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Celebrate summer in nature
The warm weather is here and there’s no better way to spend a summer’s day than getting into nature. Summer is the perfect time to explore our marine protected areas. Or avoid the beach crowds and head to our bays, lakes and rivers. Escape with friends and family on a camping trip.
Before you go, take a look at our safety in nature page for safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
What's hot this summer
Looking for ideas on where to go? Start with our recommendations for this 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.
Choose your adventure at these camping spots
This summer 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.
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.
7 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!
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.
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.
Keep cool and play safe in Summer
Bask in the warm Summer sun and enjoy the health benefits of nature. Keep cool in watering holes, alpine climates and secluded woodlands and rainforests. Remember to always put safety first and obey all park signage and ranger instructions.
Incredible summer sights
Summer is the ideal time to take in stunning views of nature. Take it all in at a lookout, marvel at stunning sunrises and sunsets or lay back at look up at the stars.
Watersports to try in summer
Ready for your next summer adventure? Get out on the water with scuba diving, swimming or canoeing and kayaking. Going with a licensed tour operator is a great way to enjoy these activities for beginners and experts alike.
Escape the heat this summer
Exploring nature doesn’t have to mean a whole day in the summer sun. Escape the heat by exploring historic sites and lighthouses or take all in that nature has to offer in a four-wheel drive.
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.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Freshwater swimming
Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
Boating and sailing
Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.
Scuba diving
Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.
Sunrises and sunsets
Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
Lookouts
Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.
Fishing
In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
Bring nature into your home
As the Victorian Government is directing all Victorians to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we’re finding ways for you to experience the beauty of nature and our parks from the comfort of your home. Immerse yourself in these beautiful landscapes with this selection of 360 degree time-lapse videos, download one of our stunning backdrops for your next online meeting or take a virtual dive through some of Victoria's marine parks.
360 degree videos: if using a laptop or desktop computer, use your mouse-pad to explore all around. If using a phone or tablet device, just move your device around to see the landscape. Stay tuned for more ideas on how to experience nature across our digital channels.
Explore these incredible places from the comfort of your home and be inspired to start planning your next nature-based adventures in Victoria’s parks for when this situation eases.
360 degree time-lapse videos
Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park
A 360 degree journey through the stunning Twelve Apostles located on the Great Ocean Road. Pounded by wild seas and fierce winds, the towering rock stacks are one of the most impressive natural sites in Australia.
Mount Buffalo National Park
A 360 degree journey through the high country at Mount Buffalo National Park. Visit the Gorge and Lake Catani as the sun rises before taking in the spectacular granite formations of the Buffalo plateau. Lastly take in the sunset and the panoramic views from the Horn - Mt Buffalo's highest point.
360 Wilsons Promontory
A 360 degree fly through the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Highlights include sunrise over Mount Oberon, Norman Beach, Whiskey Bay and the iconic granite slabs found throughout the park.
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.
Take a virtual dive
Dive with seals at Gabo Island
Take a 360-degree dive with the playful Long-nosed Fur Seals at Gabo Island.
Dive with spider crabs in Port Phillip Bay
See Spider Crabs gathering to moult at Blairgowrie in this 360-degree virtual dive.
Dive with Weedy Seadragon and Blue Devil at Bells Beach
The Weedy Seadragon and Blue Devil are just some of the amazing marine life underneath the waves of Bells Beach.
Dive the underwater garden at Beware Reef
See huge schools of fish and colourful invertebrate communities at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary in this dive footage.
Choose your adventure
Get your adrenaline fix with an abundance of breathtaking locations for outdoor sports, perfect for adventure lovers and thrill seekers. Remember to always put safety first and keep to designated areas and tracks, and help us protect our precious natural attractions.
4WD
Enjoy a range of short and long 4WD trips in Victoria's parks. From the desert or mountains, to the rainforest or snow, 4WD tracks cater for all levels of skill and expertise.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Horse riding
Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
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.
Mountain biking
Explore parks on two wheels with mountain bike trails to suit most experience and fitness levels.
Scuba diving
Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.
Skiing and snow play
Stomp, ski, snowshoe or toboggan in Victoria's alpine region with snow season spanning from mid June to September each year.
Discover, learn and explore
Delve deeper into the fascinating environmental, cultural and historic stories behind some of Victoria's most loved natural attractions. Join a guided tour, discover hidden gems and get up close to nature with some of these educational heritage and conservation sites.
Aboriginal heritage
Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Fossicking and prospecting
Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in the Golden Triangle of central Victoria - try your luck at fossicking and prospecting.
Historic sites
Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
Lookouts
Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.
Lighthouses
Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Relax on the perfect nature escape
Immerse yourself in nature. Breathe in the fresh air, take in breathtaking views and recharge the batteries with a nature escape to remote and tranquil places. Choose from soft adventure activities to pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Walking
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
Camping
Victoria’s parks have some great places to camp and there is something to suit all tastes. Choose from fully serviced sites with luxury tents to remote locations with nothing but bush.
Waterfalls
See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Long drives
Venture out on a regional road trip with some of Australia's most scenic drives taking you to its most spectacular natural attractions.
Freshwater swimming
Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
Wildflowers
Whether you’re surrounding yourself with carpets of colourful flowers, spotting rare orchids, or just enjoying the local native flowers, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and help your spirits soar.
Stargazing
Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.
Sunrises and sunsets
Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
Live your social lifestyle outdoors
Spend social time outdoors with family and friends to enjoy the health benefits of nature at minimal to no cost. Pack a BBQ or picnic, or simply use parks as a convenient way to stay active with an abundance of cycling, running and walking trails.
BBQ
Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Picnics
Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
Fishing
In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
Boating and sailing
Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.
Botanic gardens
Stroll through magnificent gardens that promise to delight all year round. Make sure you return to see the treasures that come with changing seasons.
Dog walking
Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.
Family activities
Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
Trail running
Get active and healthy in nature by taking your exercise fitness routine outdoors to one of many park running trails.
