Due to a fire in December 2019, a section of Plenty Gorge Park south of Memorial Drive remains closed due to fire impact. However, some trails in the north and east sections of Yellow Gum Picnic Area are now open, as are the shared concrete user trail to the south of the fire affected area and the area of the park north of Memorial Drive. This includes the following visitor sites:

• Hawkstowe Picnic Area
• Yarrambat Picnic Ground
• Middle Gorge
• Red Gum Picnic Area

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.