Flinders Peak is the highest point in the You Yangs. Bring the family (and the dog) and climb 450 steps to reach Flinders Peak Lookout and a huge view of the western volcanic plains, Geelong and Melbourne. Bring a picnic or barbecue to round off your daytrip.
For a family friendly walk and picnic just an hour's drive from Melbourne, look no further than the You Yangs and Flinders Peak. You can bring your dog with you, but they must be on a lead.
The walk starts at the Turntable carpark, where you'll find barbecues, toilets and picnic tables. There's a pretty good view from here across the park and flat western volcanic plains. It's the first of many great vantage points that you can enjoy on your way up the 450 steps to the summit of Flinders Peak.
Near the top, there's a lookout over the Bunjil Geoglyph far below. This is a large rock sculpture depicting Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Wathaurong people, in the shape of a Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The boulders are huge and the tree cover sparse up here, so expect it to be a bit windy when you reach the top of Flinders Peak and climb the final steel viewing platform for one final magnificent view across to Geelong, Melbourne and Port Phillip.
The walk starts at the Turntable carpark, where you'll find barbecues, toilets and picnic tables. There's a pretty good view from here across the park and flat western volcanic plains. It's the first of many great vantage points that you can enjoy on your way up the 450 steps to the summit of Flinders Peak.
Near the top, there's a lookout over the Bunjil Geoglyph far below. This is a large rock sculpture depicting Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Wathaurong people, in the shape of a Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The boulders are huge and the tree cover sparse up here, so expect it to be a bit windy when you reach the top of Flinders Peak and climb the final steel viewing platform for one final magnificent view across to Geelong, Melbourne and Port Phillip.
Things to do in the area
Mountain biking at the You Yangs Regional Park
The You Yangs has two designated mountain biking areas that contain over 50 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability.
BBQ
Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
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.
Walking
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
How to get there
Flinders Peak Walk
The You Yangs is well signposted from the Princes Freeway close to Lara. Enter the park via the main gate on Branch Road park at the Turntable carpark. The Flinders Peak Walk starts at this carpark.
When you're there
Turntable carpark is a trailhead for a number of other walks, including the East-West Walk and the Branding Yard Trail. The Northern Range Walk links the East-West Walk and Branding Yard Trail and offers a more challenging hike.
You Yangs Regional Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. The park is closed each evening. Non‐Daylight Saving: 7.00am – 5.00pm. Daylight Saving: 7.00am – 6.00pm.
Download the You Yangs visitor guide before your visit.
You Yangs Regional Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. The park is closed each evening. Non‐Daylight Saving: 7.00am – 5.00pm. Daylight Saving: 7.00am – 6.00pm.
Download the You Yangs visitor guide before your visit.
Need to know
Flinders Peak Walk
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.