Parks Victoria

Explore

Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water. — Dog friendly

An aboriginal tour guide explains traditional owner artefacts to two visitors at Budj Bim — UNESCO World Heritage Listing for Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

A brush tailed phascogale clings to a dead tree limb — It's not your firewood, it's my home

Three friends follow the track alongside the Cumberland River near Lorne in the Great Otway National Park.

Great Otway National Park Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park stretches along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. Discover windswept coastlines and breathtaking waterfalls in tall mountain forests, walk the iconic Great Ocean Walk, immerse yourself in the Otway Lightstation's history, or surf some of the best breaks in Australia.

Two women in activewear follow a path through tall mountain ash trees.

Dandenong Ranges National Park Dandenong Ranges National Park

The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges are a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy commanding views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.

A family share a picnic on the foregrounds of Werribee Mansion.

Werribee Park Werribee Park

Soak up the grandeur of Werribee Park, an estate built on the riches of an Australian pastoral empire. Explore the heritage-listed Werribee Mansion, set up a picnic in the beautiful formal gardens or see a kaleidoscope of colour when the 5000 roses bloom in the Victoria State Rose Garden.

A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper turn and walk away from a lake in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is Victoria's premier cool-climate garden. With breathtaking views over the Yarra Valley, the garden features important collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and more, in a setting of native and exotic trees. Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight.

A family share a picnic while a father and son play with a model aircraft in the background.

Jells Park Jells Park

Dandenong Valley Parklands is a network of parks running alongside Dandenong Creek in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Loved by the locals, the green spaces of Jells Park and Chesterfield Farm make for great days out, while Corhanwarrabul and Bush Park Wetlands are perfect for birdwatching.

The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur.

Yarra Ranges National Park Yarra Ranges National Park

Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.

A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Kinglake National Park Kinglake National Park

Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, a short drive from Melbourne. Enjoy scenic walks, thrilling mountain bike trails and picnics against the backdrop of panoramic views of the city, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.

Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Albert Park Albert Park

Jog, cycle or walk with your dog around Albert Park Lake - just 3km from the centre of Melbourne. And when you stop to catch your breath, take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline. This is the iconic home of the Australian Grand Prix.

Two friends in activewear walk away from the lake.

Lysterfield Park Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities. Spot kangaroos while walking or jogging the 6km Lake Circuit Trail, ride 24km of mountain bike trails or relax at the lakeside picnic areas.

Four friends walk alongside the Yarra River through Yarra Bend Park.

Yarra Bend Park Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. Hire a canoe at historic Studley Park Boathouse, paddle upstream, and spot flying foxes.

Experience

Discover more activities in parks this Spring

A group take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

Guided Park walks

Join us on a free, beginner or intermediate Park Walk led by our trained volunteers.

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.

Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

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,

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.

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.

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.

Four children and a ranger take a closer look at a rockpool.

Junior Rangers

Encourage the kids to explore Victoria's surprising plants and wildlife with a real Park Ranger, or download activities to complete anytime.

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.

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 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 family share a picnic on the foreground of Werribee Mansion.

Events

Victoria's parks can provide the perfect location for your next event, from school sports or private weddings, to major events.

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.

A couple run through the bush and leaves at Lysterfield Park.

Trail running

Get active and healthy in nature by taking your exercise fitness routine outdoors to one of many park running trails.

A mother and daughter linger at the end of a pier on the Mallacoota Inlet

Piers and jetties

Stroll along coastal piers and jetties or cast a line and fish at popular catchment areas in Port Phillip and Western Port.

Camping and Accommodation

Spring is the ideal time to dust off the camping gear and get outdoors. With daylight saving, you can enjoy longer days and avoid the extreme Summer heat and the crowds. Find the perfect campsite for your next getaway.

Where to stay

Tent

Camper Trailer

Car

Caravan

What we do

Conservation and science

Parks Victoria manages a diverse network of parks that are home to over 4,300 native plant species and 948 native animal species. These parks include some of Victoria’s largest and most undisturbed ecosystems - landscapes like the Alps, the mallee, grasslands and inland waters and wetlands. It covers Victoria’s marine national parks and sanctuaries that protect a wide array of marine life.

Conservation and science

Volunteering

Volunteering in parks is a great way to contribute to conserving Victoria’s special places. The many personal benefits of volunteering include learning more about plants and wildlife, gaining new skills, being in the outdoors, improving health and well being and meeting new friends. Discover volunteer opportunities around Victoria and learn about groups working in your local area.

Volunteering

Managing Country Together

Parks Victoria recognises that Aboriginal people have lived across Victoria for over a thousand generations, maintaining complex societies with languages, kinship systems, laws and spiritualties. Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants, or First Peoples, of this state. Land forms the basis of Aboriginal existence and identity which, along with water and natural resources were sustainably managed according to traditional laws and customs.

Managing Country Together

Spring has Sprung in Parks

Discover Wildflowers in Spring

Mindfulness Walks in Nature

See Wildlife in Nature

Go Trail Running