The ancient old growth forests of the Central Highlands cover a mere 1.2 % of the forest area today. These giant trees are still historically considered the tallest flowering trees on earth. Today the largest examples are found in Tasmania and the Central Highlands, with many found in areas exposed to logging.

It takes at least 120 years for habitat hollows to form. The Leadbeater’s Possum, Greater Glider, Feathertail Glider, Mountain Brushtail Possum (Southern Bobuck) and Ringtailed Possum are a number of nocturnal arboreal mammals that call these trees home.  Powerful Owls, Sooty Owls and Southern Boobooks also inhabit these forests. Innumerable invertebrates, fungi, lichens, mosses and hornworts utilise space along these multi-story homes.

​The Great Forest National Park will protect all remnants of the past and secure the future of giant trees by setting aside large tracts of forest that are less likely to burn in wildfire events. The aim of this new park is to enrich the landscape with ecologically mature ecosystems, increase floral and faunal biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration rates and improve water catchment yields.  It will provide the 42 vertebrate species who utilise tree hollows with a safe habitat in which to live and flourish.

Why we need a big tree protection plan and the Great Forest National Park proposal meets global scientific criteria. New policies for old trees. 

Attractions

Filters
Walking Track Difficulty
Distance
Elevation
Facilities
BBQ Facilities
Camping Facilities
Fire Place
Parking
Picnic Tables
Public Toilets
Shelter
Water
Wheelchair Access
Clear all filters

Mountain Monarchs

Baw Baw

Tune into your senses and observe the diversity of life that surrounds you while discovering these ancient Mountain Ash trees

Elephant Tree

Marysville

This towering tree found along the Cumberland Walk is an ancient Mountain Ash thought to be approximately 400 years old

Yea Link Tree

Toolangi

The Yea Link Tree is a resilient Mountain Ash gem that has survived the threats of fire and logging

Black Beard

Toolangi

Located 650m along the 2.3km Top Kalatha Track two surviving giants remain anchored in the earth.
  • 01

    Proposed Parks

    We propose adding 355,000 hectares of protected forests to the Central Highlands of Victoria to form the Great Forest National Park

  • 02

    Existing Parks

    Currently there is only 170,000 hectares of parks and protected areas in the Central Highlands of Victoria

Donate

Help support our work in expressing the conservation needs and compelling opportunities that we could address through the establishment of the Great Forest National Park for Victoria.

How to Donate

FAQ

The Great Forest National Park is a large complex proposal, covering environmental impacts and the conservation of wildlife, economic benefits to the area and more. Visit our FAQ for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional custodians of this country include the Bunurong (Boon Wurrung), Gunaikurnai, Taungurung (Daung warring) and Wurundjeri indigenous Australians. We acknowledge this land belongs to the sovereign people of the First Nations. This land was stolen from them and their sovereignty was never ceded. This park conservation plan is subject to ongoing discussions and approvals with relevant clans and corporations and fully supports and recognises all their cultural rights, control and access.

Partner

With Us

Businesses can become brand partners for the project by supporting the Great Forest National Park initiative and pushing the proposed park to their audience.
Find out more
Adventure today Conserve for tomorrow