Needless to say,while impressive,that hardly compares to the mountain ash hereabouts,which soar over 60 metres. Further out of town,Kalatha Giant Tree Walk takes you to a superb specimen thought to be 400 years old,shored up by massive buttresses. The walk passes the stumps of previously logged trees that make you realise how much of this precious environment we've already lost.

A nature-loving family's dream

If you have older and energetic kids,two other great walks are the three-hour,up-and-down Myrtle Gully Circuit and the four-hour Tanglefoot Track. Steep sections through gullies are best avoided after rain,but mountain ash provides shade on hot days and you get superb outlooks and close encounters with the forest environment.

Stands of mountain ash – the world's tallest flowering plant,and one of the world's tallest trees – survive here in pockets,and you'll get a crick in your neck gazing upwards. The canopy is home to threatened species such as the Leadbeater's possum and sooty owl,and alive with birds such as rosellas,whistlers and honeyeaters.

A terrific variety of 4WD trails also wiggles north of Toolangi. The region was first exploited by European settlers in the 1890s for farming;take advantage of the produce if you pass a rickety farm-gate stand and use gravel farming roads as easy access points to more challenging dirt tracks.

Take it off road

You should be a proficient off-road driver if you come after rain,since the tracks can get very slippery;you may want a winch and shovel with you.

Martins Track is good for its varied surfaces and river crossings,while Blowhard Road mixes dirt with rocks and (even in dry weather) a fair bit of mud. Those up for a challenge should hit Rockey Track which,although short,has rollercoaster ups and downs that the kids will love. It connects to the Marginal Track,where a few bog holes will test your mettle.

Toolangi's biggest challenge is Aeroplane Track,whose 5.3 kilometres might take you three hours or so thanks to its many deep ruts,mud,ascents and descents. The track will showcase the capabilities and grunt of the Ford Everest in all manner of conditions.

When it's time to unwind,Yea River Walk takes an hour and follows the water,with viewing platforms from which you might spot a platypus. Nearby Toolangi Sculpture Trail takes a leisurely half hour,bringing you to eight giant sculptures on an environmental theme. Still,nothing beats nature's own artwork,and you'll want to get back into the trees,and marvel.

For more information on the full Ford Everest range and features discussed,please visithttps://www.ford.com.au/showroom/future-vehicle/next-gen-everest