Sherbrooke Forest, D’nong Ranges
‘Grants on Sherbrooke’ is located right at the entrance to Grants Picnic Ground in Sherbrooke.
If you’re ever stuck for something to do at the weekend that:
doesn’t break the bank,
is enjoyable at any time of the year, and
massively contributes to your health and wellbeing
…then look no further than the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, ideally starting at Grants Picnic Ground. That is after you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast (or lunch) at ‘Grants on Sherbrooke’ - the cafe and souvenir shop in residence at the entry to Grants Picnic Ground in Sherbrooke.
Breakfast is available all day at Grants on Sherbrooke but there’s also the choice of the lunch menu from midday onwards too. It’s the perfect way to kick-off your day-trip by fuelling-up in the magical surrounds, sights and sounds of Sherbrooke Forest.
There are shorter walks on offer, but we highly recommend the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk to really make the most of Sherbrooke Forest.
Indeed there are a choice of walks you can choose to undertake from this beauty spot in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. However, in order to get the most out of your visit we would wholeheartedly recommmend the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk. You’ll get to experience the full beauty of Sherbrooke Forest’s flora and fauna in the most peaceful and tranquil setting.
This walk will bring you into a natural, meditative state and put you at one with nature.
After about 30-45 mins into the walk, you’ll have experienced the full glory of the Sherbrooke Forest canopy (whilst nodding at the cheery passers-by) before reaching what initially looks like a curious impasse. As you emerge from the tree cover of the forest it becomes clear that the walk takes a sharp right-turn. But ho! What yonder on the horizon?
As the walk emerges from the forest to take a right turn, you will notice this building just off the track. On closer inspection this is the excellent ‘Cork at Cooks Corner’.
If you do fancy a break from the walk and perhaps a small tipple or something to eat, we recommend walking over to 'Cork at Cooks Corner’ (just a few metres off of the walking track). There you’ll find a warm welcome and a wine list that is just begging to be sampled.
While not technically in Sherbrooke Forest, ‘Cork at Cooks Corner’ is right on the edge of it. Close enough to tempt us off of our path for a brief ‘refreshment’ before returning again.
Cork at Cooks Corner is a bistro spot and cellar door while being the definition of a ‘hidden gem’. Take a break here and enjoy a glass of wine while overlooking Sherbrooke Forest’s beauty and majesty. Tables are available both indoor, outdoor on the sheltered decking or on one of the shaded garden tables out on the grass lawn.
Back on the trail after your brief sojourn, and back among the wonder of this breathtaking forest trail. You’ll experience dramatic vistas, sweeping forest tracks, open fielded areas to explore as well as the chance to spot a kangaroo or two (if you’re lucky).
The forest path narrows, widens and sweeps around in places so your walk never gets boring.
As you eventually reach your return to Grants Picinic Groud (either if you stick to the full loop walk or the shortened version), you’ll be able to spend a little time interacting with the bountiful numbers of cockatoos that call the forest home. These amazing birds are more than happy to perch on your hand or shoulder should you beckon them. It must be noted, however, there is a ‘no feeding’ rule in place for the birds at Grants Picnic Ground.
These beautiful birds are a hit with visitors to Grants Picnic Ground.
There’s plenty of parking on offer at Grants Picnic Ground so you can leave your car here for the day while you set off on your forest adventure.
Here at BRITlist, we can’t think of a better way to recharge your mind and soul than a day spend in Sherbrooke Forest.
Grants Picnic Ground, 12 Coles Ridge Track, Sherbrooke, VIC 3789.