In 1824, explorers Hume and Hovell named the area Mount Disappointment. This was due to their disappointment in discovering that Port Phillip Bay could not be viewed from the summit due to dense tree growth.

Today, Mount Disappointment State Forest provides a beautiful haven for wildlife, visitors, and associated recreation activities. With its many accessible camping areas, it provides opportunities to enjoy bushwalking, horse riding, four-wheel driving, and trail bike riding.

Popular camping spots include Regular Camp, Andersons Garden and No. 1 Camp. Most visitor and camping areas have picnic tables, fireplaces, and toilets.

Main Mountain Road caters for trail bike visitors with information about riding in the area, and plenty of parking for trailers.

Be sure to take a walk to view the stunning Strath Creek Falls, this popular walk leads to spectacular views of the falls cascading over the rock face and into the gully.

Other worthwhile activities include the Summit Walk, Sunday Creek Reservoir Walk, and the Mount Disappointment Forest Drive which takes in many of the popular sights in a three hour return circuit.