Tarra-Bulga National Park is situated in South Gippsland, within Brataualung Country and is a symbolic section of land to its’ Aboriginal cultural heritage. The park is roughly 20km² and, the Strzelecki Ranges run through the park, extending approximately 100km.
This national park is just over a 2-hour drive from Melbourne and is easily accessible by all vehicles. Please note that the numerous unsealed roads may be slippery and form potholes when wet.
Take your time wandering around Tarra Bulgas cool temperate rainforests while enjoying the tall Mountain Ash trees, ancient myrtle beeches and everlasting fern gullies.
There are multiple walking trails and incredible lookout locations to enjoy within the national park. The most well-known tourist attraction in the area is the Corrigan Suspension Bridge.
Plan a few nights away to enjoy the park to its full extent with the accommodation choices listed below. Some of the options are pet-friendly, so your furry friend can enjoy a holiday too.
Read more: Travel Advice in Australia: 10 Things You Should Know
Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge 
Scenic Track Loop
Things to do in Tarra-Bulga National Park
Stopover at the Visitor Centre
Discover the history of the national park and the creation of the Corrigan Suspension Bridge. Moreover, walk through the display area to learn about the natural and cultural history of the park. Additionally, this centre is fantastic for educational purposes for any local or international tourist. Later, enjoy lunch on the lush lawn surrounded by the towering Mountain Ash trees.
Indulge in a delectable lunch at Tarra-Bulga Guesthouse and Cafe
After your days worth of adventures, head to the local cafe for an assortment of fresh bread and bakery goods. In addition, they also have plenty of salads, burgers and sandwiches to enjoy. Finally, finish up your meal with some freshly baked scones served with jam for afternoon tea.
If you’re after more options, take a 40-minute drive to Yarram, where you’ll find Pizza shops, Chinese takeaway, Fish and Chip shops, Bakeries and numerous cafes.
Address: 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, VIC 3971
Take the scenic route along Grand Ridge Road
Grand Ridge Road offers a 132km tourist drive through grassy farmlands and temperate rainforests. It’s best to allow 5-6 hours to enjoy this adventure safely as there are plenty of winding roads.
Watch the landscape change as you tour through the Strzelecki ranges and observe the views over the Latrobe Valley. Along your travels, be sure to pull over and enjoy the towns while passing through.
To plan for your trip, download a PDF version of a map to ensure you always have directions while travelling; you’ll likely lose phone service in areas. Consequently, it’s best to avoid this route during or after severe weather as parts of the roads aren’t surfaced.
Additionally, while driving, be mindful of wildlife; Wombats, Koalas, Wallabies and Lyrebirds live within the ranges. Also, log trucks use parts of the road.
Visit Tarra Falls
This easily accessible waterfall is great for everyone to enjoy. Firstly, park your car within the gravel area, and walk roughly 10 metres to see the top of the falls. Then, use the steps to access the viewing platform. In brief, not much time needs to be spent here as the lowest part of the falls isn’t accessible.
Stroll through Tarradise Gardens
Wander around the 1.5 acres of the Tarradise Gardens. An entry fee of $7.00 for adults will give you access to the magnificent display of the well-maintained garden; nestled within mountain ash trees and beautiful ferns.
There’s an extensive range of plants to explore, some being the 80 species of rhododendrons, 50 species of hydrangeas, beeches, birches, maples and more.
Enjoy a short walk or a long hike
Continue reading the list below of the best hikes within the Tarra-Bulga region. There are numerous fantastic sight-seeing trails to enjoy, plenty of them being kid-friendly. Alternatively, take a long journey on a multi-day hike to enjoy all the park has on offer.
Read more: 10 Best Places to Visit in Victoria in 2021
Views along Lyrebird track Views along Scenic track
Tarra-Bulga Walking Tracks
Grand Strzelecki Track
Take a journey along the Grand Strzelecki Track and enjoy a part of the 40km trail. There are four possible entry points to begin the hike, and it’s a 2-3 day trek. Commence your trip at Tarra-Bulga National Park or Morwell National Park and use the Jumbuk Rest Area as an overnight stop. In addition, parts of the track are steep and narrow, which requires a decent level of fitness.
