Californian Redwood Forest in East Warburton gets upgrades after surge in popularity

THE booming popularity of the scenic Californian Redwood Forest in the Yarra Valley has led to rangers stepping up patrols and upgrading access.

The popularity of the Californian Redwood Forest in East Warburton has surged. Picture: Brooke Latham

THE booming popularity of a forest in the Yarra Valley has seen rangers step up patrols and upgrade access.

Parks Victoria rangers have stepped up patrols by nearly 50 per cent and will install a disabled access gate and new signage at the Californian Redwood Forest due to a surge in visitor numbers.

The heritage-listed forest, which was planted in 1930 and has trees up to 55m, has become popular with families and received rave reviews on social media thanks to its photogenic scenery.

Parks Victoria area chief ranger Conrad Annal said the gate would be installed in the forest carpark next month and would allow wheelchair access.

He said new signage would also be installed near the carpark by the end of the year.

“Parks Victoria rangers have noticed an increase in visitation at Redwood Forest as the word of mouth continues to increase awareness of the park,” he said.

“It’s great to see more people getting outside and connecting with nature.”

Warburton Information Centre volunteer Erika Behrendt said one in every four visitors to the centre asked about the forest.

She said the forest’s popularity had surged over the past 12 months.

“Its charm has put it on the map, it’s unique and I think people love walking down to the creek and having picnics down there,” she said.

Ms Behrendt felt signage should be installed at the turn-off to the forest on Cement Creek Rd, and there should be improved parking facilities near the forest.

Parks Victoria spokesman Jarred Parsons said there were no plans to install signage on the road but carpark improvements could be considered.