Fine, rounded quartz grains squeak underfoot, and granite boulders frame both ends of the beach. The car park fills quickly, so consider the 4.2km return walk from Tidal River, about 90 minutes. Persistent rips and no lifesavers make this a beach for the sand, not for swimming.

The 6.8km return walk from Telegraph Saddle car park takes about two hours, climbing steadily to a summit platform. The last 100 metres is a steep climb up timber and granite steps. From the top you see the coastline, Tidal River and the offshore islands.

The 720m Fern Gully Nature Walk crosses the suspension bridge above a fern gully and takes about 15 minutes from Bulga Picnic Area. Look up at a 60-metre mountain ash and listen for lyrebirds. The Balook visitor area has electric barbecues, a picnic shelter and accessible toilets.

This 1.4km return walk from the Tarra Valley Picnic Area takes about 35 minutes. It winds under myrtle beech and tree ferns, across little mountain streams, to the falls. The picnic area at the start has creek views and picnic facilities.

The one-hour journey leaves historic Walhalla Station and winds through Stringers Gorge, crossing seven bridges before the Thomson River bridge. Passengers hop off to look around Thomson Station before the return trip. Trains run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and every day in school holidays.

Agnes Falls drops 59 metres onto rocks, and is most dramatic after heavy rain. The viewing platform is an easy 200m walk from the car park, short enough for little legs. Bring a picnic for the shady woodland, and look out for wedge-tailed eagles.

This historic timber rail bridge is 21 metres high and 102 metres long, set in mountain ash forest. Picnic at its base beside the gravel car park, or climb the steep stairs to the top. The 3km rail trail follows the old line through the forest to the bridge.

The 2.2km Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls loop takes about an hour, past ferns and mossy rocks. You can hear the water all the way from the car park to the top of the falls. Bats, sugar gliders and possums live in the surrounding forest.