Top 10 things to do in Victoria's parks this winter

Winter transforms Victoria’s landscapes. Think: snow-capped mountain peaks, misty tall forests, rugged coastlines, frosty trails, and crisp air.

With peak season crowds gone, it’s the perfect time of year to rug up and enjoy snow play in Victoria’s alpine parks, whale watching along the coastline, a magical walk in a misty tall forest or a hike in rugged bushland, and much more.

Here are 10 of the best winter experiences across Victoria’s parks.

1. See snow in alpine parks

Victoria’s alpine parks become snowy wonderlands in winter, typically receiving snowfall between June and August.

It’s worth planning an extended getaway from Melbourne to make the most of Victoria’s best snow destinations.

You can enjoy tobogganing, snow play, and cross-country skiing at Mount Buffalo’s Cresta Valley and Dingo Dell; explore the cross-country trails of Dinner Plain in Alpine National Park; head to family-friendly Mount St Gwinear in Baw Baw National Park for free snow play fun; or visit Lake Mountain for alpine resort activities and nearby scenic waterfalls – all are between two and five hours’ drive from Melbourne.

Remember, conditions can change quickly in mountainous areas so it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather, no matter the forecast.

Ensure you have a full tank of petrol, blankets, snacks and water, and a torch in case of delays or road closures.

A mother and her two children climb to the top of the toboggan slope at Dingo Dell Mount Buffalo

Dingo Dell, Mount Buffalo National Park

2. Wander magical, misty trails in tall forests

Cooler months bring dramatic mists and fog to Victoria’s tall forests, making places like Great Otway National Park, Dandenong Ranges National Park, and Tarra-Bulga National Park even more atmospheric. Here’s three magical misty trails to check out this winter.

Ranger tip: Visit in the morning to see these trails at their mistiest.

1. Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park, Eastern Maar Country

See the spectacular Hopetoun Falls plunging into the Aire River, surrounded by lush, misty rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Reach the base of the 30-metre falls by descending 200 stairs or take in the view from the upper platform – an easy 20-minute walk from the car park.

2. Sherbrooke Falls loop, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Wurundjeri Country

Wander beneath towering Mountain Ash and magical tree ferns on the Sherbrooke Falls Loop trail. You’ll follow a tranquil forest trail to the trickling falls (best seen after rain). Keep an eye out for lyrebirds along this family-friendly 6km circuit that starts from either Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O’Donohue Picnic Grounds.

3. Corrigan Suspension Bridge Loop, Tarra-Bulga National Park, Brataualung Country

Enjoy magical misty forest views along the 2.6km Corrigan Suspension Bridge circuit. Start from the Visitor Centre before crossing a dramatic suspension bridge high in the rainforest canopy.

Two people standing on viewing platform looking at waterfall.

Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park, Eastern Maar Country

3. Go whale watching along Victoria’s coastline

Winter in Victoria is prime time for whale watching, a great way to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh, salty air, and experience the beauty of the state’s rugged coastlines.

Head to Cape Nelson State Park for sweeping clifftop views of migrating Southern Right and Humpback whales. Spot these gentle giants from the iconic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation or Gabo Island Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage, or watch for blows and breaches from Flinders Ocean Beach.

For the best chance of a whale encounter and to learn more about Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries, book a guided experience with a Licensed Tour Operator (LTO).

Walkers hiking along the Great South West Walk in Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve

4. Plan a cosy getaway to Wilsons Promontory National Park

As the weather cools down, it’s tempting to plan a cosy, nature-filled getaway to regional Victoria.

Did you know that Wilsons Promontory National Park offers a variety of self-contained accommodation options – like cabins, huts, units and glamping-style Wilderness Retreats tents?

Plus, winter is the secret season to experience Wilsons Promontory National Park at its best with crowd-free beaches and higher chances of spotting wildlife.

Glamping tent with white shelter with green plants in foreground.

Wilderness Retreats, Wilsons Promontory National Park

5. Go stargazing under clear winter skies

With longer nights and crisp, clear skies, winter is the best time for stargazing and astrophotography in Victoria.

