After passing the signage for the Ada tree on our way to Neerim South, we decided to put aside some time to check it out.
After the short drive to the car park I was expecting a short quick walk to the Ada tree. But it turned out to be a beautiful and at times muddy steep track that took almost an hour to walk.
There are many places that have duck boards making that section easy and pleasant to pass. I just wish there was more of them, especially where the track was flooded.
After almost an hour of walking we reached the Ada Tree. It’s an impressive 75 metre tall mountain ash tree that is over 300 years old. There is an information board that fills in the tree’s details.
The Return Walk
Not wanting to get muddier walking back we returned via a shorter and easier path. It’s no where near as scenic on the way in. As I had underestimated how long the visit would take it was a relief that there was a quick way back to the car.
Ada Tree History
Who was Ada? The Ada Tree is believed to be named after Ada Mortimore (nee Hansen), a local resident who knew the surveyor. Subsequently the tree also was given Adds name.
The Ada Tree has survived over 300 years of fire and storms, and almost a century of logging in the surrounding forest. It is now protected as part of the Ada Tall Trees Reserve. So large is this tree that when it does finally collapse, it’s still likely to provide a diverse habitat for many more decades.
