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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

To help you, your friends and your family have a safe, stress-free, and well-planned stay in Victoria’s incredible parks and natural landscapes our rangers have shared their know-how in these handy tips. 

Day trips can be a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of our state without breaking the bank or expending too much time or energy planning a big getaway. Our park rangers have compiled a set of insider tips to get visitors #ReadyForNature while day tripping this summer.

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.

Step back to the gold mining era of the 1850’s at Herons Reef, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Take in the stunning view of the Grampians National Park from Mount William.

Sit amongst the lush ferns at the base of Hopetoun Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Relax on the vast lawns amidst tall gum trees at Jells Park in Melbourne’s south-east.

Bask in the blue sky and enjoy the view from The Horn lookout, Mount Buffalo National Park.

Enjoy the tranquil calm of the rugged bushland landscape at Murray-Sunset National Park.

Look out onto the iconic view of the Twelve Apostles at sunset, Port Campbell National Park.

Sunset on the beach amongst the granite rock formations at Whisky Bay, Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Admire the delicate coral structures of our underwater parks at Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

Unwind on the calm waters and clear reflection of the Yarra River.