Explore Victoria's National Parks

Some of Victoria’s best parks are its national parks. National parks help protect native plants and animals, their habitats and places of cultural and historical significance. They also allow us to get into nature and enjoy a range of activities in places of incredible beauty.

With more than 40 national parks in Victoria, there's bound to be a national park near you. A short distance from the centre of Melbourne you can see the stone columns of Organ Pipes National Park or explore the rainforest walk to Sherbooke Falls at Dandenong Ranges National Park. For the adventurous, head north to Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area at Kinglake National Park or get out onto the water at Lake Eildon National Park. You’ll find both sand and snow in the state’s east when you explore the beaches of Wilsons Promontory National Park or take to the slopes at Baw Baw National Park. Western Victoria is home to Great Otway National Park, which stretches along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park with its world-famous hikes.

From dramatic coastlines to stunning lakes, mountain peaks, rugged bushland and tall forests — explore the diverse landscapes of Victoria's national parks.

Explore Victoria's rich and diverse natural landscape

Be inspired by Victoria's diverse natural landscapes and find yourself immersed in nature. Visit caves, hidden lakes, vast valley and cascading waterfalls. Sleep under the stars or get fit and active outdoors with a range of nature-based activities.

Bays lakes and rivers

Explore Victoria's parks from the water with a variety of inland river systems, ports made up of wide bays and stunning tranquil lakes.

A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

Beaches and coasts

Venture out along Victoria’s dramatic coastline and explore one of the most biodiverse and unique marine ecosystems in the world.

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

Mountain peaks

Climb to the breathtaking vistas atop some of Australia’s most stunning mountain peaks, alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains.

A young women leads a man on a walk along a river bank.

Rugged bushland

Experience unique Australian nature off the beaten track in one of the many native bushland and desert parks dotted across Victoria.

A man in a blue shirt walks up steps next to a boardwalk while looking at the flora.

Tall forests

See ancient mossy trees and stand under magnificent waterfalls. Walk under grand canopies of Mountain Ash or take a scenic drive through lush green tall forests surrounded by giant ferns.

Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Urban parks

Walk, jog, run or cycle in Melbourne’s picturesque inner city urban parks or escape the hustle and bustle with a short drive to idyllic gardens and picnic grounds.

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.

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.

Goldpanning

Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in the Golden Triangle of central Victoria - try your luck at fossicking.

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,

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.

Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

BBQ

Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.

Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

Picnics

Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.

Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

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.

Two teenage girls take part in a sailing race on Port Philip Bay in a small boat called Inkspot.

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.

A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket follows a woman wearing a cream knitted jumper up the garden steps and into an opening in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

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.

Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

Dog walking

Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.

A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

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.

A couple run through the bush and leaves at Lysterfield Park.

Trail running

Get active and healthy in nature by taking your exercise fitness routine outdoors to one of many park running trails.

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.