State forests

Experience the superb natural environments of Wombat and Cobaw State Forests, and Black Forest Woodend, used for picnics, bushwalking, cycling and four wheel driving.

Wombat State Forest

A large re-growth forest just a short drive from Woodend used for four wheel driving, picnicking, bush walking, cycling and bird watching.  

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) manages the forest and only permits four wheel driving, mountain biking, motorcycling and horse riding on made roads. Use of other tracks for these activities is strictly prohibited.

Home to Wombat Mountain Bike Club.

Cobaw State Forest

Popular for trail bike riding, the Cobaw State Forest is located near Lancefield, 70km north-west of Melbourne in the Cobaw Ranges. The ranges are mainly granitic and reach a maximum height of 760 metres.

The forest is a Special Protection Zone and has many significant environmental values. It provides great opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. This area is also managed by DEECA (formerly DELWP). A map of the area that shows tracks, huts, picnic areas, road closures, hunting areas and more is MapShare.

You can get to the forest from the Calder Highway or the Northern Highway. 

Black Forest, Woodend

A dense and expansive stand of trees on the slopes of Mount Macedon, Black Forest can be found along the first road into Woodend (Black Forest Drive), just off the Calder Freeway.