Explore
Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve is linear strip of land that follows the Sassafras Creek. Stretching from the quaint township of Sassafras through to Emerald, the 17km Sassafras Creek Walking Track is the perfect way to explore.
Put on your hiking shoes and follow the track as it meanders beside and above Sassafras Creek, offering the chance to be immersed in the forest and to discover its unique flora and fauna. Pass through fern-filled gullies, eucalypt covered hill sides and over numerous bridges and boardwalks. The walk can be undertaken from either direction, starting from either Sassafras or Emerald. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.
Why not break the walk into shorter sections and stop off at one of the picnic grounds along the way. There are four picnic areas — Olympic, Kays, Kensleys and Beagleys all accessible along the walking track.
The forest surrounding the grounds abounds in natural wonders. Dominated by the towering Mountain Ash, you'll also find Mountain Grey Gum and Messmate (eucalypt) trees. Sassafras Trees for which the track is named are common throughout cool temperate rainforest sections. The mid-canopy contains soft and rough tree ferns and in some areas Slender Tree ferns that provide protection for the delicate fern species on the ground floor.
Things To Do
Sassafras Creek Walking Track
Wildlife watching
Picnics
Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
Need to know
Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves where dogs are normally prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Please avoid accessing this trail on days of forecast Catastrophic Fire Danger or days with a high wind forecast as trees and branches can fall.
Please note that sections of the track are narrow, slippery and uneven, particularly when wet.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Sections Of Sassafras Creek Walking Track are Closed
Two sections of the walking track between Sassafras shops and Butterfield Reserve in Emerald are closed, these sections are:1. Perrins Creek Road and Lyrebird Falls receptions, this section has a bridge that was destroyed by a fallen tree in 2019, we are close to sourcing sufficient funding to replace this bridge, hopefully to be completed by June 20242. Baynes Park Road in Monbulk through to Priors Road, we are in the process of engaging a contractor to replace a bridge that was destroyed by a fallen tree by June 2024.Sections of Sassafras Creek Walking Track are closed
Two sections of the walking track between Sassafras shops and Butterfield Reserve in Emerald are closed, these sections are:1. Perrins Creek Road and Lyrebird Falls receptions, this section has a bridge that was destroyed by a fallen tree in 2019, we are close to sourcing sufficient funding to replace this bridge, hopefully to be completed by June 20242. Baynes Park Road in Monbulk through to Priors Road, we are in the process of engaging a contractor to replace a bridge that was destroyed by a fallen tree by June 2024.
How we keep it special
The Friends of Sassafras Creek is a group of dedicated volunteers, working hard to maintain and protect the Sassafras Creek Reserve. The group hosts regular working bees if you are looking to get involved.
Dogs are allowed in the park on leash.
Please help us care for the ecosystem. Note that the park is strictly no bicycles, no firearms, no horses, no camping, no fires are permitted, no drones are to be operated without a permit, no generators and no removal of vegetation.