• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

  • Warby-Ovens National Park

  • Wildlife viewing

  • Forrest

  • Mount Beauty and Bogong High Plains

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Spring brings new life in nature

It’s all about the birds and the bees – with spring comes new life across Parks Victoria’s landscape. Witness parks come to life by watching wildlife, birds and blooming wildflowers.

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Wildlife Viewing

Spring is the ideal time to see native Australian animals in their natural habitats. Visit a bushland park and you might spot kangaroos, wallabies or wombats. Victoria is also home to a large koala population, so don't forget to look up! Head down to beaches and coasts and spot marine mammals in our marine national parks and coastal reserves. Learn more about native wildlife from the comfort of your home by joining our virtual Serendip Sanctuary Wildlife Tour or Yarra Bend Flying Fox Discovery Tour.

Visit our wildlife viewing page for the best places to spot all kinds of wildlife.



Parks to spot wildlife:

Two men discuss the formation of the crater at Tower Hill.

Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Explore this massive volcanic feature by taking one of the five self-guided walks. Each has a different theme. Enjoy a picnic, spot some local wildlife and learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the area at the Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre.
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 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.
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.

Birdwatching

With around 450 bird species across Victoria, birdwatching is an activity that can be done in most parks. In some places, you might be lucky enough to spot some rare and endangered birds. Visitors to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park might find special birds such of the Malleefowl and Emu Wren or the endangered Regent Parrot. Or spot one of more than 125 species of birds at Coolart Historic Area.

If you're ready for a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors, visit our birdwatching page.



Popular birdwatching parks:

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 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.
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.
Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Albert Park

Jog, cycle or walk with your dog around Albert Park Lake - just 3km from the centre of Melbourne. And when you stop to catch your breath, take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline.
A pelican on the water at the Lakes National Park in Gippsland.

The Lakes National Park

The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve.

Wildflowers

In Spring you'll find vibrant colours splashed across the park landscape. Wildflowers are best viewed from early September to October. The states richest wildlife habitat is found at Brisbane Ranges National Park. The unusual geology has preserved plants that have long vanished from other parts of the region. Spring is the perfect time to witness the stunning array of flowers at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

Visit our wildflowers page for more great places to see wildflowers.



Where to see wildflowers:

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

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Little more than an hour's drive from Melbourne takes you to the state's richest wildflower habitat. Set in a low range of mountains dissected by rocky gullies, the unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges National Park has preserved plants that have long since vanished from other parts of the region.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat.
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
The gardens of the historic Werribee Park Mansion.

Werribee Park

Visit Werribee Park and discover the story of an Australian pastoral empire. Explore the Victorian era in the Italianate-style architecture and interiors of Werribee Mansion. Stroll through 10 hectares of beautiful formal gardens and open space park land. Only 30 minutes from Melbourne, take a walk at Werribee Park, today.
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