A temperate rainforest with lush tree ferns and tall Mountain Ash

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Explore nature this winter

Winter transforms Victoria’s parks.

Head to alpine parks to take in snow-covered mountain peaks and for snow play and cross-country skiing. Wander through misty tall forests, fern gullies, and beside cascading waterfalls, all made even more impressive by the season’s dramatic fog and mist.

Winter’s cool crisp air is perfect for walks and short hikes in nature, and longer nights and clear skies make for ideal astrophotography and stargazing conditions.

What's more, with the summer crowds gone, you’ll often have iconic trails, beaches, and lookouts all to yourself. It's the season to plan an extended, cosy, nature-filled getaway to regional Victoria.

For more inspiration or exciting things to see and do in Victoria’s parks and reserves, subscribe to our monthly Outdoor Inspiration e-newsletter.

Winter in Mount Buffalo National Park — Top 10 things to do in Victoria's parks this winter

A group of three friends ride bikes overlooking the ocean near the heads to Port Philip Bay. — Need a break? Recharge with these Victorian getaways

Group of people walking on path at Wilsons Promontory National Park

The (Secret) Best Time to Visit Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park is world-renowned for its granite mountains, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. But what if we told you there's a secret season to experience the park at its best?

Mount Donna Buang snow play - what to know before you go

Here’s what you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable experience in the snow at Mount Donna Buang this winter.

The health benefits of nature in winter

Even winter – some people’s least favourite season – has its role in nature’s grand plan, and displays a magic like no other, if we’re brave enough to step outside and experience it during these colder months.

Three friends walk along the waters edge near Sperm Whale Head

A week in the east

East Gippsland is Victoria’s first official destination (and the seventh in Australia), to receive the ECO Destination Certification. If you’re currently looking for somewhere in Victoria to explore, here’s how you can spend one week in Victoria’s sustainable east.

A man hand cycles on a sealed path near Lysterfield Lake.

Top 5 Accessible Park Experiences in Winter

Discover more accessible experiences in parks. And if the weather turns wet, all these parks have a cafe or somewhere to stay dry.

A young girl puts the final touches on her snowman as she is joined by her brother

Skiing and snowplay

Mountains in Victoria’s national parks become enchanting, whisper-quiet playgrounds for skiers, toboggan riders and sightseers in the crisp months of winter and early spring. Their pure white landscapes are more often easily accessible and open a natural white stage for family fun and wilderness adventure for the gifted cross-country skiers. Make plans to revel in the snowfields, for planning is the key to an exhilarating experience on the slopes.

Where to stay

A mother sits at a table with her younger daughter and watches her older daughter doing a cartwheel on the lawn of the residence at Buchan Caves Park.

Buchan Caves House

Caves House is a fully self contained house which can sleep up to eight people. There are three bedrooms with a queen bed in each room and an ante room with two single beds. Enjoy a covered front deck with river views and an outdoor BBQ and fire.

Just Inside The Gate

This self-catering eco-lodge accommodation is past Yanakie and on the border of the national park. Book just the East Wing for up to four people, or the the East and West Wings - the whole house - for up to eight people.

A woman carries a bag and walks away from the entrance to a cabin at Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tidal River Cabins

Located in an idyllic riverside bush setting, these cabins can sleep up to six people. A spacious living area with gas heating, lounge seating and dining area overlooks a timber deck area for outdoor relaxation.

The entrance with two steps up to the door at a unit in Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tidal River Units

Equipped with a spacious living area, sun deck and shared barbecues the Tidal River Units offer a comfortable base to explore the Prom.

The exterior of a 6-bed hut in Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tidal River Huts

Providing easy access to the tranquil waters of Tidal River and Norman Beach, the Tidal River Huts are perfectly located to access all that Tidal River has to offer.

Glamping tent with white shelter with green plants in foreground.

Wilderness retreats

Immerse yourself in nature while staying in high comfort, low impact, safari style tents.

The front and entrance to Sheoak, the accessible cabin, at Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tidal River accessible cabin accommodation

There are two cabins in Tidal River with accessible facilities. Both are self-contained and consist of two bedrooms (including a single electric high-low bed), accessible bathroom, kitchen/living room and outside deck.

The entrance, including low angle ramp, to the accessible unit in Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Tidal River accessible unit accommodation

The accessible unit at Tidal River is a self-contained, one-bedroom unit, including a personal hoist and specialised bathroom equipment, such as a shower commode chair.

Safety in nature

Explore Victoria's parks safely with our comprehensive visitor safety tips. Plan your adventure by notifying others of your plans and packing essential supplies. Stay informed about weather conditions and navigate responsibly.

How to fit snow chains

Snow chains must be carried on all days as indicated by the signage at the entrance. This applies to all classes of vehicles, including four-wheel drives. They must be fitted when and at the location indicated by road signage.

Two people cross country skiing at Cresta Valley in Mount Buffalo National Park.

Alpine back country winter safety

Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience. You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.

Hiking and walking

Top spots for a coffee and a warming winter stroll

2 friends cross-country ski in the Baw Baw National Park. — Keep moving in winter

Murray Sunset National Park — Five great winter hikes in North-West Victoria

A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

Enjoying a winter hike near Melbourne

Some of Victoria’s most beautiful walks are just a short drive from Melbourne. Despite their proximity to the city, these parks are still wilderness areas and it’s important to be prepared. That’s not just about being ready for bad weather.

A man is standing looking out towards nature with a child on his back. He is surrounded by blooming wattle and flowers

Where to walk this Autumn/Winter

Autumn's crisp days and cooler temperatures make it great bushwalking weather. Here’s a selection of some of our top walks this season.

The paws, prints and claws you might spot along the autumn/winter trail

Autumn and winter mark a time when many of our native mammals, insects, amphibians and birdlife are at their most active. Which will you spot on your next hike or bushwalk?

Family winter activities

A mother and child walks along the path near by Coolart Homestead — Winter ideas to get kids outdoors

A ranger and a group of primary school children lookout at the wetlands enclosure at Serendip Sanctuary. — Junior Rangers

Conservation and science

Mountain pygmy possum eating on a boulder.

Pygmy-possums rocky mountain home free of unwelcome willows for the winter

Mountain Pygmy-possums live in the small spaces between the basalt and granite boulders and during the winter months, when the boulderfields are blanketed with snow, the possums hibernate safely in these spaces.