In Search of Ancient Forest Wisdom – Errinundra Forest by 4WD and Walking Trails 

On a Summer’s day late afternoon I drove the Land Rover Discovery 4 out for an exploration of the magnificent area of the Errinundra National Park, and stopped along the way to discover the walking trails available. Some 1.5 hours drive north of Orbost, beyond the tiny town of Goongerah, it’s a world away from anywhere you might imagine.

It was an eventful start to the day before even making much headway. Only an hour into the drive, I encountered a motorcycle accident, where 71 year old Wally had high-sided on a corner only maybe 30 seconds earlier. He was being attended to by the occupants of a vehicle that had been following, and they were helping him away from the motorcycle as I approached. We spent around 30 minutes patching up the gravel rash of his left forearm, and the top of his left foot that had been coarsely grazed when the the boot he was wearing must have been torn away as he slid. It was impossible to connect with emergency services in that location, as the phone reception was non-existent in this faraway part of the lands. His motorcycle companion, Keith, had to ride down the hill in search of phone connection to seek formal medical assistance and a tow truck. As Wally stabilised and settled, my journey continued on.

The Errinundra National Park Forest in far East Gippsland, in Victoria, Australia protects the state’s largest remaining stand of cool-temperate rainforest and ancient, tall eucalypt forests. Situated on a 1,000m+ plateau, this biodiverse region features unique Gondwanan species, diverse wildlife, and dramatic granite outcrops like Mt Ellery. The park represents a significant remnant of Gondwana rainforest, characterised by species like Southern Sassafras, Soft Tree-fern, and Mountain Pepper. It supports some of southeastern Australia’s most spectacular old-growth forests, including the largest known Shining Gums.

My journey that day was long and meandering, following some of the Far East Gippsland Back Road Tours routes, marked as Six and Five in the repertoire.

It was my intention to seek out the old growth forests and happen upon the trunks of trees that could easily house 15 people inside of their base, but it was not a given. Just being amongst the ancient forests and greenery would be enough to fulfil my dreams that day. 

After 200 kilometres of driving, eight hours of travels, I emerged from a spellbound state and the tires of the car crackled back onto the bitumen of the highway. I had immersed into the realms of the ancient wisdom of forests, rich and rare. Overcome many a trail hazard of fallen trees, limbs and eroded gravel trails. I had gazed out over the sprawling vastness and met with my desire to feel free and clear in a place that I knew little of when I commenced my journey.

And I was left inspired to write a short piece of writing and combine it with a few short elements of video footage taken on the one day journey.

Please read on and view the video, more images from the journey, and a few more details to help you if you choose to take on the journey yourself one day. 

In Search of Ancient Forest Wisdom – Errinundra

“Out here in the majesty.

The grandest of Nature. Eons of ages old. A common intellect shared over millions of years. A place of knowledge.

A place for magnitude. Big thoughts, big feelings, and big visions.

To enter into the duality of pace, and slowness. Even stillness and rest.

Playing with the desire to leave one’s self. To let the mind run free into the vastness. And to let it return as it’s cleansed and ready.

Rising up and out of ourselves, finding freedom in the heights. Coming back down and inwards, noticing the details, the richness, the wealth of being within.

A place to both leave ourselves, and after a while, return.

The wholeness of movement and stillness, largesse and small, rising and falling, of knowing nothing at all.”

When: Summer 2026

Where: Errinundra National Park, East Gippsland VIC

Nearest Major Towns: Orbost

Accommodation Options:
Orbost Motel
Marlo Hotel
Hayden House, Delegate
Birdsongs, Cabbage Tree

Resources: 
Far East Gippsland Back Roads Tour Map (2024 / pdf)

Whilst the car is going to get you there, the best bit about being there, is to get outside and under the canopy of the forest to walk and breathe in that magnificent fresh mountain forest air. 

There are a couple of places easily accessible along the way. Here we go!

ERRINUNDRA OLD GROWTH WALK

Experience the grandeur amongst giant trees, cool rainforest and visit the oldest and largest Shining Gums known to exist, aged over 600 years old.

Distance: 5km return
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Location: Gap Road Scenic Reserve, Errinundra National Park

ERRINUNDRA SADDLE RAINFOREST WALK

A lovely meander along an easy trail that passes over small streams and includes a boardwalk raised over the delicate rainforest environment.

Distance: 1km return
Duration: 40 minutes
Location: Errinundra National Park

View a selection of images from the adventure below. And to purchase prints or images for personal use, please visit the full gallery of images and videos here.

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