Holey Plains State Park has an unusual past. The area was formerly part of a squatting run taken up in the 1840s by the Crooke family, whose homestead is to the north of the park. The property was named 'Holey Plains' because the land along the Latrobe River is literally holey – it's filled with crab holes, unlike the sandy country of the rest of the park.

These days, Holey Plains State Park is home to abundant wildlife. You can find several threatened species here, including the Powerful Owl, and a rare native plant called Wellington Mint Bush. This plant's only known populations are here in Holey Plains State Park and the nearby Dutson Downs. Look for its deep mauve flowers in springtime.

One of the best ways to see the park's flora and fauna is on the walking tracks. Long Swamp Walking Track (6.8km, 3.5 hours return) leads to the largest swamp in the park – an incredible 25 hectares of important habitat for the nationally significant native shrub, Dwarf Kerrawang. Look out for Lace Monitors and emus while you walk. Start at either Holey Hill Campground or Swamp Track.

Or try the Harrier Swamp Track (1km, 20 minutes circuit). You might be lucky enough to hear Growling Grass Frogs on this short and enriching walk around the swamp. See if you can catch a glimpse of the stunning Sacred Kingfisher or the beautiful and unusual fringe lily.

Many of the tracks off Rosedale-Stradbroke Road also provide easy walking through some beautiful wildflower areas, particularly in spring.

Trek to a picnic with a view at Holey Hill, the highest point in the park at 218m. Picnic facilities including a toilet and tables are provided here. You can also find picnic facilities at Harrier Swamp and Merriman Creek, but be forewarned: there are no toilets at Merriman Creek picnic area.

Or tour the park in style and comfort by taking a scenic drive along West Boundary, Long Ridge and Wildflower tracks. See the grass trees growing alongside another scenic drive on Jacks Track, South Boundary Track to Merriman Creek. Most tracks are narrow and winding, so please drive slowly and use only sign-posted tracks.

Enjoy Holey Plains State Park at your own pace, and take the family camping for a night or a weekend. Camping areas and toilets are provided at Holey Hill and Harrier Swamp. Make sure you bring your own water and remember that fires should only be lit in the fireplaces provided. Camping is not permitted at Merriman Creek. If you camp overnight at Holey Plains State Park, you're likely to see Ringtail Possums, wombats, bats and Owlet-Nightjars.