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Refresh Your Spring

 

Spring is the season to celebrate new life, when nature dazzles us in full bloom. Flowers of many species emerge and amaze us with their beauty. New generations of animals are born and new birds hatch, fumbling their way into the world. It’s the time of year when many species awake from the winter hibernation to reap the benefits of spring with its warmer days and vibrant weather. It’s an exciting time in nature as it emerges from the short and darker days of winter.  

As part of nature, you too can emerge from your winter hibernation. A reality of winter is that we tend to take comfort in staying indoors, in the comfort of our cosy settings, with our warm blankets and heated surrounds. But spring is here and it’s time to dust off the outdoors shoes, get back in nature to breathe that fresh spring air. Now is the time to experience that spring energy in nature! 

Just as spring renews nature, take this time to renew yourself.  

Nature in parks provide incredible preventative and restorative health and wellbeing benefits, so let a visit to nature in parks be your inspiration and Refresh Your Spring.  

Balance of nature: How spending time outdoors can change your life for the better

As significant greenspaces for relaxation and recreation, the health of our national parks is tied to our collective wellbeing.

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

Five ways to wellbeing this Spring

Science tells us that spending time in nature, as well as understanding and caring for our environment, has a powerful effect on our mental and physical health. Discover some tips to boost your wellbeing when you’re in the wilds of nature this spring.

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Two women walk along the track next to a coastal marsh on the Southern Circuit hiking trail at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wildflowers on the Grampians Peaks Trail

As the spring days grow longer with more sunlight, vibrant wildflowers are lighting up parks across Victoria. Grampians National Park, part of the Gariwerd bio-cultural landscape, has more than 1000 species of wildflowers, 20 of which are only found in the local area.

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Wildflowers in the Grampians National Park

Things to do

Cafe and nature walks at Yarra Bend Park
Guided park walks
A volunteer wearing a hi-visibility vest tends to a sand dunes regeneration project.
Volunteering
A man in a yellow jacket holding a cup of tea walks towards his partner in a tent
Camping in Victoria
An elderly woman leads her husband along a walking track at Cathedral Range State Park

Hiking and bushwalking

Victoria's dramatic and diverse landscape and climate provide the perfect excuse to get outdoors and hike mountain peaks and ranges, beaches and desert dunes.

Man with child overlooking wildflowers at Scenic Gorge Drive, Beechworth Historic Park

Wildflowers

Spring sees vibrant colours splashed across the landscape. As the days grow warmer and longer, head to any corner of Victoria to see wildflowers in pretty, dainty blooms.

Two teenage children studying plants and making notes

Citizen Science

Anyone can get involved in understanding and supporting our environment through citizen science programs.

A couple enjoy a sunset picnic in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

Picnic spots

When the weather is on its best behaviour, there's no easier way to enjoy nature than with a picnic. Many parks are equipped with picnic tables or benches and some have BBQ facilities or cafes where food can be purchased.

Find inspiration

 
A women at the camera while others take photos of a rock formation that resembles the pipes of an organ.

Day trips from Melbourne without the long drive

Getting out of the city and into nature is a great way to spend a weekend. One of the highlights of living in Melbourne is that you don’t always have to travel long distances to get your dose of the great outdoors.
Common fringe myrtle flowers in different life stages

5 tips to get the best wildflower photos

Spring means wildflowers are in full bloom across our parks – it’s a great time to get outdoors with your camera to take some spectacular photos.
Two females in workout clothes walk through tall trees in Dandenong Ranges National Park

7 Days of Mindfulness in Nature

It can be easy to feel anxious, stressed, and worried about the future. But even small actions can help ground us back into the here and now – especially when we turn to the healing power of nature.
A young couple walking their dog across a bridge with two friends following behind

Victoria's dog-friendly walking trails

While dogs aren’t allowed in our national and state parks, there's still plenty of great places you can get into nature with your pooch. So, grab a lead and a handful of treats, whistle up the dog and head for the park.
A family plays on the adventure playground at Braeside Park.

Melbourne's best park playgrounds

Kids can get outdoors and enjoy nature at one of the many fabulous playgrounds in Victoria's urban parks. With playscapes designed for all ages and abilities, you're sure to find a playground perfect for your family.
A grandmother watching her grandson happily walking while his mother pushes his younger brother in a pram at Jells Park

Top 10 pram-friendly walks

Getting out into nature with young children is great for everyone’s wellbeing. With the little one strapped into the pram they can learn about nature and discover many of the beautiful places around Melbourne and across Victoria.
Three mountain bikers turn left through a berm.

Outdoor fitness and adventure in Melbourne

Parks are the perfect place to get active. We know that spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing, so why not boost your fitness time with some fresh air.

Parks to visit this spring

 
A boardwalk in the Warby-Ovens National Park

Warby-Ovens National Park

Located between the Victorian Alps and the Murray Valley, Warby‐Ovens National Park includes some of the State's most significant bushland.
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.
People walk along a paved path surrounded by mature autumnal European trees.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
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.
The gardens of the historic Werribee Park Mansion.

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.
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