Find inspiration
Looking for ideas? There are so many ways you can get into nature at any time of year.
Be inspired and start planning your next nature escape right here!
Something for every season
Get into nature all year round with a variety of outdoor activities, scenic attractions and camping options. Bushwalking and hiking are popular in the cooler months of the year, whilst Victoria's bays, lakes and rivers provide the perfect place to cool down from the summer heat.
12 top Victoria national parks to visit in 2025
To inspire your 2025 travel plans, we’ve handpicked the must-see national parks for each month – from mountain peaks to pink lakes, to tall forests and coastal retreats.
Best day trips from Melbourne
Escape the city and take a day trip into nature. Walk through ancient rainforests, visit wild ocean beaches, discover relics of the gold rush era, or see wildlife – all less than two hours from Melbourne.
Five great winter hikes in north-west Victoria
The days might be getting shorter, but don’t rush to pack away your hiking boots. Getting out into nature in the crisp, clear days of winter is invigorating in a whole new way.
Top spots for a coffee and a warming winter stroll
Instead of curling up on the couch as the cold sets in, why not enjoy the special pleasures the cooler weather brings? This winter, get into nature in one of the most rewarding ways: with a friend, a hot drink, and a relaxing stroll.
Winter adventures by the sea
There’s something spectacular about being close to the sea in winter. The fresh, salty air, the open, desolate shorelines, the marvelling views – these, and more are on offer if we step outside our cosy dwellings and visit Victoria’s rugged coast.
Spring flowers in bloom
Spring brings new life and with it, an incredible variety of flowers blooming across our many parks. As the weather warms up, escape your winter hibernation and enjoy the vibrant colours that come with the season.
Best places to cool off this summer — that aren’t the beach!
If you’re looking to avoid the beach crowds this summer, but still want to jump in a body of cool water, check out these great spots.
Five reasons to choose mountains this summer
Are you still pondering what to do this upcoming summer? We’re here to tell you why Victoria’s mountain peaks – those alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains across our state– should be top of your list, even once the snow has melted.
Top places to escape the summer crowds
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Victoria, then these places are a must-see this summer.
The best parks to visit for Autumn colour
Autumn is a fantastic time of year to visit our parks. As the leaves turn, you’ll be surrounded by stunning displays of colour. Visit these parks to get that perfect snap of autumn leaves.
Explore on foot
From easy walks to challenging hikes, find the trail that's right for you.
10 ways to walk in nature
With some of Australia’s best green spaces and walking trails, we’ve put together 10 ways for you to get moving in Victoria’s parks. So, let’s hit pause and go for a walk.
5 best beginner hikes in Yarra Ranges National Park
Immerse yourself in lush temperate rainforests with these five top beginner-friendly hikes and nature walks close to Melbourne.
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.
Dandenong Ranges garden guide
You’ve probably heard of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, but did you know there are six other unique gardens and parks to explore nearby?
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.
Five great winter hikes in north-west Victoria
The days might be getting shorter, but don’t rush to pack away your hiking boots. Getting out into nature in the crisp, clear days of winter is invigorating in a whole new way.
Top circuit walks
There's nothing better than a circuit walk taking in great scenery and interesting natural and cultural landmarks. For a taste of Victoria's best, check out this selection on your next getaway.
Marvel at Victoria's natural wonders
Victroria's diverse landscapes have much to offer. Parks contain the best of Victoria's natural riches – so get into nature and marvel at our natural wonders.
The forest giant - Mountain Ash
Standing in the heart of a tall forest, it’s hard not to feel small. Feel the wonder as you look up at the forest giants – towering trees that stretch into the sunlight. With some of these giants more than 300 years old, they remind us of our place in the world.
Everything you need to know about Victoria's pink lakes
It may come as a surprise, but these are the natural changing colour of some of Victoria’s lakes. These bubblegum pink lakes are a natural wonder that many will never get to see, but there are a few right here in Victoria.