Corrigan Suspension Bridge
Begin your walk to the well-known bridge by parking at the Visitor Centre. Start your hike by beginning at the Lyrebird Ridge Track. Follow the track along Ash track and later take a right on Fern Gully Track to reach the bridge
After enjoying the views of the Corrigan Suspension bridge, continue walking around the entire trail to travel back to the car park. If you’re interested in extending your tour, once arriving back at the car park, continue along Old-Yarram Balook road and follow the signage. In total, the trail is 6km.
Address: 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, VIC 3971
Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk to Cyathea Falls
An enchanting waterfall nestled within Tarra-Bulga National Park, Cyathea Falls is a terrific tourist attraction and relatively simple walk. The 1.1km loop track named the Tarra Valley Rainforest walk meanders through the stunning rainforest, which leads you to the beautiful waterfall.
There are picnic tables and toilet facilities available at the car park. Also, be sure to go into the shelters and look at the views of the fern gullies.
Address: Tarra Valley Picnic Area, Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley, VIC 3971
Tarra Valley Loop
If you enjoy a challenging hike, try the Tarra Valley Loop, a 21.1km circuit. This trail is one of the best walks within the national park as it will take you on a tour of the best attractions on offer. Moreover, the track can begin in many locations, though I would recommend starting at the Visitor Centre.
Use this website for a map of the trail
Address: 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook, VIC 3971
Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge 
Cyathea Falls
Where to Stay in Tarra-Bulga National Park
There are limited options for accommodation within the national park as a majority of it is untouched bushland. However, there are a few options for places to stay, be sure to book your stay early to avoid disappointment on missing out.
Tarra Valley Caravan Park
Enjoy being amongst the trees at Tarra Valley Caravan Park. This caravan park is a fantastic campground option within the national park. Situated along the Tarra River are six self-contained cabins and 40 campsites, some with river frontage.
There are facilities such as a playground, camp kitchen and bathroom amenities. Campfires are also allowed within the designated fire pits. Also, the campground allows pets.
Address: Tarra Valley Caravan Park, 1906 Tarra Valley Road, Tarra Valley, VIC 3971
Book your stay at Tarra Valley Caravan Park
Best Friend Holiday Retreat
This campground is one of the best pet-friendly options for accommodation in Tarra Bulga National Park. There are plenty of campsites and cabins with fencing to keep pets safe. Also, there are luxury day use kennels for your dog to enjoy while you explore the national park.
Enjoy exploring the 10 acres of parkland and allow dogs to run within the six designated off-leash areas. Also, there is a camp kitchen and bbq facilities available for your convenience.
Address: Best Friend Holiday Retreat, 1720 Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley, VIC 3971
Book your stay at Best Friend Holiday Retreat
Tarra Bulga Guesthouse
The best thing about staying at the Tarra Bulga Guesthouse is its location to the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, only a 2-minute drive.
This relaxing guesthouse offers facilities such as a playground for children, a restaurant, bar and cafe. There is a shared lounge and kitchen for guests, also room service is available. Moreover, each room has a patio with garden views and access to the shared garden.
Address: Tarra Bulga Guesthouse, 1885 Grand Ridge Road, Balook, VIC 3971
Book your stay at Tarra Bulga Guesthouse
Wrapping Up
Tarra-Bulga National Park is the perfect day trip from Melbourne. However, it’s also a fantastic location to spend a weekend enjoying all this magnificent place has on offer.
Besides, there are many walking trails to explore, waterfalls to observe and tourist attractions to visit. In conclusion, my favourite attraction throughout the entire park is the Corrigan Suspension Bridge.
When do you plan to visit this national park? Be sure to tell me about your experience in the comments section!
