Ride into autumn fun

Whether it's horse riding, bike riding or riding a wave, our parks have plenty of options. Get your adrenaline rush in nature this autumn.


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Horse riding

On horseback, you can explore the diverse landscapes of nature from a unique viewpoint. Ride through the health lands and tall timbers of Great Otway National Park. Enjoy riding at the beaches of Mornington Peninsula National Park or discover the woodlands of Macedon Regional Park. Camp with your horse in Alpine National Park or Howqua Hills Historic Area.

Find out more on our horse riding page.



Popular parks for horse riding:

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 in active wear walk up the granite steps on the way to Flinders Peak.

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.
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.
A man on a horse leads another horse across the Bogong High Plains.

Camping with your horse in the Howqua Hills

Fry’s Flat and Tunnel Bend are the designated horse camping sites located on the scenic river flats at each end of Howqua Hills Historic Area. They provide the opportunity for people to camp with their horses and explore the surrounding area on horseback.
A couple walk along the Bogong High Plains near Mt Nelse.

Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park is an adventure-lover’s dream. Hike Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, explore wildflower draped landscapes on horseback or head out on world-class mountain bike trails
A view of Bunyip State Park

Bunyip State Park

Escape where you can breathe fresh air and enjoy native plants and animals. See a mosaic of green from heathland on river plains to Mountain Ash forest covering steep slopes.
Grass covered dunes in front of a sweeping bay beach

Belfast Coastal Reserve

Popular all year round with dog walkers, birdwatchers and ocean anglers who enjoy the 20km stretch of sandy beaches, grassy dunes and thriving wetlands right on the doorstep of Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

Cycling

Make the most of sunny days by jumping on a bike. Cycling is a great way to explore our parks. Cycle the many trails of Jells Park and Yarra Bend Park or ride alongside the Yarra River on the Capital City Trail. Outside the city, hire an ebike at Point Nepean National Park, get amazing views over Lake Eildon on the Great Victorian Rail Trail or jump on the ferry and explore Raymond Island Gippsland Lakes Reserve.

Visit our cycling page for more great trails.



Popular places to cycle:

A family share a picnic while a father and son play with a model aircraft in the background.

Jells Park

Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley, Wheelers Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park attracts over 900,000 visitors a year, with over nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of wide open spaces and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.
A couple row a boat on the yarra with four inquisitive geese near Studley Park Boat House.

Yarra River

The Yarra River offers a multitude of picturesque settings. The banks of the river have a number of barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jettys. In addition, there are trails and paths which cater for cyclists, walkers and joggers.
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.
South Channel Fort in Port Philip part of the Point Nepean National Park.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean has played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defense of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape.
A young couple paddle kayaks on a sunny afternoon across Lake Eildon.

Lake Eildon National Park

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.

Surfing

Our parks have lots of great spots for surfers, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer. Autumn is a great time to go surfing in our parks. Visit the famous Bells Beach between March and October, ideally when there's a south-west swell and offshore north-west winds. March to May is also a great time to visit the popular Gunnamatta Beach in Mornington Peninsula National Park.

Find more great places to ride a wave on our surfing page.



Popular parks for surfing:

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.
A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.
Sunset on the rocks at Whiskey Bay in Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Welcome to Wilsons Prom, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Walk remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite tors. Camp in comfort at family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite
Waves crashing in the shallows

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Stretching along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has strikingly beautiful scenery.
Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Cape Conran Coastal Park has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds
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