Lady Talbot Drive

A car drives through the Black Spur that is covered in morning mist, the forest is tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns.

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Lady Talbot Drive

Yarra Ranges National Park

The Lady Talbot Drive is a scenic rainforest car journey which passes a number of fantastic walks and waterfalls in the Yarra Ranges National Park. The drive from Melbourne includes the famous Black Spur Drive, another road known for its scenic beauty. Bring a picnic and escape the city for a day.

This scenic drive, featuring several attractions along the Taggerty River, was named after the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, Governor of Victoria from 1903 to 1908. It is seasonally closed, so check before you visit.

To really appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient rainforest, stop for a picnic along the way or take one of the scenic walks. There's a pretty good chance you'll see a lyrebird scratching in the undergrowth - or hear them micmicking the cries of other birds.

Stop for lunch at the Beeches Picnic Area. Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls are also worth stopping to see along the way. Waterfalls and lyrebirds are best seen after wet weather, so this is a great trip to undertake during or after rainy weather.

 

How to get there

Lady Talbot Drive

Lady Talbot Drive is just over two hours' drive from Melbourne. Follow the Maroondah Highway through the Black Spur taking the turn at Narbethong to Marysville. Lady Talbot Drive commences from Woods Point Rd, on the edge of Marysville township.
Lady Talbot Drive

When you're there

Along the 24km stretch of road, there are a number of cascades or falls. From Marysville, you'll come to Phantom Falls first followed by Keppel Falls. These are very short walks from their carparks. For a longer walk, stop at Taggerty Cascades or The Beeches Picnic Area and do the Beeches Rainforest Walk. 

Download the Yarra Ranges - Lady Talbot Drive, Cambarville and Lake Mountain visitor guide before your visit. 

Need to know

Lady Talbot Drive

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.

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.

  • Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area - Toilet Closure

    Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area toilets are permanently closed and will be removed in their entirety at a later date.
    The nearest toilets are at Fernshaw Picnic ground.

  • Cambarville Picnic Area (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Partial walking track closure on Cumberland Circuit walk (South of Woods Point Road)

    There is a partial closure in place on the Cumberland Circuit walk due to hazardous tree fall risk south of Woods Point Rd (see map attached) 

    Attachments: Cambarville_A4_0412 (1,190KB)

    Cambarville toilet block closed until further notice

    Cambarville toilet block is closed until further notice due to water supply issues and structural problems 

  • Yarra Ranges National Park

    Summit Loop Trail - Partial Closure - Lake Mountain Summit

    The Summit Loop walking trail is partially closed at Lake Mountain until further notice.  

    Attachments: Lake Mountain Summit Loop Partial Track Closure (562KB)

  • Rainforest Gallery (Donna Buang) (Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Rainforest Gallery Closed for Repairs

    The Rainforest Gallery boardwalk is closed until further notice.  Urgent repairs are required for visitor safety.  

  • Big Peninsula Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Ranges National Park)

    Big Peninsula access to tunnel entry viewing platform and Goldfields walk via Peninsula Rd temporarily closed during road works

    Melbourne Water are repairing the crossing on Peninsula Rd. During this time, the walking track beyond the Big Peninsula maintenance vehicle gate will be inaccessible. Works are scheduled to start in early June 2026 and finish in late June or early July 2026.

    Attachments: Big Pen culvert works (238KB)

    Big Peninsula Stepping Stones permanently closed due to erosion

    Due to instability caused by erosion, the Big Peninsula Stepping Stones are permanently closed for visitor safety. 

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