Keep cool and play safe in Summer

Bask in the warm Summer sun and enjoy the health benefits of nature. Keep cool in watering holes, alpine climates and secluded woodlands and rainforests. Remember to always put safety first and obey all park signage and ranger instructions.

Get ready for nature

Ensure you plan for your next road trip, camping trip, or daytrip. Here’s a couple of ways you can make sure you stay safe in nature.

A couple camping along the Glenelg River at Lower Glenelg National Park

Going Camping? Our rangers give us the low down

To help you, your friends and your family have a safe, stress-free, and well-planned stay in Victoria’s incredible parks and natural landscapes our rangers have shared their know-how in these handy tips. 

A couple enjoy a coffee at Bay of Islands, Port Campbell National Park

How to plan the perfect day trip

Day trips can be a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of our state without breaking the bank or expending too much time or energy planning a big getaway. Our park rangers have compiled a set of insider tips to get visitors #ReadyForNature while day tripping this summer.

A couple walk out into a coastal lake at Croajingalong National Park.

Stay cool, stay safe

Whether you're a white-water adventure-seeker, casual canoe day-tripper or you want a family-friendly swimming hole, Victoria’s parks are the perfect place to make a splash this summer. However you’re cooling off this summer, make sure you’re ready for nature by planning ahead.

Stay safe this summer

Road signs and two vehicles on the road in the foreground, while flames and smoke are visible behind the trees in the background — Be bushfire aware

Campfire at Lake Elizabeth Great Otway National Park — Campfire safety

Drinking water

Drinking untreated water from natural sources, such as streams or river, can lead to illnesses.

Storms and floods

We don’t want a little rain to dampen your enthusiasm for nature but planning appropriately for conditions (including having multiple options) will mean a safer and more enjoyable time.

Choose your adventure

Get your adrenaline fix with an abundance of breathtaking locations for outdoor sports, perfect for adventure lovers and thrill seekers. Remember to always put safety first and keep to designated areas and tracks, and help us protect our precious natural attractions.

A couple looks out of the mountains from The Horn, Mount Buffalo National Park

Five reasons to choose mountains this summer

Are you still pondering what to do this upcoming summer? We’re here to tell you why Victoria’s mountain peaks – those alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains across our state– should be top of your list, even once the snow has melted.

Two teenage girls kayaking on Mallacoota Inlet with mountains in the background.

Watersports to try in summer

Ready for your next summer adventure? Get out on the water with scuba diving, swimming or canoeing and kayaking. Going with a licensed tour operator is a great way to enjoy these activities for beginners and experts alike.

A mountain biker leading another down a rocky trail at Lysterfield Park

Outdoor fitness and adventure in Melbourne

We know that spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing, so why not boost your fitness time with some fresh air. We’ve rounded up a list of parks around Melbourne with outdoor activities to help you switch off, detox from the digital and soak up some sunlight.

Discover, learn and explore

Delve deeper into the fascinating environmental, cultural and historic stories behind some of Victoria's most loved natural attractions. Join a guided tour, discover hidden gems and get up close to nature with some of these educational heritage and conservation sites.

A walker stops to take in the sunrise at Mt Arapiles.

Incredible summer sights

Summer is the ideal time to take in stunning views of nature. Take it all in at a lookout, marvel at stunning sunrises and sunsets or lay back at look up at the stars.

Half-underwater photo featuring Neptune's necklace and a rocky shore

7 unexpected things found in our parks

When you think of Victoria’s parks, the first things that comes to mind are probably found on land – mountains, trees and grassy plains. However, did you know that Parks Victoria also manages 30 marine protected areas? What you’ll find there might surprise you!

A young woman leading a man on a walk through Budj Bim National Park

Top circuit walks

There's nothing better than a circuit walk taking in great scenery and interesting natural and cultural landmarks. For a taste of Victoria's best, check out this selection on your next getaway.

Relax on the perfect nature escape

Immerse yourself in nature. Breathe in the fresh air, take in breathtaking views and recharge the batteries with a nature escape to remote and tranquil places. Choose from soft adventure activities to pure relaxation and rejuvenation.

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

Top places to escape the summer crowds

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Victoria, then these places are a must-see this summer.

