2025 Marysville Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

🕰️Business Hours:2🏖️Ambiance/Facilities:nice📍Address:steavenson falls

Nestled in the stunning Yarra Ranges, Marysville State Forest offers a picturesque escape into nature just 100 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. This serene forest is known for its lush, mountainous landscape, a tapestry of eucalyptus trees, ferns, and waterfalls that has attracted visitors for decades. With its rich history and variety of outdoor activities, Marysville State Forest is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Historically, the area around Marysville was occupied by the Taungurung people, an Indigenous group who lived off the rich land and waterways. European settlement began in the mid-19th century during Victoria’s gold rush, with Marysville established in 1863 as a stopping point for miners traveling to nearby goldfields. The town flourished as a logging hub in the early 20th century, but by the 1920s, its natural beauty made it a popular tourist destination. Today, the town and its surrounding forests have become a gateway for exploring Victoria’s rugged wilderness, despite suffering significant damage during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Marysville State Forest is a haven for outdoor activities. Hikers and bikers can explore the scenic trails that wind through the forest, offering everything from leisurely walks to challenging climbs. The Lady Talbot Drive is a must-see, where the tranquil beauty of Taggerty River and spectacular waterfalls like Phantom Falls, Keppel Falls, and Steavenson Falls can be admired. The latter is one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, with an impressive drop of 84 meters, and is especially stunning when illuminated at night. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local wildlife, the forest is home to an array of species including lyrebirds, wombats, and wallabies. Birdwatching is a favorite activity, as many native species can be spotted in their natural habitat. The forest also offers great opportunities for fishing, particularly in the Steavenson River, where trout can be found. Key places to visit around Marysville State Forest include the Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden, which showcases whimsical sculptures nestled within the greenery, and the nearby Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, popular for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Marysville itself is a small, peaceful town with a population of around 300, making it an ideal base for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. At just under two hours’ drive from Melbourne, Marysville State Forest is a perfect day trip or weekend retreat, offering a refreshing break from city life. Whether you’re exploring its waterfalls, hiking through its trails, or simply enjoying the tranquillity, the forest is a true gem in Victoria’s outdoor landscape.

I made cute snowkid at Lake Mountain

30th of June 2024 was the best experience ever. 2hrs from Melbourne CBD. That was showering on the way there but on the mountain was full of snow and snow falling ❄️❄️❄️

Full of snow and also snow falling while I was there. Only 2hrs from Melbourne CBD, a bit showering on the way there but on the mountain just full of snow, no rain but snow falling, that was so exciting 😀😀❄️❄️

A few days ago, during the public holiday for Australia Day, I took advantage of the day off and went to the Bruno Art Statue Garden, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne. There are over 150 statues in this garden, some of which are so small that they are hidden in small bushes and require careful observation. The garden is entirely made up of Bruno and his wife's private collection, and the ticket price for adults is $15 per person, which is worth a visit. This town experienced a large-scale bushfire in 2009, so many stories in this town are about post-disaster reconstruction. Personally, I think this garden is worth a visit, but there are many mosquitoes in the forest, so it's best to be prepared with mosquito repellent.