• See Wildlife in Nature

  • See Wildlife in Nature

  • See Wildlife in Nature

  • See Wildlife in Nature

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Explore

Wildlife Spotting in Spring

Many people love to see native animals in their natural habitat and our parks are full of wildlife – you just need to know where and when to go and to look and listen carefully when walking.

You Yangs Regional Park, best known for its 350m tall granite peaks, is located just over an hour’s drive south-west from Melbourne and is home to a variety of native wildlife. The grasslands and low woodlands vegetation are home to more than 200 bird species including various birds of prey, white-naped, white-plumed, new Holland and brown-headed honeyeaters, kookaburras, white-winged choughs and eastern yellow robins. Other native animals often seen in the park are eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, possums and koalas.

The park's most famous resident, Koala Clancy has its own conservation-focussed website and over 44,000 followers on Facebook. Whilst dawn and dusk are usually the best times to see wildlife, you can often be lucky at other times during the day.

Another option: Lysterfield Park is a great place to see kangaroos. The Lake Circuit Trail is a 5.5km loop (1.5 hours return). Starting at the Mahogany carpark head in an anticlockwise direction around the lake. There's an excellent chance you'll see plenty of kangaroos at most times during the day.

Other parks for wildlife spotting

 
A couple look out over the water from the beach at Lysterfield Lake.

Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities.
Up close and personal with a Grey Headed Flying Fox in Yarra Bend Park.

Grey Headed Flying Fox

Entry to the Grey-headed Flying‐fox walking trail and access to the viewing platform is via Bellbird Picnic Area.Visitors to the trail will learn about the flying-foxes through interpretive signage and experience the animals in their natural environment.Grey‐headed Flying‐foxes can be seen roosting in the park during the day and at sunset they create a unique spectacle when they "fly‐out" in large numbers.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 boy finishes setting up his tent while his sister sits at a picnic table with views of Western Port in the background at Fairhaven Campground at French Island National Park

Fairhaven Campground

Book a spot at Fairhaven Campground and set up your tent in idyllic natural surrounds, right beside the sea.
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
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.
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