Plenty Gorge Parklands

Three people from CALD backgrounds cross a shallow river by stepping across stones

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    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Plenty Gorge Parklands are part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wurundjeri Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

    Plenty Gorge Park offers a wide range of natural and cultural experiences only 20 km from Melbourne, where the spectacular gorge sets a backdrop for stunning landscape views and the abundant native wildlife are always on show. Walk the tracks to the beautiful gorge and marvel at the diverse wildlife living within the park. Shaped by volcanic activity, the Plenty River is a dividing line between two distinct geological types.

    The basalt on the west and sedimentary rock on the eastern side generate a wonderful diversity of habitats, making the park an important refuge for both threatened and regionally significant species.

    Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the park with a range of recreation and picnic areas to suit everyone.

    Family-friendly Red Gum Picnic Area features a children’s adventure playground, picnic tables and toilets with both parenting and disabled facilities. Nearby walking tracks lead to the Morang Wetlands and the Hawkstowe Picnic Area.

    With views of the Plenty River, a backdrop of the wooded Plenty Gorge and a historical homestead, the Hawkstowe Picnic Area was once part of the larger Hawkstowe Farm that was established in the 1850's by the Le Page family, and is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or barbecue.

    Middle Gorge features spectacular views of the gorge and river from the viewing platform and walking tracks. Enjoy a secluded picnic in peaceful surroundings with facilities along the river.

    There's plenty of wide-open space for playing games and on-lead dog-walking at Yarrambat Picnic Ground, or simply take in the views of Kinglake National Park and Mt Disappointment.

    Enjoy bird and wildlife watching, bushwalking, picnicking and barbecuing in the natural surrounds at Yellow Gum Recreation Area. If you have a current Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence, bring your own bait and try your luck at fishing in Blue Lake. As the sun sets, take a moment to admire the pink hues of the cliffs rising above the lake.

    If you want to stay a little longer, Nioka Bush Camp is a great place for group camping, with bunkhouse accommodation available.

    Plenty Gorge fire recovery

    Find out more information about the recovery and rehabilitation of Plenty Gorge Park following the 2019 fire.

    Things to do

     
    Two women stop for a chat outside the dorm rooms at Nioka Bush Camp.

    Nioka Bush Camp

    Available to schools and incorporated community organisations, Nioka Bush Camp is a quiet retreat away from the stresses of city life. Stay overnight in the great outdoors, camping or in bunkhouse accommodation.
    Two friends walk through the gardens in to Le Page Homestead

    Le Page Homestead

    The historic Le Page Homestead and out buildings reflect the prosperous farming times of the 1860’s and 1870’s.
    A man skims a rock along the water at Blue Lake at Plenty Gorge Park

    Blue Lake

    The Blue Lake, named for its turquoise blue colour at certain times of the year, can be seen from the viewing platform along the walking track to the lake.
    A ground take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

    Guided Park Walks

    Meet new people and connect with nature on a free guided Park Walk in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks. Walks are led by our trained and friendly volunteers, so you can relax, enjoy the serenity of the bush and chat with other group members. Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine.
    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 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.
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    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 father teaches his young daughter to ride a bike in Braeside Park.

    Cycling

    Cycling is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in parks. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or downhill adrenalin rush, Victoria's parks have something for you.
    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 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 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,

    Facilities

    BBQ
    Carpark
    Lookout
    Picnic Area
    Playscape
    Toilets

    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

    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Plenty Gorge Park

    When you're there

    Download the Plenty Gorge Park map for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

    Related Sites

    Need to know

    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    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.

    Red Gum Picnic Area, Howkstowe Picnic Area, Yarrambat Picnic Area, Yellow Gum Recreation Area at Plenty Gorge Park were assessed for accessibility in July 2021, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.

    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.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Camp Nioka, Plenty Gorge Park, extension of temporary closure.

      Camp Nioka is not available for bookings while planning continues for necessary building repairs and interior upgrading.

    • Plenty Gorge Parklands

      Wonga Walk Trail closure (temporary).

      A fallen tree has affected the Woga Walk Trail (timber decking), taking out a section of handrailing and a post.  The trail is closed off with caution tape from above and below Camp Nioka in Plenty Gorge Park.

      Yan Yaen Reservoir gates, closing time

      The auto gates at Yan Yean Reservoir Park will continue closing at 18:00 while Melbourne Water works are taking place.

    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.

    Reducing bushfire and grassfire risk at Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Find out more about reducing bushfire and grassfire risk at Plenty Gorge Parklands (PDF).

    Plenty Gorge Park upgrades

    A project is underway to create the new Plenty River Trail, upgrade the Hawkstowe Picnic Area and make improvements to Nioka Bush Camp, to offer visitors new and accessible experiences to walk, ride, play and stay in Plenty Gorge Park. Find out more about the Plenty Gorge Park upgrades project.

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