Find inspiration

Autumn Unseen Places

No one has been absolutely everywhere and Victoria's nature spots are no exception. We know you love our famous places, and love posting your perfect snaps on social media, but this autumn, Parks Victoria Rangers invite you to go with something less familiar by discovering some of nature's Unseen Places. Some you may have heard of, some may be on your bucket list but all of these places are unique and not exactly what you'd expect.

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.

Text reading Autumn unseen places inside square corners over a blurred background

Discover somewhere new

This autumn, why not go somewhere new, more interesting and a bit less known? Find unexpected adventures and unique scenery in the hidden gems of Victoria's diverse natural landscape.

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.

A Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

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.

Two women ride horses along a dirt path in the You Yangs Regional Park.

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.

A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

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.

A young mountain biker attempts a drop while cheered on by his father and older sister at the You Yangs Regional Park.

Mountain biking

Explore parks on two wheels with mountain bike trails to suit most experience and fitness levels.

A diver takes a photo a school of fish in the Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

Scuba diving

Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.

An experienced cross-country skier skis past a small child learning to ski on a maintained path.

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.

A couple take a tour of Spermwhale Head with traditional owners from the Gurnaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation.

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.

A boy crouches at the waters panning for gold in a river.

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.

A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Historic sites

Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.

A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

Lookouts

Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.

A couple walk down the track and away from the Lighthouse at Cape Schank on the Mornington Peninsula.

Lighthouses

Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.

Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

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.

Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.

A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

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.

Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Waterfalls

See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.

A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

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.

A couple stop on the side of the Great Ocean Road to take a picture.

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.

Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

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.

A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

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.

The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur.

Forest Therapy

Being in a forest is a treat for the senses but did you know it’s also good for your health?

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.