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A couple cross an old bridge deep in a lush rainforest near Cambarville. — Safety in nature

Arthurs Seat State Park

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park is a prominent feature in the landscape of Port Philip Bay.

A young couple walk through a cave in Budj Bim National Park

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Budj Bim and the natural wonders of this ancient, volcanic landscape. The park features a unique, tranquil crater lake, lava canals and caves in a lush bushland setting. Enjoy a picnic, camp and walk among Manna Gums teeming with native wildlife.

Two women walk in front the Garfield Water Wheel near Castlemaine.

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

Take a trip back in time to the Victorian Goldrush at Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park. Located at the heart of the central Victorian goldfields, this is a rare place where you can see authentic traces of days gone by. Explore abandoned mines and settlements among shady Box-Ironbark woodlands.

French Island National Park

A short ferry ride from Stony Point, 70km south-east of Melbourne, French Island National Park on Bunurong Country is a peaceful haven of thriving and diverse natural landscapes, wildlife and quiet, unspoiled beaches.

The view of the surrounding flats from near the summit of Mount Macedon

Macedon Regional Park

A beautifully scenic forested mountain-ridge the Macedon Ranges host forested walking tracks, shady picnic areas and stunning lookouts. The Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross dominates the surrounding landscape while scenic drives link the park to the cafes and restaurants of the surrounding towns and villages.

You Yangs Regional Park

Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.

Experience

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.

Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

Beaches

Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.

Two teenage girls take part in a sailing race on Port Philip Bay in a small boat called Inkspot.

Boating and sailing

Take to the waves of Port Phillip and see Victoria's coast from the water or sail inland lakes and rivers by boat or charter.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.

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.

A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.

Camping and Accommodation

Find the perfect campsite for your next getaway.

Where to stay

Tent

Camper Trailer

Car

Caravan

What we do

Conservation and science

Parks Victoria manages a diverse network of parks that are home to over 4,300 native plant species and 948 native animal species. These parks include some of Victoria’s largest and most undisturbed ecosystems - landscapes like the Alps, the mallee, grasslands and inland waters and wetlands. It covers Victoria’s marine national parks and sanctuaries that protect a wide array of marine life.

Conservation and science

Volunteering

Volunteering in parks is a great way to contribute to conserving Victoria’s special places. The many personal benefits of volunteering include learning more about plants and wildlife, gaining new skills, being in the outdoors, improving health and well being and meeting new friends. Discover volunteer opportunities around Victoria and learn about groups working in your local area.

Volunteering

Managing Country Together

Parks Victoria recognises that Aboriginal people have lived across Victoria for over a thousand generations, maintaining complex societies with languages, kinship systems, laws and spiritualties. Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants, or First Peoples, of this state. Land forms the basis of Aboriginal existence and identity which, along with water and natural resources were sustainably managed according to traditional laws and customs.