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Travel to regional Victoria in summer
Whilst this summer's bushfires have had a devastating impact on a number of parks and communities, it's important to know there are still hundreds of parks, towns and regions across Victoria that have not been directly impacted by bushfire. These areas need your support now more than ever and are open for business. From fun day trips to overnight stays and camping, enjoy the best of what nature has to offer in your own backyard.
Looking for ideas on where to go? Start with our recommendations on the most popular parks (scroll down), or if you're after something specific, you can also search for a park. Always check the Vic Emergency website for safety updates when planning your trip and before you leave home.
Always be safe
Weather conditions can change quickly at any time during the year. But with the heightened risk of bushfires in summer, it's even more important to plan ahead and be prepared.
Bushfires
We strongly recommend using the Vic Emergency website for the latest information on bushfires and other safety updates. Download the free Vic Emergency app to receive the latest updates to your phone. If you're travelling to an area you can set-up a 'watch zone' and you'll receive 'alerts' in real-time to your phone.
Air quality
The air quality across Victoria is being impacted by the bushfires. The air quality can change daily and throughout the day, and depending on the severity it can impact your health. The EPA AirWatch website provides the latest air quality updates. Enter your postcode to check the air quality near you.
Water safety
During summer, more people go swimming at our beaches and in our lakes, rivers and waterways. When the weather's hot it can be a great way to cool down, relax and have fun. But water can be very dangerous and sadly, 40 people drowned last year in areas managed by Parks Victoria. Please follow these water safety tips and for more details visit Play it Safe by the Water.
Stay safe in parks
We want you to enjoy getting out into nature and that you return home safely. Here are some simple tips you can follow to stay safe in parks. And remember, your safety is our concern and your responsibility.
Find a Licensed Tour Operator
Want to see how the experts do it? Experience a park or a specific activity with a licensed tour operator (LTO). From sightseeing, bushwalking and mountain biking to canoeing, rock climbing, horse riding and more!
There are over 500 licensed tour operators across the state associated with Parks Victoria so you can find one that matches what you want to do. Take away the hassle of buying and transporting equipment and go out with an expert with local knowledge. Whether you're a first time beginner or an accomplished expert wanting to improve, everyone can benefit from the skills and experience of a licensed tour operator.
Bays, lakes and rivers
Explore Victoria's parks from the water with a variety of inland river systems, ports made up of wide bays and stunning tranquil lakes.
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.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park Paradise Beach
The campground is separated from the beach by a stretch of fenced vegetation. There is access to the beach from the Paradise Beach camping area. Use this access points to reduce damage to the sensitive coastal vegetation.
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.
Lower Glenelg National Park
The Glenelg River is the central feature of the Lower Glenelg National Park. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created a remarkable cave.
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Crystal clear shallow waters, sandstone reefs, sea caves, and rockpools make Ricketts Point the perfect place to discover the wonderful sea creatures of Port Phillip Bay.
Beaches and coasts
Venture out along Victoria’s dramatic coastline and explore one of the most biodiverse and unique marine ecosystems in the world.
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.
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.
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.
Port Campbell National Park
The wild Southern Ocean has carved the Port Campbell National Park coastline into formations that are famous the world over - and earned it the nickname of the Shipwreck Coast.
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
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet
Discover stunning coastal vistas, quaint gorges, waterfalls and tall eucalypt forest. Surf the iconic swells of Bells Beach, walk and birdwatch among the flowering heath at Anglesea and snorkel or dive off Point Addis.
Lorne
The coastal town of Lorne is where the bush meets the beach. Expect white sandy beaches, clifftops and incredible coastal vistas, numerous waterfall walks and picnic areas fringed by lush fern gullies.
Mountain peaks
Climb some of Australia’s most stunning mountain peaks, cross-country ski across alpine landscapes, escarpments and hike through grassy high plains.
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.
Cathedral Range State Park
The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven km ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.
Mount Oberon
Starting from the Telegraph Saddle car park, this iconic Prom walk follows the management vehicle track to the summit of Mount Oberon.Steps below the rocky summit lead to postcard perfect, panoramic views over Tidal River, the coast and offshore islands.
Mount Donna Buang
At an elevation of 1245 metres, the summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and offers panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.
Rugged bushlands
Escape to virtual isolation in open, dry forests and woodlands, dry and semi-dry arid deserts or grassy plains abundant with wildflowers and wildlife.
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.
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.
Murray-Sunset National Park
Murray-Sunset National Park is home to the famous Pink Lakes. This remote and unspoilt corner of northwestern Victoria draws photographers from all over the world. Explore the islands of the Murray River by four-wheel drive in dry weather or by canoe after rain – and camp under starry skies.
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.
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.
Little Desert National Park
The best time to visit the park is between late winter and early summer when the temperatures are comfortable and the park is full of blossoms and wildflowers. Camp beside the Wimmera River, and enjoy bushwalks, birdwatching or four-wheel driving.
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.
Wyperfeld National Park
Located in the flat, semi-arid north-western corner of Victoria, Wyperfeld is one of Australia's most fascinating national parks.
Tall forests
Walk under grand canopies of Mountain Ash and through lush green tall forests. See ancient mossy trees and stand under magnificent waterfalls surrounded by giant ferns.
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.
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.
Yarra Ranges National Park
Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
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.
Urban parks
Walk, jog, run or cycle in Melbourne’s picturesque urban parks. Pack a picnic or BBQ and lunch alfresco in nature or meander through picturesque gardens.
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.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
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.
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.
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.
Top campsites this summer
It's not too late to book your camping holiday. These stunning campsites have availability this summer but you'll need to be quick.
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.
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.
Camping in Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park offers excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
Camping in Discovery Bay Coastal Park
Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities.
Cathedral Range State Park
The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven km ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.
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.
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.
Camping in Mount Buangor State Park
Car-based camping is available at Bailes, Middle Creek and tents only at the smaller Ferntree camping area.
Lower Glenelg National Park
The Glenelg River is the central feature of the Lower Glenelg National Park. Along the last part of its winding 400 kilometre path to the sea the river has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone. River erosion and the action of rainwater have created a remarkable cave.
Camping in Little Desert National Park
Camping is available at Ackle Bend, Horseshoe Bend and Kiata
campgrounds and at Broughtons Waterhole, Mallee Walkers Camp
and Yellow Gum Walkers Camp.
Camping in Wyperfeld National Park
Camp under the stars among Mallee sand dunes at Wonga, Snow Drift or Casuarina campgrounds.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park Paradise Beach
The campground is separated from the beach by a stretch of fenced vegetation. There is access to the beach from the Paradise Beach camping area. Use this access points to reduce damage to the sensitive coastal vegetation.
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.
