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Explore

Seasonal ideas

Get into nature all year round with a variety of outdoor activities, scenic attractions and camping options. Bushwalking and hiking are popular in the cooler months of the year, whilst Victoria's bays, lakes and rivers provide the perfect place to cool down from the summer heat.

Caring for our natural environment is an important part of your park visit. During spring, many of the 3,000 native animal species are welcoming new arrivals which need their space from people. Help us conserve and protect nature and all its inhabitants by following all park signs and directions from our rangers.

Experience nature in Autumn

Enjoy Victoria's dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery in Autumn to see parks in a whole new light - without the crowds and the warmer weather. The Autumn months provide the perfect temperatures for greater exploring to remote places and hidden treasures.
Family kicking a football outside their tent

Escape the city this autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to take a trip out of the city and into nature. The milder conditions are great for exploring further afield, without the crowds!
Three friends share a picnic on the shores of Lysterfield Lake.

Get social in autumn

Looking for the perfect place to gather with friends and family? With free barbecues and gorgeous picnic spots, parks are a great place to bring people together. There’s also plenty of opportunities to meet new people!
An Indigenous guide discusses traditional artifacts with a couple on a walking tour in front of the lake at Tower Hill.

Learn something new in autumn

There’s so much to uncover on a visit to our parks. This autumn take the opportunity to learn about aboriginal heritage, wildlife, natural wonders or historic sites.
Two men with surfboards look out over the ocean

Ride into autumn fun

Whether it's horse riding, bike riding or riding a wave, our parks have plenty of options. Get your adrenaline rush in nature this autumn.
A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Camping

Victoria’s parks have some great places to camp and there is something to suit all tastes. Choose from fully serviced sites with luxury tents to remote locations with nothing but bush.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
Major Mitchell's Cockatoo perched atop a branch at Moonlit Sanctuary Victoria. Photography by Museums Victoria.

Using firewood

Unfortunately, some firewood on the market comes from illegal sources and people seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. See our tips to buy firewood legally and sustainably.
Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

BBQ

Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

Beaches

Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
A father teaches his young daughter to ride a bike in Braeside Park.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in parks. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or downhill adrenalin rush, Victoria's parks have something for you.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
A boy crouches at the waters panning for gold in a river.

Fossicking and prospecting

Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in Victoria. Try your luck at fossicking and prospecting and find out what's required before you start sifting for gold.
Two women ride horses along a dirt path in the You Yangs Regional Park.

Horse riding

Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

Picnics

Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.

Snowplay and explore nature in Winter

Hit the Alpine region for cross country skiing, tobogganing and snow shoeing during Winter or for a less frosty nature escape, visit historic sites, learn about Aboriginal culture or simply take a road trip over a long weekend spending two to three nights in regional Victoria.
A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

Winter fun for the whole family

Gather up the family for some nature fun this winter! The family will delight in the opportunity to see snow close to Melbourne. If snow isn’t your thing, there’s lots of other ways to enjoy nature with the family. Join a tour, explore urban parks or join a Junior Rangers program

Wonderful winter experiences

Think the outdoors aren’t the place to be in winter? Think again! Rainforests may be better in winter, but that means it’s a great time to see waterfalls flowing. Visit the coast in winter and you might be lucky to spot a whale. Or just rug up and get together with friends for a brisk walk.
2 friends cross-country ski in the Baw Baw National Park.

Keep moving in winter

Don’t let cooler temperatures deter you from getting into nature this winter. Skip the city streets and head to the park for your morning run, or head further afield on a dry weekend for some winter bushwalking. If you’re an experienced cross-country skier, our mountain peaks are calling!
The facade of the historic Werribee Park Mansion.

Stay warm this winter

This winter let nature be your backdrop while you stay warm and dry. Uncover Victoria’s history when you visit a historic site or spend the night in nature in roofed accommodation. Take a long and scenic drive through nature.
An experienced cross-country skier skis past a small child learning to ski on a maintained path.

Skiing and snow play

Stomp, ski, snowshoe or toboggan in Victoria's alpine region with snow season spanning from mid June to September each year.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Historic sites

Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
A boy crouches at the waters panning for gold in a river.

Fossicking and prospecting

Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in Victoria. Try your luck at fossicking and prospecting and find out what's required before you start sifting for gold.
A picturesque photo of the stone hut near the Horn at Mt Buffalo.

Mount Buffalo National Park

Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat
A family plays in the snow at Mt St-Gwinear in the Baw Baw National Park.

Mount St Gwinear

Mount St Gwinear is a family-friendly snow attraction with free entry which offers toboggan runs, cross country trails, a snowplay area and a heated shelter room. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from a food van on weekends and school holidays.
A family take in the view of the Yarra Ranges from the elevated platform at Mt Donna Buang.