A group take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

The amazing health impacts of nature

We all know that national parks are good for our precious flora and fauna; but did you know that parks are also good for people? Visiting your local park or exploring one of Victoria’s diverse landscapes offers everything from short walks to snorkelling and improves your wellbeing at the same time.

A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

10 ways to walk in nature

With some of Australia’s best green spaces and walking trails, we’ve put together 10 ways for you to get moving in Victoria’s parks. So, let’s hit pause and go for a walk.

28 ways to reconnect with nature

Just head outside and you can expect lower blood pressure, reduced stress and boosted sleep quality. So, whether you’re looking to camp under a blanket of stars or simply explore your neighbourhood, parks, coastlines, forests and community gardens are here to help you relax, restore and recharge.

Three friends canoe through Lake Elizabeth infront of a back drop of ferns and old growth forest.

Best places to cool off this summer — that aren’t the beach!

If you’re looking to avoid the beach crowds this summer, but still want to jump in a body of cool water, check out these great spots.

Live your social lifestyle outdoors

Spend social time outdoors with family and friends to enjoy the health benefits of nature at minimal to no cost. Pack a BBQ or picnic, or simply use parks as a convenient way to stay active with an abundance of cycling, running and walking trails.

Tram on St Kilda Road in Melbourne with city skyline in background

Get into nature without a car

We've put together a list of parks around Melbourne which are easily accessible on public transport, so you don't need your own set of wheels to get there.

Top places to escape the summer crowds

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about some of the most beautiful places in Victoria, then these places are a must-see this summer.

Family kicking a football outside their tent

Choose your adventure at these camping spots

This summer is the perfect time to get out and camp under the stars. Before you pitch your tent, spend the day exploring the nature around you.

Picture of Lysterfield lake with families enjoying water activities and swimming at the beach

Day trips without the long drive

Getting out of the city and into nature with friends and family is a great way to spend a weekend or day out over the holidays. One of the highlights of living in Melbourne is that you don’t always have to travel long distances or stay overnight to get your dose of the great outdoors.

Best things to do in Summer

Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue. — BBQ spots

A couple walk across a beach at Wilsons Promontory at sunset. — Beaches

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting

Canoeing and kayaking create many opportunities for exploring on the water, while more adrenaline-seeking visitors could try white water rafting.

Two cyclists leisurely cycle around Lake Bellfield in the Grampians National Park.

Cycling

Take a ride unlike any other and explore our parks by bike. Cycling is a fun, family-friendly activity to get deeper into nature, whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride along urban bike paths or a multi-day cross country adventure.

A man and a women fish off the back of a boat.

Fishing

Cast a line in quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, the pounding surf or in the depths of the bays from your boat.

Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

Freshwater swimming

For an uplifting, cool dip into freshwater, turn to nature’s refreshing pools for kids and families, committed hikers, walkers and cyclists. Many swimming holes are found in stunning greenery, or graceful waterfalls or rivers.

A couple enjoy a sunset picnic in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.

Picnic spots

When the weather is on its best behaviour, there's no easier way to enjoy nature than with a picnic. Many parks are equipped with picnic tables or benches and some have BBQ facilities or cafes where food can be purchased.

Two scuba divers at The Arches Marine Sanctuary

Scuba diving

Marine national parks and sanctuaries exist to protect Victoria’s unique and diverse marine ecosystem, and the many plants and animals that live in them. Discover our underwater worlds, and some unexpected finds, and meet some of the marine life that these parks protect!

Sunset over a pink lake in Murray Sunset National Park.

Sunrises and sunsets

Early birds after a night of camping under the stars can witness one of the most rejuvenating ways to start a day in nature - watching the sun rise. From numerous crests and pinnacles in Victoria’s parks, sunset skies blaze orange and yellow and bruised hues with soft-edged clouds that inspire artists and photographers. Sunsets cap the ideal outing for picnics, hikes and overnight camping.

A young woman sitting on the beach in a wetsuit with two men running towards the surf at Gunnamatta Beach

Surfing

Victoria is home to some of Australia’s best surfing. Enjoy Victoria’s rugged coastline and catch a wave at one of these great breaks.