Sheer beauty: 8 spectacular rock formations in Victoria
We’ve picked eight of the state’s most-beautiful, but least-known cliffs and rock formations for you to get that perfect landscape shot. Bold colours, dramatic formations, or beautiful lighting, each of these cliffs is a sight to behold.
Discover an underwater world
If you’re looking for the best places to see underwater ecosystems and encounter marine wildlife, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore marine protected areas. So, pack your togs, wetsuit, a mask and snorkel and head to the coast!
Enjoy your favourite activities
Or maybe it's time to try something different? Enjoy a day of relaxation and contemplation, learn something new, or get your adrenaline fix with some challenging outdoor adventure.
Outdoor workout ideas
Across the state, Victoria's national parks and reserves provide a wealth of spaces for exercise, from scenic running trails to outdoor gyms.
Free things to do in nature near Melbourne
Great free activities close to Melbourne that will have you enjoying nature without breaking the bank.
Point Nepean Discovery Tents
Located within the historic Quarantine Station precinct, the pre-pitched Discovery Tents offer a unique opportunity to camp under canvas within the idyllic coastal Point Nepean National Park.
The pre-pitched Discovery Tents at Point Nepean National Park are available from September to April each year.
Unique tall forest experiences
Victoria’s tall forests are magical all year round, offering a cool escape in summer and a misty wonderland in winter. Pack a bag, charge your phone and get ready to recharge your soul through these unique experiences in Victoria’s incredible tall forests.
Explore the rich history of the Goldfields
Victoria’s central goldfields around Castlemaine, Maldon, and Hepburn, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, have some of the most intact remains of the 1850s gold rush anywhere in the world. If you enjoy ornate historic architecture, learning about life on the goldfields, and discovering the techniques used by miners during the gold rush then a trip to these parks in the area is a must.
Day trips without the long drive
Getting out of the city and into nature with friends and family is a great way to spend a weekend or day out over the holidays. One of the highlights of living in Melbourne is that you don’t always have to travel long distances or stay overnight to get your dose of the great outdoors.
Get into nature without a car
We've put together a list of parks around Melbourne which are easily accessible on public transport, so you don't need your own set of wheels to get there.
Choose your adventure at these camping spots
Now is the perfect time to get out and camp under the stars. Before you pitch your tent, spend the day exploring the nature around you. There’s lots of ways to enjoy our parks — whether you’re looking for a challenge, to learn something new or to just relax with family and friends.
Fun things to do in nature after dark
Just because darkness is falling doesn’t means parks aren’t great places to experience, as long as it’s done safely. In fact, there are some special experiences to be had in parks at dusk or after dark.
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.
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.
Nature is good for you
Did you know that viewing natural scenes lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and boosts wellbeing? Put simply, nature is good for you! Why not go into a beautiful park today?
7 Days of Mindfulness in Nature
Mindfulness is a simple form of meditation that focuses on the present moment through paying attention, in a non-judgmental manner, to your senses and surroundings. Practicing mindfulness in nature is a great way to achieve a sense of balance and peace, and to connect with the places that are most meaningful to us.
The amazing health impacts of nature
We all know that national parks are good for our precious flora and fauna; but did you know that parks are also good for people? Visiting your local park or exploring one of Victoria’s diverse landscapes offers everything from short walks to snorkelling and improves your wellbeing at the same time.
Outdoor fitness and adventure in Melbourne
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. We’ve rounded up a list of parks around Melbourne with outdoor activities to help you switch off, detox from the digital and soak up some sunlight.
28 ways to reconnect with nature
Just head outside and you can expect lower blood pressure, reduced stress and boosted sleep quality. So, whether you’re looking to camp under a blanket of stars or simply explore your neighbourhood, parks, coastlines, forests and community gardens are here to help you relax, restore and recharge.
Connect to the medicine of the forest
You might be familiar with the special sense of peace that comes with being immersed in nature. But did you know that the health benefits of spending time in our parks go far beyond simple relaxation?
The health benefits of nature in winter
If you’re inspired to tend to your health this winter, here are just some ways you can get into nature and reap all of its health benefits.
