Learn something new in autumn

There’s so much to uncover on a visit to our parks. This autumn take the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal cultural heritage, wildlife, natural wonders or historic sites.


Looking for more inspiration? Make sure you’re subscribed to Parks Victoria to get the latest inspiration, ideas and news straight to your inbox!

Aboriginal Heritage

Our parks are full of culturally significant sites. Grampians National Park is the richest site for Aboriginal rock art in Victoria. Start your learning journey at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. Or visit Budj Bim National Park, formally recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List for it’s Aboriginal Cultural Values. Learn about cultural heritage on a guided tour at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.

Find out more on our Aboriginal heritage page.



Places to experience Aboriginal culture:

A young couple walks up through ancient lava flows to Sundial Peak in the Central Grampians.

Grampians National Park

Rising abruptly from the surrounding Western Plains, the Grampians (Gariwerd) is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich in wildlife. One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the park is a great venue for camping, climbing, scenic drives, bushwalks and nature study.
A young couple walk through a cave in Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50km to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people.
An Indigenous guide discusses traditional artifacts with a couple on a walking tour in front of the lake at Tower Hill.

Tower Hill Visitor Centre

Visit the Tower Hill Visitor Centre, designed by celebrated Australian architect Robin Boyd.

Raymond Island Gippsland Lakes Reserve

Gippsland Lakes Reserve, situated on Raymond Island on Tatungalung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Just a short ferry ride from Paynesville, you can leave the car behind and explore the island by foot or bike, or bring your car with you for a small fee. Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife, especially well known for its large koala population.
A waterfall in the Tarra Bulga National Park

Cultural Heritage Tarra-Bulga National Park

Tarra-Bulga sits in a significant part of the Gunaikurnai cultural landscape - on their creation storyline, where Borun travelled carrying his canoe from the mountains to the sea. There is still much work to be done to fully understand the cultural values within the park, but the significant remnants of old growth forest are characteristic of a period when only Gunaikurnai were present on the land.

Fossicking and prospecting

Looking for your chance to strike gold? This autumn, why not learn a few skill and try your hand at fossicking and prospecting? Before you go, make sure you check which areas of parks permit prospecting, and make sure you purchase a permit online.

Find out more on our fossicking and prospecting page.



Places to experience fossicking and prospecting:

Man with child overlooking wildflowers at Scenic Gorge Drive, Beechworth Historic Park

Beechworth Historic Park

Take a slow drive or walk around the historic Gorge Scenic Drive at Beechworth Historic Park.
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 and explore abandoned mines and settlements among shady Box-Ironbark woodlands.

Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

Located between Beechworth and the low hills surrounding Chiltern, the National Park is a great place for picnics, short or day-long walks, cycling and wildlife photography.
Campaspe River at Rocky Crossing in the Greater Bendigo National Park

Greater Bendigo National Park

The regional city of Bendigo is surrounded by forest that comes alive with wattle and other flowers from August onwards.
Echidna in the grass

Heathcote-Graytown National Park

Heathcote-Graytown National Park is a great place for bushwalks. Mt Ida, Mt Black and Viewing Rock provide views of Heathcote and surrounding areas.
Granite boulders line the side of the hill at Kooyoora State Park

Kooyoora State Park

With magnificent views, a rich variety of plants and wildlife and stunning granite boulders, Kooyoora State Park protects some of north‐central Victoria’s outstanding natural features. The Dja Dja Wurrung name for Kooyoora is Guyura meaning mountain of light.

Paddys Ranges State Park

Well-known for its wildflowers in springtime, Paddys Ranges State Park is home to 30 types of orchids and more than 140 native bird species like the rare Painted Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots.

Tours

Join a tour is a great way to learn something new while enjoying the company of others. Tour historic sites like Werribee Mansion or the State Coal Mine. Get closer to incredible nature with a cave tour at Buchan Caves or a garden tour at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Learn about wildlife on a Serendip Sanctuary Wildlife Tour or Flying Fox Tour at Yarra Bend Park.

Find out more on our tours page.



Places to join a tour:

Mother and young daughter look at the rock formations in the Fairy Cave at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Buchan Caves Reserve

Near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. The caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock
An Indigenous guide discusses traditional artifacts with a couple on a walking tour in front of the lake at Tower Hill.

Tower Hill Visitor Centre

Visit the Tower Hill Visitor Centre, designed by celebrated Australian architect Robin Boyd.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper walk past a tree with splendid autumn leaves.

Tours at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Discover the beauty of Victoria’s premier cool-climate botanic garden from the comfort of the open-air bus. Enjoy live commentary and stunning views as you wind your way through the picturesque landscapes of this 100-acre garden.
Four friends walk alongside the Yarra River through Yarra Bend Park.

Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf.
A group of children on a tour in the State Coal Mine.

State Coal Mine

Offering an inexpensive day trip for the whole family, the State Coal Mine is an historic Gippsland attraction that fosters an understanding of Australia's cultural heritage with an authentic underground experience. Entry to the site is free above ground where you can follow the heritage walk among historic buildings.
The interior of the historic Werribee Park Mansion.

Werribee Mansion

Victorian era mansion built by wealthy pastoralists, the Chirnside family, in 1877.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm