By Peter Douglas
With so many beautiful trails enticing hikers to Marysville, where do you start?
One inspiring, yet convenient option is the Tree Fern Gully Trail, which snakes through the hills of Marysville and finishes up at the stunning Steavenson Falls.
Though either direction is fine, you can start from the middle of town at the back of Gallipoli Park, then follow the well-maintained gravel trail to Steavenson Falls and back.
Popular among local hiking groups, this relatively easy trail is about 8.65km in length and takes around one hour and 15 minutes to complete one way, with very few steep gradients to conquer.
There is no need to hurry your journey, either.
Take time to enjoy the manna gums, the mountain ash and tree ferns, as well as the sound of water rushing over the rocks as the trail leads you alongside Steavenson River.
The walk itself can only be described as a peaceful environment in which you can enjoy nature at its finest.
The trail is lined with beautiful old trees and colourful flora, as well as energetic birdlife ‘zipping’ around the forest setting.
There are plenty of points along the way where you can take a breather, or to take same nice photographs, such as the little bridges that cross the river.
One enticing aspect is the trail can be as challenging as you make it, given it’s perfect for some trail-running or mountainbike riding.
Of course, waiting for you at the top is one of the most inspiring views in the region, Steavenson Falls.
While the bottom viewing platform is great, if you want to take the extra hike up to the top platform, you’ll see not only views of the waterfall, but beautiful Marysville, too.
If you choose to the Gallipoli Park option, allow about three hours for a return journey.
However, you could always ask a friend to pick you up at the car park at Steavenson Falls, which is only a few minutes drive from the town centre.
If you have never ventured to Marysville before, this is one way ‘Tourist News’ recommends you can uncover its natural charm.
