This moderately easy walk traverses a number historical sawmill sites, following a well formed path that was the old timber tramway. Note that there’s very limited mobile coverage on this walk, and the steep and narrow gravel roads leading up the mountain are only suitable for a 4WD.
Start from the Ada Tree carpark off Federal Road, there’s plenty of parking and toilets at the carpark, then follow the Ada tree walk and take in this magnificent giant mountain ash, estimated to be 300-400 years old towering 76 metres high and 15 metres wide it’s one Victoria’s largest trees.
Continue on past the Ada Tree to Federal Mill where there’s raised tent platforms, it’s a great place for morning tea and to rearrange your gear. No toilets are available. Water can be collected from the Ada River using a linking track that leads to a pier/collection point (but hopefully you don’t need to refill yet?)
Leaving Federal Mill behind, follow the Upper Yarra Walking track where you’ll need to brave the water where it crosses Little Ada River. The water was only calf deep when I passed, with large pebbles on the bottom that would benefit from some Crocs / thongs if you can fit them in. Beware of the leeches here, they’re only tiny but I picked up a few and had to clear them off before putting my boots back on.
Now that your feet feel refreshed, continue along the trail until it hits the crossroads with High Lead track where you’ll turn right and head north up the mountain. The trail is steep for a bit here, but be thankful you didn’t do the walk straight up from High Lead carpark.
Follow this VHC track to the end, you’ll pass an old boiler and other relics of the timber industry. At the end of the trail there should be the New Ada Mill site, but despite some bush bashing, I couldn’t find it, perhaps the path has been overgrown. Take in the peaceful serenity of the forest, keep an eye out for Lyrebirds who frequent this area, remove any leeches that have attached to your shoes and return back via the same path.