Things to do

Within the diverse and accessible parks in Victoria, there are many ways you can get into nature and enjoy your favourite activities. Be inspired by natural attractions on a day trip of relaxation and contemplation, or get your adrenaline fix with some challenging outdoor adventure.

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 Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

4WD

Enjoy a range of short and long 4WD trips in Victoria's parks. From the desert or mountains, to the rainforest or snow, 4WD tracks cater for all levels of skill and expertise.
Canoeing

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.
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.
Two women ride horses along a dirt path in the You Yangs Regional Park.

Horse riding

Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
Three hunters silhouetted at sunset.

Hunting

Victoria has some of the best game hunting opportunities in Australia. The Game Management Authority (GMA) is responsible for the regulation of game hunting in Victoria.
A young mountain biker attempts a drop while cheered on by his father and older sister at the You Yangs Regional Park.

Mountain biking

Explore parks on two wheels with mountain bike trails to suit most experience and fitness levels.
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 diver takes a photo a school of fish in the Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.

Scuba diving

Dive to the depths of the ocean floor in marine national parks or explore shipwrecks at the bottom of the bays.
An experienced cross-country skier skis past a small child learning to ski on a maintained path.

Skiing and snow play

Stomp, ski, snowshoe or toboggan in Victoria's alpine region with snow season spanning from mid June to September each year.
Snorkelling at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Snorkelling

Grab your mask, snorkel and fins and discover the remarkable underwater world of Victoria. As you swim, keep your eyes peeled for the southern fiddler rays, sea dragons, anemones, crabs, and colourful sponges.

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.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
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 boy crouches at the waters panning for gold in a river.

Fossicking and prospecting

Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in Victoria. Try your luck at fossicking and prospecting and find out what's required before you start sifting for gold.
A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Historic sites

Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

Lookouts

Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Lighthouses

Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
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,

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.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Camping

Victoria’s parks have some great places to camp and there is something to suit all tastes. Choose from fully serviced sites with luxury tents to remote locations with nothing but bush.
Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Waterfalls

See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
A couple stop on the side of the Great Ocean Road to take a picture.

Long drives

Venture out on a regional road trip with some of Australia's most scenic drives taking you to its most spectacular natural attractions.
Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

Freshwater swimming

Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
Wildflowers

Wildflowers

Whether you’re surrounding yourself with carpets of colourful flowers, spotting rare orchids, or just enjoying the local native flowers, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and help your spirits soar.
Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

Stargazing

Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.
A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

Sunrises and sunsets

Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
The green ferns and mountain ash that line the roads of the black spur.

Forest bathing

Being in a forest is a treat for the senses but did you know it’s also good for your health?

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.
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.
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 friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
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.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket follows a woman wearing a cream knitted jumper up the garden steps and into an opening in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

Botanic gardens

Stroll through magnificent gardens that promise to delight all year round. Make sure you return to see the treasures that come with changing seasons.
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 run through the bush and leaves at Lysterfield Park.

Trail running

Get active and healthy in nature by taking your exercise fitness routine outdoors to one of many park running trails.
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