Sharing nature's stories
Find out what makes our parks special. From the plants and animals that live there to the people who protect it, get to know nature a little better.
Meet Victoria's first female park ranger
Born in New Zealand in 1904, Kara moved to Australia with her family when she was still a small child. Her career as a park ranger started in her midlife, when she met and married her second husband, Jim Healey. In 1949, the pair moved to Tarra Valley, now known as Tarra-Bulga National Park, where Jim had been working as ranger for several years.
Woven Together By Spirit
For many Victorians, Castlemaine Diggings is synonymous with the gold rush: that famous period in the late 1800s when thousands of migrants flocked to Central Victoria to seek their fortunes on the gold fields. But Castlemaine Diggings Heritage National Park and its surrounding areas have a history much older and richer than the precious metal industry that briefly but dramatically occupied the landscape.
Your favourite Melbourne parks have fascinating pasts and exciting futures
Our urban parks haven’t always been as they are today. A visit to urban parks can offer a glimpse into Melbourne’s past, from the buildings that remain to the variety of native plants and their unique conservation values. Journey through time in some of our urban parks and discover the exciting developments that will allow future generations to keep enjoying these parks.
Discover a history of fossils at Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park
Along the coast of Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, stretching from San Remo to Inverloch, the waves are unearthing precious relics that have lain buried in the rock for millions of years. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the richest fossil sites in Australia, and here, new clues from the distant past are constantly surfacing.
Connect to the medicine of the forest
You might be familiar with the special sense of peace that comes with being immersed in nature. But did you know that the health benefits of spending time in our parks go far beyond simple relaxation?
Seven unexpected things found in our parks
When you think of Victoria’s parks, the first things that comes to mind are probably found on land – mountains, trees and grassy plains. However, did you know that Parks Victoria also manages 30 marine protected areas? What you’ll find there might surprise you!
Meet some of our unique marine life
Marine national parks and sanctuaries exist to protect Victoria’s unique and diverse marine ecosystem, and the many plants and animals that live in them. Meet some of the marine life that these parks protect.
Swim smart, stay safe
Splash into summer while staying safe and confident near the water.
Water safety
When the weather gets hot, our beaches, lakes and rivers across the state become popular places to swim, paddle and have fun in the water. However, it's important to be aware of the risks of swimming in nature.
Summer by the water
Nothing beats being by the water in summer. Cast a line and catch tonight’s dinner or wander piers and jetties. Get on the water by hiring a boat or joining one of the many boat tours on offer.
Stay cool, stay safe
Whether you're a white-water adventure-seeker, casual canoe day-tripper or you want a family-friendly swimming hole, Victoria’s parks are the perfect place to make a splash this summer. However you’re cooling off this summer, make sure you’re ready for nature by planning ahead.
Virtual backgrounds for your next online meeting
With these stunning backdrops you can (virtually) be surrounded by nature at your favourite park. Just click on an image below, and it will open up in a new tab. Right-click and save the image to your computer. Then follow the upload instructions from your online meeting application.
Herons Reef, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Step back to the gold mining era of the 1850’s at Herons Reef, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.
Mount William, Grampians National Park
Take in the stunning view of the Grampians National Park from Mount William.
Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park
Sit amongst the lush ferns at the base of Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park.
Jells Park
Relax on the vast lawns amidst tall gum trees at Jells Park in Melbourne’s south-east.
The Horn, Mount Buffalo National Park
Bask in the blue sky and enjoy the view from The Horn lookout, Mount Buffalo National Park.
Murray-Sunset National Park
Enjoy the tranquil calm of the rugged bushland landscape at Murray-Sunset National Park.
Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park
Look out onto the iconic view of the Twelve Apostles at sunset, Port Campbell National Park.
Whisky Bay, Wilsons Promontory National Park
Sunset on the beach amongst the granite rock formations at Whisky Bay, Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park
Admire the delicate coral structures of our underwater parks at Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.
Yarra River
Unwind on the calm waters and clear reflection of the Yarra River.