Explore
Park walks
Did you know that walking is the most popular type of leisure activity in Australia? No surprise really, it’s free, doesn’t require any equipment beyond comfortable walking shoes and it’s suitable for everyone.
BOOK NOW Park Walks are free walks, guided by our trained volunteers. Park Walks allow you to enjoy walking in urban parks or bushland without having to worry about where the trail is or how long it might take. You will be free to enjoy the beautiful trees and wildlife or even just to relax and catch up with friends or family.
Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine. The walks can be easy for those who are new to walking or can be a little more challenging for people who have some previous walking experience. Some walks include a catch up for a cuppa at the beginning or end if there is a café nearby.
Bookings are required (for most walks).
And did you also know that walking in nature is also good for you – mentally and physically? It can boost creative thinking, decrease stress levels and blood pressure and helps the whole family lead a happier more active life. Discover why walking in a park should be on your ‘to do’ list!
If you would like to become a volunteer park walks leader, please register your details on ParkConnect.
For other walking options please visit our partner Victoria Walks.
Guided park walks
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Join this 4km volunteer-led walk along the Lyrebird Loop circuit trail and enter a fantastic rainforest of spectacular Mountain Ash, eucalypts and lush tree ferns. Listen for the call of the lyrebird - you might even be lucky enough to spot one along the way!
Macedon Regional Park
Join knowledgeable Parks Victoria volunteers as you relax and explore the Sanatorium Eco Trail in Macedon Regional Park.
This approximately 3km trail will take you along a circuit through beautiful forest and past the picturesque historic Sanatorium Lake. This trail is popular with photographers, so remember your camera!
Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings as you follow this easy 2.6km trail through the beautiful Coolart Wetlands. Admire the historic homestead and grounds as you chat to fellow group members and spot some of the birdlife that call these wetlands home.
Lysterfield Park
Join a relaxing volunteer-led walk along a beautiful 2.2km circuit trail. Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings, chat to fellow group members and spot some of the wildlife that call this park home.
Churchill National Park
Test out your walking shoes and come and enjoy the beautiful 360-degree views at Churchill National Park! Located in Lysterfield South, this intermediate to advanced trail is 7.5km and includes steep hills, uneven terrain and sections of narrow trails.
Gresswell Forest
Immerse yourself in nature whilst learning about this beautiful forest and the species that live here. Gresswell Forest is a remnant patch of bushland in the middle of suburbia that is home to a range of wildlife which can be seen when walking, including eastern grey kangaroos, wombats and many bird species.
You Yangs Regional Park
Join a volunteer-led walk through beautiful You Yangs Regional Park. On your walk enjoy, the serenity of the bush and get rewarded with stunning views from Big Rock.
Mindfulness walks in nature
The health benefits of spending time in nature are now widely accepted. Mindfulness walks take this a step further and help you slow down and focus on the present moment - each step, each breath – feeling calm and relaxed.
Alpine Discovery Days
Learn about this beautiful and unique region, the historical significance of the Alpine huts, and the stunning natural ecosystem surrounding them from trained Volunteer Park Guides. Alpine Discovery Dyas run on selected days during the summer school holidays and over the Easter long weekend.
Serendip Sanctuary Wildlife Discovery Tour
Join a fun, free and educational volunteer-led guided walk this summer at Serendip Sanctuary in Lara. You’ll meet lots of cute furry and feathered animals, learn about the habitats and wildlife of the Western Volcanic Plains and meet the species that call Serendip Sanctuary home.
Werribee Park
Come on a guided walk through the beautiful Rose and Formal Gardens at Werribee Park. Enjoy the stunning surrounds of the Werribee Park grounds and discover some of the interesting historical facts about Werribee Park.
Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve
Take in the sights and sounds of Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve which follows the Heathland Bush Circuit. Just under 2km, this trail loops through damp heathy woodland and you will wander through upper canopy eucalypts, a shrub layer including wattles and tea-trees, and abundant ground level native grasses and sedges. Walkers will get to see an amazing diversity of wildflowers as well as the remnant bushland of Frankston South. Keep your eyes peeled for Blue-tongue lizards, Blue-billed Ducks and our two resident koalas who call this park home.
Ocean Grove Nature Reserve
Enjoy a relaxing volunteer-led walk through beautiful Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and spot some of the wildlife that call this park home. This Park Walk follows the Banksia Trail and takes visitors past the lake and through grassy woodland. Ancient Grass Trees and the endangered Bellarine Yellow Gum can be seen on the trail, and if you are lucky you may be able to spot wallabies, echidnas, lizards and birds including Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.
Forest Therapy
Join us on a relaxing and restorative Forest Therapy walk at Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. Originating from Japan, Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Therapy as it is known in Australia, is the practice of immersing in nature using your senses. The walk will be run by Karyn Folwell (INFTA) who will guide you to walk slowly and in quietness, introducing you to the different ways you can use your senses to experience and immerse yourself in nature. This walk will enable you to relax, experience a sense of calm and quieten your busy mind in the restorative environment of the forest.
Need to know
Park walks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Park walks
Hiking and bushwalking
Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
Kids walks
Playing outdoors in nature is an important part of growing up. Most of us have fond memories of running around our local park or greenspace, letting off steam and making friends. Our free Kids walks are all less than 1km (30 minutes or less) close to toilets, playgrounds and play spaces or somewhere your kids can run around. Are your kids ready for their next park adventure? Check back soon to find out when the next Kids walks will be available.
Dog walking
Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.
