Explore
Holey Plains State Park
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.
Things To See and Do

Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Native plants
Holey Plains State Park
If you are lucky and look closely, you may see a Koala nestled in a fork of a eucalypt branch. Wedge-tailed eagles soar the skies looking for prey and nest in areas of the Park. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Holey Plains State Park
When you're there
Need to know
Holey Plains State Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Many tracks are sandy and can not be accessed by 2WD. If travelling in 2WD, main routes available are West Boundary Track, Long Ridge Track, Wildflower Track loop and Holey Hill Track up to Holey Hill Campground.
Safety
This Park was fire-affected in 2019, therefore, there are increased tree hazards across most of the Park.
Many tracks are sandy and can not be accessed by 2WD.
The swamps are home to mosquito populations, so wear insect repellant or other protection.
Due to safety, access to the Holey Hill Fire Tower is prohibited by the public.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
Take all rubbish home with you; bins are not provided.
Keep vehicles including motorbikes on formed public roads and tracks to prevent damage to flora and fauna.