Head to remote parks like Murray-Sunset National Park, famous for its Pink Lakes and bright night skies, the oldest surviving lighthouse on the mainland, Cape Otway Lightstation in Great Otway National Park, or to the rugged peaks of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park for spectacular stargazing opportunities this winter. Closer to Melbourne, Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve in Mornington Peninsula National Park is known to be a premier spot for stargazing.

Visiting parks after dark means you need to be extra mindful of safety. Ensure you have a map, a torch and adequate supplies, head out with friends or family, and always let someone know where you're going.

Read more: Stargazing in Victoria

Milky way above Cape Otway Lightstation in Great Otway National Park

Cape Otway Lightstation, Great Otway National Park

6. Hike in the Grampians

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is spectacular in winter. Waterfalls are in full flow and the cooler weather and weaker UV makes tackling the parks’ iconic trails and peaks more manageable.

Plus, most of the park’s spectacular trails, lookouts, and waterfalls are now accessible following summer bushfires.

Tick off iconic day walks like The Pinnacle, Venus Baths, and MacKenzie Falls, or catch the sunrise from Boroka Lookout.

For a bigger challenge, tackle the reopened sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail, like the Gar and Werdug 3-day hike.

Before you go, check the latest park conditions and closures, and make the Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre your first stop for up-to-date info and friendly advice.

Boroka Lookout

Boroka Lookout, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

7. Give cool weather camping a try

Think camping’s just for summer? Think again. Camping in winter means fewer crowds, more peace and quiet, and plenty of campfire cosiness (where permitted).

Make sure you book ahead, check the weather and park conditions before you leave, and pack your warmest gear – including extra layers, a quality sleeping bag, and an insulated mat – to stay cosy during cooler nights.

Camping at 131 Parks Victoria bookable campgrounds is free until 30 June 2025 (bookings required), and from 1 July, you’ll only pay half price for your stay. Book your spot.

Woman inside tent on a camping trip in winter

Winter camping

8. Explore urban parks to beat the winter blues

One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat the winter blues is to maximise your exposure to natural light. And, you don’t have to leave Melbourne to get a dose of sunlight, and a nature fix this winter.

Urban parks close to the city, like Albert Park, Werribee Park, Yarra Bend Park, Jells Park, Braeside Park, and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden are great for exercise and are the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy a picnic or barbecue.

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

Albert Park

9. Discover nature near the East Gippsland Winter Festival

From 20 June – 20 July, the East Gippsland Winter Festival hosts over 100 different events, celebrating light, food, music, art and culture across the region.

Why not pair your festival event with an extended trip to a nearby park? Take the chance to explore Alpine National Park, Croajingolong National Park, Cape Conran Coastal Park, Buchan Caves Reserve, or Lake Tyers State Park in East Gippsland for the ultimate winter getaway.

10. Join a free, guided Park Walk

Did you know walking in nature can boost creative thinking, decrease stress levels and lower blood pressure?

Park Walks are free, guided group walks led by our friendly volunteers. They're designed to help you connect with nature and enjoy Victoria’s beautiful parks with like-minded company. You'll also learn about the heritage and natural features of the park from the trained guides.

This winter, join a walk to explore somewhere new or to add it to your regular wellbeing or fitness routine.

The walks cater to all levels, are suitable for all ages, and don't require any equipment beyond comfortable walking shoes. Bookings are required. Find an upcoming Park Walk event near you.

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

Yarra Bend Park Walk

Be prepared and stay safe

Check the latest conditions and park closures on the Parks Victoria website before you leave home. Use the search field to find the park you are looking for. If a park is closed or has safety issues, a red or orange tab will appear at the top of the park webpage. Click the tab to find out further details.

Visitor guides contain park summary information such as suggested activities, safety and regulations and a list of facilities available.
Use this safety checklist before you go on a hike or bushwalk.
Download this handy day trip checklist (PDF).
Find park information in your language.