Mount Donna Buang

At an elevation of 1.2km, the summit features a lookout tower which offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It's a great picnic spot and starting point for walks on the mountain.

Celebrate Spring in nature

It's all about the birds and the bees – Spring brings with it new life across Victoria's natural landscape. As the days start to get warmer and Melbourne is bursting with festivity, Spring is the social season to get into nature. Relax in the sun with a BBQ or picnic. Get active with a walk, run or cycle.
Couple walking with dogs on lead along a garden path with autumn leaves.

Spring into action and get active

With the colder months behind us, get a new lease on life with renewed motivation to focus on your health and wellbeing. Get active by walking the dog, trail running or cycling.

Spring brings new life in nature

It’s all about the birds and the bees – with spring comes new life across Parks Victoria’s landscape. Witness parks come to life by watching wildlife, birds and blooming wildflowers.
Scenery, Grampians National Park, Mt William, Gariwerd, Rock outcrops, landscape, view, low light, dusk. plants, flora,;

Mountains of Spring Adventure

The warmer spring weather is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and explore mountain peaks. Choose your own adventure by hiking, biking or climbing!
A couple look on at a Waterfall in the Great Otway National Park.

Escape into nature this Spring

There’s no better way to escape the stress of daily life than by immersing yourself in nature. Daylight savings brings with it more opportunities to make the most of the great outdoors. Take a picnic against a stunning backdrop or walk to waterfalls and lookouts to take it all in.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

Wildlife viewing

Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Wildflowers

Wildflowers

Whether you’re surrounding yourself with carpets of colourful flowers, spotting rare orchids, or just enjoying the local native flowers, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and help your spirits soar.
A father teaches his young daughter to ride a bike in Braeside Park.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in parks. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or downhill adrenalin rush, Victoria's parks have something for you.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket follows a woman wearing a cream knitted jumper up the garden steps and into an opening in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

Botanic gardens

Stroll through magnificent gardens that promise to delight all year round. Make sure you return to see the treasures that come with changing seasons.
Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Waterfalls

See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.

Keep cool and play safe in Summer

Bask in the warm Summer sun and enjoy the health benefits of nature. Keep cool in watering holes, alpine climates and secluded woodlands and rainforests. Remember to always put safety first and obey all park signage and ranger instructions.
A walker stops to take in the sunrise at Mt Arapiles.

Incredible summer sights

Summer is the ideal time to take in stunning views of nature. Take it all in at a lookout, marvel at stunning sunrises and sunsets or lay back at look up at the stars.
Two teenage girls kayaking on Mallacoota Inlet with mountains in the background.

Watersports to try in summer

Ready for your next summer adventure? Get out on the water with scuba diving, swimming or canoeing and kayaking. Going with a licensed tour operator is a great way to enjoy these activities for beginners and experts alike.
A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Escape the heat this summer

Exploring nature doesn’t have to mean a whole day in the summer sun. Escape the heat by exploring historic sites and lighthouses or take all in that nature has to offer in a four-wheel drive.
Sunset on St Kilda Pier with views of the CBD in the background.

Summer by the water

Nothing beats being by the water in summer. Cast a line and catch tonight’s dinner or wander piers and jetties. Get on the water by hiring a boat or joining one of the many boat tours on offer.
Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

Freshwater swimming

Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
Two teenage girls take part in a sailing race on Port Philip Bay in a small boat called Inkspot.

Boating and sailing

Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.
A diver takes a photo a school of fish in the Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

Scuba diving

Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.
A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

Sunrises and sunsets

Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

Lookouts

Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

Explore Victoria's rich and diverse natural landscape

Be inspired by Victoria's diverse natural landscapes and find yourself immersed in nature. Visit caves, hidden lakes, vast valley and cascading waterfalls. Sleep under the stars or get fit and active outdoors with a range of nature-based activities.
Portsea Pier

Bays lakes and rivers

Explore Victoria's parks from the water with a variety of inland river systems, ports made up of wide bays and stunning tranquil lakes.
A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

Beaches and coasts

Venture out along Victoria’s dramatic coastline and explore one of the most biodiverse and unique marine ecosystems in the world.
A young women leads a man on a walk along a river bank.

Rugged bushland

Experience unique Australian nature off the beaten track in one of the many native bushland and desert parks dotted across Victoria.
A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

Mountain peaks

Climb to the breathtaking vistas atop some of Australia’s most stunning mountain peaks, alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains.
A man in a blue shirt walks up steps next to a boardwalk while looking at the flora.

Tall forests

See ancient mossy trees and stand under magnificent waterfalls. Walk under grand canopies of Mountain Ash or take a scenic drive through lush green tall forests surrounded by giant ferns.
Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Urban parks

Walk, jog, run or cycle in Melbourne’s picturesque inner city urban parks or escape the hustle and bustle with a short drive to idyllic gardens and picnic grounds.
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