Errinundra Plateau
The forests of the Errinundra Plateau contain the largest tract of cool-temperate rainforest on mainland Australia.
Hundreds of millions of years ago, rainforest covered much of the continent of Gondwana. Today, rainforests of New Zealand, South America, South Africa, and Australia are remnants of this ancient forest.
Within mainland Australia, the Errinundra Plateau holds particular importance. It represents the most significant area for Gondwana cool-temperate rainforest, distinguished by hosting the largest intact tract of this ancient ecosystem. Furthermore, its unique environment serves as a vital climate refuge for numerous cold-adapted species.
The Emerald Link contains plants such as the Southern Sassafras, Soft Tree-fern, Mountain Pepper trees and a myriad of primitive mosses and ferns.
The combination of very tall, old eucalypt forests and pristine riverside forest is globally significant, and mixed forest—where tall, old eucalypts tower above stands of rainforest—occurs only in the rolling, very high rainfall valleys.
Here, rainforest does not contain Myrtle Beech, which is the dominant species in other areas of cool temperate rainforest.
This rainforest reveals its own unique character. The canopy is richly formed by the distinctive, cinnamon-scented Southern Sassafras and Black Olive Berry trees. Their dense cover creates the cool, shaded, and moist conditions perfect for a lush understory, where species like Banyalla (Pittosporum bicolor), the iconic Soft Tree-fern (Dicksonia antarctica), Fishbone Water-fern (Lomaria nuda), and a profusion of other delicate mosses and ferns thrive.
Errinundra Old Growth Walk rehabilitation
Year 2023
Status Completed
Budget $49,000
This iconic walk, which showcases some of the region's majestic old growth forest, was closed due to storm damage and a lack of funding.
The Errinundra Old Growth Walk is a special place. Winding through towering shining gums and cool, green forest, it’s one of the few spots where people can easily explore East Gippsland’s incredible old growth.
But after storm damage and years of not enough funding, the track was closed. It sat that way for a while—beautiful, but out of reach.
In late 2021, a bunch of local groups who care deeply about these forests decided to do something about it. With Emerald Link helping to bring people together, Friends of Errinundra, the Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group, Tubbut Neighbourhood House, Parks Victoria, and three 4WD clubs teamed up to get the walk back open.
Together, they secured $49,000 in funding, got stuck into the track restoration, and by May 2023, the walk was reopened.
It’s a great example of what can happen when community groups, locals and land managers work together. Now people can once again wander through the forest, hear lyrebirds calling, and feel just how special this place is.
A win for locals, a win for visitors, and a win for the forest.
Emerald Link partners with East Gippsland communities to invest in our regional towns. Together, we help fund projects that create jobs for locals and make our beautiful forests even more welcoming for visitors.
Kerry Seaton from Friends of Errinundra tells the story and importance of the Errinundra Old Growth Walk.
To date the Emerald Link has facilitated more than $1,6M in investment in local projects.
Our partnership approach with local groups has identified opportunities, developed projects and gained grant funding to make these community priorities a reality.
The Valley of the Giants
Status Proposal
Year Current
Situated between the townships of Bendoc, Bonang and Goongerah on East Gippsland’s Errinundra Plateau, this nature walk experience aims to link and join two existing walks (one formal, one informal) through spectacular old growth forest, Showcasing the region's spectacular natural attractions.
This is an area with both unique and outstanding natural value, including giant trees known to be over 500 years old, offering an incredible opportunity for local economic regeneration through the area's emerging visitor economy.
What we’re proposing:
Creating new pathways and visitor infrastructure to link the existing ‘Old Growth Walk, in the Gap reserve near Bendoc to the Bonang river catchment via trails in Errinundra National Park. Showcasing magnificent old growth forests.
Constructing new infrastructure, such as all weather access, parking and other visitor amenities, to enhance visitor experiences.
Creating multiple new access points to the forest trail including; short loop and full day walks.
