Seasonal ideas
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    Seasonal ideas

    Get into nature all year round with a variety of outdoor activities, scenic attractions and camping options. Bushwalking and hiking are popular in the cooler months of the year, whilst Victoria's bays, lakes and rivers provide the perfect place to cool down from the summer heat.

    Caring for our natural environment is an important part of your park visit. During spring, many of the 3,000 native animal species are welcoming new arrivals which need their space from people. Help us conserve and protect nature and all its inhabitants by following all park signs and directions from our rangers.

    Bathe in Victoria's tall forests

    Some of Australia's best rainforest scenery can be found in Victoria’s national parks. Relax and rejuvenate in nature with forest bathing, bird watching or simply breathing in the cool, clean air.

    Two retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

    Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Great Otway National Park

    The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
    Two women walk through ferns along the Shelly Harris Track in Kinglake National Park.

    Kinglake National Park

    Only 65 km north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
    Donellys Weir in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

    Yarra Ranges National Park

    Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.

    Celebrate Spring in nature

    It's all about the birds and the bees – Spring brings with it new lifeacross Victoria's natural landscape. As the days start to get warmer and Melbourne is bursting with festivity, Spring is the social season to get into nature. Relax in the sun with a BBQ or picnic. Get active with a walk, run or cycle.
    Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

    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,
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

    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.
    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.
    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.
    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 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

    Experience nature in Autumn

    Enjoy Victoria's dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery in Autumn to see parks in a whole new light - without the crowds and the warmer weather. The Autumn months provide the perfect temperatures for greater exploring to remote places and hidden treasures.
    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 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    A couple walk down the track and away from the Lighthouse at Cape Schank on the Mornington Peninsula.

    Lighthouses

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

    Snowplay and explore nature in Winter

    Hit the Alpine region for cross country skiing, tobogganing and snow shoeing during Winter or for a less frosty nature escape, visit historic sites, learn about Aboriginal culture or simply take a road trip over a long weekend spending two to three nights in regional Victoria.
    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.
    A couple take a tour of Spermwhale Head with traditional owners from the Gurnaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation.

    Aboriginal heritage

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

    Goldpanning

    Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in the Golden Triangle of central Victoria - try your luck at fossicking.
    A picturesque photo of the stone hut near the Horn at Mt Buffalo.

    Mount Buffalo National Park

    Sheer cliffs, granite tors, waterfalls and big views make Mount Buffalo a must-see alpine retreat
    A family plays in the snow at Mt St-Gwinear in the Baw Baw National Park.

    Mount St Gwinear

    Mount St Gwinear is a family-friendly snow attraction with free entry which offers toboggan runs, cross country trails, a snowplay area and a heated shelter room. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from a food van on weekends and school holidays.
    A family take in the view of the Yarra Ranges from the elevated platform at Mt Donna Buang.

    Mount Donna Buang

    At an elevation of 1245 metres, the summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.

    Explore Victoria's rich and diverse natural landscape

    Be inspired by Victoria's diverse natural landscapes and find yourself immersed in nature. Visit caves, hidden lakes, vast valley and cascading waterfalls. Sleep under the stars or get fit and active outdoors with a range of nature-based activities.
    Portsea Pier

    Bays lakes and rivers

    Explore Victoria's parks from the water with a variety of inland river systems, ports made up of wide bays and stunning tranquil lakes.
    A family walk together along the water's edge at Shipwreck Creek beach.

    Beaches and coasts

    Venture out along Victoria’s dramatic coastline and explore one of the most biodiverse and unique marine ecosystems in the world.
    A young women leads a man on a walk along a river bank.

    Rugged bushland

    Experience unique Australian nature off the beaten track in one of the many native bushland and desert parks dotted across Victoria.
    A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

    Mountain peaks

    Climb to the breathtaking vistas atop some of Australia’s most stunning mountain peaks, alpine landscapes, escarpments and grassy high plains.
    A man in a blue shirt walks up steps next to a boardwalk while looking at the flora.

    Tall forests

    See ancient mossy trees and stand under magnificent waterfalls. Walk under grand canopies of Mountain Ash or take a scenic drive through lush green tall forests surrounded by giant ferns.
    Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

    Urban parks

    Walk, jog, run or cycle in Melbourne’s picturesque inner city urban parks or escape the hustle and bustle with a short drive to idyllic gardens and picnic grounds.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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