1. Accessing the walk

There is parking immediately at the commencement of the walk. It is a short distance from the nearby rest area on Princes Highway.

2. Dry forest paths

The walk is introduced by a comprehensive interpretive sign situated in the tall timber forest on the higher ground above the rainforest. Pathways are of compacted gravel.

3. Suspension footbridge No. 1

Two suspension footbridges take you into the heights above the river for clear views of the riparian zone. The suspension footbridges are a highlight of the walk in their own right. Note the steps.

4. Boardwalks

Boardwalks are used to protect the sensitive ecosystem that you walk thorough. They are quite extensive and provide access to areas you would otherwise not see.

5. Ecosystem recycling

A key feature of the walk is the opportunity to observe the natural recycling process in action. A giant tree fall creates open space for new growth and decays to deliver nutrients to the soil.

6. Fern rich gullies

The consistent shade and humidity along the McKenzie River supports a wide range of rainforest vegetation including ferns, mosses, epiphytes and lichens.

7. Interpretive signs

Several signs describe the settings and context of what you are seeing as you follow the pathways and boardwalks.

8. Suspension footbridge No. 2

The uninterrupted footbridge views into the rainforest canopy and along the water are great. Note the warning: a 10 person limit applies.

9. Picnic tables

There is a lovely spot to picnic at the end of the walk.

10. Princes Highway rest area

A Princes Highway roadside rest area is approximately 300 meters away. It has parking space, picnic tables, bins and public toilets. The signs pointing to the walk are clear and easy to follow.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river