Plenty Gorge Park

Plenty Gorge Park

Plenty Gorge Park

Plenty Gorge Park

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    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Plenty Gorge Park offers a wide range of natural and cultural experiences only 20 km from Melbourne, where the spectacular gorge sets a backdrop for stunning landscape views and the abundant native wildlife are always on show.

    Due to a fire in December 2019, a section of Plenty Gorge Park south of Memorial Drive remains closed due to fire impact. For more information on fire rehabilitation and area closed, view the latest community update in change of conditions below.

    Walk the tracks to the beautiful gorge and marvel at the diverse wildlife living within the park. Shaped by volcanic activity, the Plenty River is a dividing line between two distinct geological types. The basalt on the west and sedimentary rock on the eastern side generate a wonderful diversity of habitats, making the park an important refuge for both threatened and regionally significant species.

    Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the park with a range of recreation and picnic areas to suit everyone.

    Family-friendly Red Gum Picnic Area features a children’s adventure playground, picnic tables and toilets with both parenting and disabled facilities. Nearby walking tracks lead to the Morang Wetlands and the Hawkstowe Picnic Area.

    With views of the Plenty River, a backdrop of the wooded Plenty Gorge and a historical homestead, the Hawkstowe Picnic Area was once part of the larger Hawkstowe Farm that was established in the 1850's by the Le Page family, and is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or barbecue.

    Middle Gorge features spectacular views of the gorge and river from the viewing platform and walking tracks. Enjoy a secluded picnic in peaceful surroundings with facilities along the river.

    There's plenty of wide-open space for playing games and on-lead dog-walking at Yarrambat Picnic Ground, or simply take in the views of Kinglake National Park and Mt Disappointment.

    Enjoy bird and wildlife watching, bushwalking, picnicking and barbecuing in the natural surrounds at Yellow Gum Recreation Area. If you have a current Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence, bring your own bait and try your luck at fishing in Blue Lake. As the sun sets, take a moment to admire the pink hues of the cliffs rising above the lake.

    If you want to stay a little longer, Nioka Bush Camp is a great place for group camping, with bunkhouse accommodation available.

    Things to do

     
    Two women stop for a chat outside the dorm rooms at Nioka Bush Camp.

    Nioka Bush Camp

    Available to schools and incorporated community organisations, Nioka Bush Camp is a quiet retreat away from the stresses of city life. Stay overnight in the great outdoors, camping or in bunkhouse accommodation.
    Two friends walk through the gardens in to Le Page Homestead

    Le Page Homestead

    The historic Le Page Homestead and out buildings reflect the prosperous farming times of the 1860’s and 1870’s.
    A man skims a rock along the water at Blue Lake at Plenty Gorge Park

    Blue Lake

    The Blue Lake, named for its turquoise blue colour at certain times of the year, can be seen from the viewing platform along the walking track to the lake.
    Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

    Picnics

    Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
    Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

    BBQ

    Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    Bird watching

    From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
    A father teaches his young daughter to ride a bike in Braeside Park.

    Cycling

    Cycling is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in parks. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or downhill adrenalin rush, Victoria's parks have something for you.
    Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

    Dog walking

    Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.
    A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

    Family activities

    Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
    A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

    Hiking and bushwalking

    Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
    Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

    Wildlife viewing

    Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,

    Facilities

    BBQ
    Carpark
    Lookout
    Picnic Area
    Playscape
    Toilets

    Tours in the area

    Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.


    If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.


    Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.

    View all local tours

    Nearby Events

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    How to get there

    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Plenty Gorge Park

    When you're there

    Download the Plenty Gorge Park map for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

    Need to know

    Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Yellow Gum Recreation Area (Plenty Gorge Parklands)

      Closures applies to the southern end of Plenty Gorge Park

      Due to a fire in December 2019, the section of Plenty Gorge Park south of Memorial Drive is closed. The closure remains in place to allow hazardous tree management and rehabilitation works to be conducted in a safe manner. The closed area includes; Yellow Gum Recreation Area, Tanunda Wetlands and Janefield South. For the latest information on fires, go to http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au

      Attachments: Melbourne - Plenty Gorge - fire community update 4 - 3 March 2020 (1,251KB)

    • Nioka Bush Camp (Plenty Gorge Parklands)

      Nioka Bush Camp closed until further notice

      Nioka Bush Camp at Plenty Gorge Park is closed until further notice due to power and water disruption from tree damage.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Campground closure

      As directed by the Chief Health Officer all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks closed from midnight 25 March 2020.
      People can continue to live on a closed caravan park or camping ground if it is registered as their primary place of residence or if they are staying in caravan parks as interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available. For further information go to parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19

    How we keep it special

    We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

    Reducing bushfire and grassfire risk at Plenty Gorge Parklands

    Find out more about reducing bushfire and grassfire risk at Plenty Gorge Parklands (PDF).


    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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