Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Explore

Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Dalkaiana Wartaty Dyurrite – Welcome to Dyurrite. The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively Wotjobaluk Peoples), are the Traditional Owners of this land and welcome you to Country. 

The Dyurrite Cultural Landscape (Mount Arapiles Tooan-State Park) is a place rich with cultural heritage and threatened plants that are unique to that area. 

Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles) is a prominent feature rising abruptly from the otherwise flat expanse of the Wimmera Plain, providing panoramic views of Gar (Mount Difficult), Billawin (Victoria Range), Little Desert, and Grimgundjdj (Dundas Scenic Reserve).  

The Dyurrite Cultural Landscape (Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park) has outstanding environmental value. It is home to threatened plants and animals and is a valuable nature conservation area, with 14% of the State’s plant species found here. 

Things to do in the area

Walking

Circuit Walk
15.0km, 3 hrs one way Starting and ending at Centenary Park Campground & Picnic Area, this mostly flat walk follows the park boundary. The walk takes in a changing landscape, views of the region and has access to the Mt Arapiles Summit via short but steep paths at the end of the circuit.

Gully Loop Walk
4.0km, 1 hr one way The Pharos Gully and Central Gully walking tracks can be combined into a loop walk and feature some spectacular views.

Nature Walk
1.0km, 30min circuit This short track on the Summit Road features spring wildflowers on an easy walk.

 

Rock Climbing

Mt Arapiles is much loved and sees many thousands of visitors annually. You can support the long-term sustainability of climbing here by respecting the park and other visitors. Stay on existing tracks, avoid damaging vegetation and rock formations to help protect this area for generations to come. 

Over recent decades rock climbing in the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape (Mount Arapiles–Tooan State Park) has increased and modern rock-climbing activities, like bouldering, have become more popular, creating a risk to cultural heritage and the environment.  

Cultural heritage and environmental protection  

Remarkable cultural heritage has been rediscovered in Dyurrite (Mount Arapiles), along with threatened plants, after successful cultural and environmental surveys.  

The community engagement report about the draft amendment to the Mount Arapiles–Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) Management Plan has been released.

We have set up a community working group to help guide the future management of the park. The group has agreed to pause work on a revised management plan to give them time to complete five agreed initial actions.

To find out more about the agreed initial actions, go to Engage Victoria


Camping in Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Centenary campground is the only place to camp in Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. There are three camping areas withing the campground.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
A young girl abseiling at Big Rock in You Yangs Regional Park

Rock climbing

There are rock climbing areas in many parks for all levels of ability. The best way to enjoy safe and sustainable rock climbing in a national park is with a guide.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

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,

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.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park is 334km northwest of Melbourne, with access via the Wimmera Highway and Centenary Park Road. The nearest town supplies are Natimuk and major town is Horsham.

Need to know

Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

    Advice for climbers; Nesting wildlife

    Peregrine Falcon’s and other bird species are currently nesting in the park from October untill December 
    We ask you to avoid the following areas; Bards Buttress heading north along tiger wall, Behemoth, Guiding light and Campbells Kingdom.
    All wildlife within the reserve are protected under the 'Wildlife Act 1975' and the rangers of the park are enforcing this act as well as national park regulations.

    If you find additional nesting sites contact 13 19 63 or info@parks.vic.gov.au

    Safety Alert; Fire Pits

    Upper gums fire pits have been tagged out following a safety alert until futher investigations. 
    Thanks for you patience
    As usual wood fires are not permitted from November untill the 1st of April.

    Advice for climbers; 5 climbing areas have voluntary closures until further notice

    Parks Victoria has listened to community feedback. We will keep working with Traditional Owners, the local community, climbing groups, councils, business owners and others to finalise the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan Amendment.
    The list of the volantary closure sites are available in the attached PDF
    If you wish to contact the project team you can ring 13 19 63 or email Engage@parks.vic.gov.au

    Attachments: Voluntary Closure Sites (818KB)

Parks Victoria

X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm