Mitch Green

It’s like something straight out of a fantasy film. Towering trunks, prehistoric tree ferns and an eerie fog that winds its way through on a crisp winter’s morning. Just an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Ranges is home to this majestic stretch of native forest. The area holds many hidden gems to explore on a scenic drive and is a world-class location to photograph, too. Here are three things to see while in the Yarra Ranges National Park.  Black Spur Drive East of Healesville lies the Black Spur Drive, which forms part of the Maroondah Highway. The road winds through giant mountain ash trees, while the undergrowth is densely packed with vibrant tree ferns – some towering many metres overhead. The forest opens on the many hairpin turns, offering views of the lush gulleys above and below.  Be careful where you stop to take photos for the gram (because you no doubt will – it’s absolutely gorgeous). There are only a limited number of parking bays located on the side heading west back towards Healesville. If you haven’t been before, we’d advise you to first complete the drive out of Healesville, heading west to east, then turn around and take your time on the return leg to photograph the forest. Safety first, photos second. Time Out tip: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and catch the golden morning light filtering down through the forest.  Google Maps directions. Photograph: Visit Victoria Rainforest Gallery For those looking to further explore the Yarra Rang

It’s like something straight out of a fantasy film. Towering trunks, prehistoric tree ferns and eerie fog that winds its way through on a crisp winter’s morning. Just an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Ranges is home to this majestic stretch of native forest. The area holds many hidden gems to explore on a scenic drive and is a world-class location to photograph, too. Here are three things to see while in the Yarra Ranges National Park.  Black Spur Drive East of Healesville lies the Black Spur Drive, which forms part of the Maroondah Highway. The road winds through giant mountain ash trees, while the undergrowth is densely packed with vibrant tree ferns – some towering many metres overhead. The forest opens on the many hairpin-turns, offering views of the lush gulleys above and below.  Be careful where you stop to take photos for the gram (because you no doubt will – it’s absolutely gorgeous). There are only a limited number of parking bays located on the side heading west back towards Healesville. If you haven’t been before, we’d advise to first complete the drive out of Healesville, heading west to east, then turn around and take your time on the return leg to photograph the forest. Safety first, photos second. Time Out tip: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and catch the golden morning light filtering down through the forest.  Google Maps directions. Photograph: Mitch Green Rainforest Gallery For those looking to further explore the Yarra Ranges, after