Explore
Bendigo Regional Park
Bendigo Regional Park protects a diverse network of Box-Ironbark forest, grassy woodlands, stunning displays of spring wildflowers, and places to explore the region's natural and cultural history surrounding the city of Bendigo. In 2026, the park expanded to include approximately 7,100-hectares of the Wellsford Forest, strengthening protection of important habitat while continuing to enable a wide range of recreational activities.
The park's open grassy woodlands support a variety of native plants and animals, including woodland birds, possums, gliders and charismatic species like the Brush-tailed Phascogale (tuan) and Yellow-footed Antechinus. Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Black (swamp) Wallabies are common. Although much of the local forest was cut down during the goldrush, it has regenerated well, with large trees and remarkable displays of wildflowers in spring offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and recreation in a shady natural environment.
The park provides a convenient place to enjoy the natural and cultural landscapes of the region. The landscape reflects a long history of Traditional Owner connection to Country and retains strong links to central Victoria's gold rush and forestry heritage. Evidence of mining activity can be found throughout the region, while places such as Gunyah Picnic Area provide insight into the area's eucalyptus distilling history.
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, bushwalking, cycling, horse riding, picnicking, camping and nature observation throughout the park. Recreational prospecting can be enjoyed in designated areas. The Larni Yirrip Campground, located on the southern edge of Bendigo, provides visitors with the opportunity to stay in a well-maintained campground surrounded by forest and connect with Dja Dja Wurrung Country and culture.
New parks for Victoria's central west and Mirboo North
This park is part of an expanded network of parks across Victoria's central west and Mirboo North following the transfer of 78,838 hectares of public land on 5 October 2026.
The official establishment of these parks and reserves strengthens protection for forests, waterways, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage across the region, while continuing to support opportunities for walking, camping, exploring, connecting with nature, and much more.
You can find out more about where different activities are available across the new and expanded parks on our central west project page.
Things To Do
Larni Yirrip Campground
Camp, picnic and enjoy the outdoors
Discover goldfields and forest heritage
Get back to nature
Bendigo Regional Park
The park supports a variety of woodland birds, reptiles and mammals associated with its forest and woodland habitats, including rare and threatened species like the Brush-tailed Phascogale and Swift Parrot. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Bendigo Regional Park
When you're there
Need to know
Bendigo Regional Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Dogs are permitted on a lead throughout Bendigo Regional Park, except in the Larni Yirrip Campground. Please keep dogs on a lead and under control at all times and pick up after them. Dogs are not permitted in the adjacent Greater Bendigo National Park, except in the One Tree Hill block, where they are permitted on a lead.
Safety in nature
Thinking of visiting Bendigo Regional Park? Here are a few things to consider before leaving home:
- Carry sufficient drinking water, particularly during warmer weather.
- Wear appropriate footwear when exploring walking tracks and forest trails.
- Check for fire and severe weather warnings before your visit.
- Mobile phone reception may vary across different areas of the park.
- Recreational prospecting should only be undertaken in permitted areas and in accordance with current regulations.
- Check park conditions before travelling.
How we keep it special
Bendigo Regional Park protects important forest habitats, cultural landscapes and heritage places. The park supports native wildlife and threatened species while also preserving links to the region's mining, forestry and settlement history. Management of the park aims to protect these values while supporting recreation opportunities close to Bendigo.
Bendigo Regional Park includes the Wellsford Forest addition, which strengthens protection of forest habitat and important biodiversity values close to Bendigo while supporting recreation opportunities in a natural setting.