Become a Junior Ranger these holidays

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Be a Junior Ranger these holidays

We're inviting kids to learn outdoors about nature these summer holidays. Whilst the bushfires have impacted our events in some locations, we are still holding lots of activities in non-bushfire affected areas across Victoria.

This summer Parks Victoria is inviting kids and their families to unplug and get into nature by joining in a free Ranger-led Junior Ranger activity to learn about Victoria’s wonderful plants, wildlife and amazing natural and cultural heritage.

Watch tiny critters through microscopes on a Minibeast Discovery, follow clues to discover animals in the bush as a Wildlife Detective, or find out what lies beneath the water in a Rockpool Ramble.

Junior Rangers will get their hands dirty playing games, creating masterpieces, exploring streams, catching bugs and rummaging around the beach or bush. They may even visit places that few park visitors ever see.

All activities are free, but bookings are essential. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the session. For the latest update on events, check the Junior Rangers website for activity locations, dates, and to register your attendance.

Discover Junior Ranger activities at these parks and more

A young couple paddle kayaks on a sunny afternoon across Lake Eildon.

Lake Eildon National Park

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.

A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

Croajingolong National Park

Croajingolong follows the far-eastern coastline of Victoria for 100 km and features eucalypt forest, rainforest and heathland.

A woman leads her partner across the Razorback track surrounded by stunning views of the Rubicon Valley.

Cathedral Range State Park

The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven km ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.

A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.

Two retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.

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 young couple walks up through ancient lava flows to Sundial Peak in the Central Grampians.

Grampians National Park

Rising abruptly from the surrounding Western Plains, the Grampians (Gariwerd) is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich in wildlife. One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the park is a great venue for camping, climbing, scenic drives, bushwalks and nature study.

Two kayakers come across a group of pelicans on the Gippsland Lakes.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes – the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Welcome to Wilsons Prom, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Walk remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite tors. Camp in comfort at family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite

A couple row a boat on the yarra with four inquisitive geese near Studley Park Boat House.

Yarra River

The Yarra River offers a multitude of picturesque settings. The banks of the river have a number of barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jettys. In addition, there are trails and paths which cater for cyclists, walkers and joggers.

An emu walks in an open, grassy area at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Hattah - Kulkyne National Park

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park lies in typical mallee country with extensive low scrub and open native pine woodland. Superbly adapted birds, animals and vegetation thrive in the poor, sandy soils and searing summers.

The Lakes National Park

The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve.

A couple look out over the water from the beach at Lysterfield Lake.

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.

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

Jells Park

Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley, Wheelers Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park attracts over 900,000 visitors a year, with over nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of wide open spaces and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.

Werribee Park

Visit Werribee Park and discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire. Explore the Victorian era in the Italianate-style architecture and interiors of Werribee Mansion. Stroll through 10 hectares of beautiful formal gardens and open space park land. Only 30 minutes from Melbourne, take a walk at Werribee Park, today.