When visiting Melbourne or Greater Victoria, there are a plethora of options when it comes to National Parks. Highly recommended options include:
Kinglake National Park
Traditional Country of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri People
Located in Central Victoria, Kingslake National Park covers an area of approximately 23,210- hectares and is celebrated for its diverse range of natural flora and fauna (especially birdlife, for all you twitchers out there!) The park is tightly nestled in along the Great Dividing Range, allowing picturesque walking trails and stunning picnic spots.
The park provides wheelchair access, and campervan sites are located across the park if you’d like to spend a few nights exploring the area.
Highlight- Make sure to explore the stunning Mason Falls when you visit the Kingslake National Park! The estimated time is 4h 15m/13.8km (moderate difficulty).
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People
The Dandenong Ranges have often been considered a gateway to the rainforest on Melbourne’s doorstep, and it’s not hard to see how that connection has been made. The lush mountains, stunning ferns, and picture-perfect waterfalls will make you feel as though you’ve been transported back to prehistoric times! But don’t worry, there are no dinosaurs to watch out for here, just lots of beautiful landscapes to explore and enjoy!
The park provides a range of facilities that allow people with disabilities (including wheelchair access) to enjoy the parks.
Highlight- If you’re feeling up to it, take part in Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk, The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (also known locally as the 1000 Steps Walk). Due to its immense popularity, it’s recommended that you choose a quieter time to allow you to stop and enjoy the information about the ANZACs displayed along the journey.
Alpine National Park
Traditional Country of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai People
If you love adventure, there is no doubt about it, the Alpine National Park MUST be on your travel itinerary! A visit to the Alpine National Park (the largest National Park in Victoria at over 640,000 ha) allows you the opportunity to hike Australia’s highest mountain ranges (10 of the highest 11 in Victoria), test yourself in the icy rapids, and cross-country ski through the snow gums at iconic alpine resorts including Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, and Mount Buller. It is also absolutely gorgeous in the warmer months- win-win!
Highlight - One of the best ways to explore the park is to drive the Great Alpine Road Touring Route, which winds through the stunning Victorian Alps. Just be cautious of icy roads in winter and check the park website often in case of road or park closures due to bad weather.
Yarra Ranges National Park
Traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People
The stunning Yarra Ranges National Park is located in the Central Highlands, between Melbourne (107km northeast) and the gorgeous Victorian Alps. Due to the cooler climate, the Park has some stunning, mountainous scenery, making the area an absolute must-visit. Make sure to stop off at some of the incredible lookout spots located across the park, including Mt Donna Buang (a great spot to see and experience snow in winter), where you can catch a glimpse of Westernport Bay and Port Philip on a clear day.
Highlight - Make sure you seek out the world’s tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which can be found towering over ferns and other trees in the park. Also, be sure to check out the extremely scenic Black Spur Drive, which winds through an entire forest of Mountain Ash! Stunning!
Murray Sunset National Park
Traditional Country of the Latji Latji, Ngintait, and Nyeri Nyeri People
Located in Northwest Victoria, the Murray Sunset National Park is home to the famous Pink Lakes, is the largest National Park in Victoria, and is a must-visit! Due to the untouched park’s remoteness, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD to visit, however, it is well worth the effort to experience sunset over these salt lakes (the colour of the lakes tends to come to life later in the day).
The National Park is also home to a diverse array of bird life, including the Malleefowl, Regent Parrot, and the Mallee Emu-Wren. Be sure to bring the camera and your binoculars!
Be aware, that this park is remote with harsh landscapes and there is no drinking water or mobile reception. Preparation is key. This location is for seasoned campers ONLY with a reliable 4WD vehicle, NOT a campervan. There are 11 campgrounds located across the park and camping is free with no bookings required.
Tarra Bulga National Park
Traditional Country of the Gunaikurnai People
A photographer’s dream, the stunning Tarra Bulga National Park is an area of both immense beauty and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. Located approximately 190km east of Melbourne, this National Park is one of only four major areas of cool temperate rainforest in the state and is filled with lush tree ferns and gigantic Mountain Ash trees for you to explore and admire.
Highlight - One of the highlights of the park is the Fern Gully Nature Walk. The 720m return trip is classed as a Grade 3 (suitable for most ages and fitness levels although some level of bushwalking experience is recommended). The walk involves crossing a Corrigan Suspension Bridge, allowing incredible aerial views of the rainforest and Gondwana land below.
