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La Gerche Forest Walk Loop
4.8
66 reviewsAbout
When forest bailiff John La Gerche came to Creswick in 1882, he found what was described as a 'lunar landscape'. Three decades of gold mining had stripped the once forested Wombat foothills bare. In 1887, he selected sheltered Sawpit Gully as the site for a nursery and plantation to grow exotic ornamental and commercial tree species. Today the plantings are a fascinating window on the past.
You can access the La Gerche Gully Loop Walk from Sawpit Road off the Midland Highway north of Creswick. Park in the designated area and follow the fence line to the left of the gates to the old nursery (now a Parks Victoria depot). You'll pass some relocated 19th century stables, before setting off along this well signposted gravel track. It meanders through a forest of various species of conifers from the Canary Islands, Austria, California, Corsica, and Scotland. Watch out for raised tree roots, which can act as a tripping hazard. Further on, the 120-year-old Oak Gully is a delight.
Tips for safe walking: Wear suitable walking shoes and carry plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Always inform friends or family of your plans and estimated time of return. Keep to designated paths and stairways, and obey all safety signs.
Hours
Open 24 hours
Facilities and visitor features
5 featuresRegional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Annie Wild
Google review
LOVED this walk! I did the La Gerche track and then the second shorter one. Had the whole place to myself (apart from the wildlife). A real hidden gem. Learned a lot along the way reading the signs as well
Paul C
Google review
This is an easy track to walk. The few shallow hill climbs and descents along the route won't tax your heart too much, and the terrain underfoot is stable and compact. There are areas that have tree roots crisscrossing the track which might be a tripping hazard if you haven't worked out how to walk yet 😂. The atmosphere is gorgeous and stuns with its natural silence, if you take the time to just stop and listen. There are information boards dotted along the trail and marker posts are never too far away, so no chance of getting lost. If you're walking your dog here there are sections of the trail that are covered in pine needles so could be a bit prickly for your pooch to walk on 🤔. All in all, a glorious trail that won't take much more than an hour to traverse at a sedate pace.
Clive Coogan
Google review
Walked this great historic trail with 2 former foresters, they studied at the Victorian school of forestry, Creswick Lots of knowledge and historic anecdotes
David Sage
Google review
A very tranquil, easy walk. A well signed beautiful forest to relax in. Interesting historic trail with plenty of information signs. We had our dog on a leash, and she loved it. We will definitely return in other seasons.
Janos Veresbaranji
Google review
The path winds through tall closed forest. What was an experimental plantation of conifers, gum trees and northern hemisphere deciduous trees is now a sprawling botanical gardens. While it is protected as is, the people who look after this place don't quite get it: there is no sign of recent replanting and all the information displays describe the trees as weeds. It won't last another 140 years. There is John La Gerche carved wood statue near the trail head. It is getting covered with mosses like the trunks of the trees he planted. It can be soggy after the rains.
Get in touch
Where you'll be
Sawpit Road
Creswick VIC 3363