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 The Grampians National ParkThe Grampians National Park area is nothing short of stunning. The inspirational natural beauty of the place, curving from mountain ranges down to far-reaching plains and Aboriginal art sites and plentiful resident wildlife, make for a fascinating journey through history.
The Grampians National Park is home to a huge variety of unique animals and birds, and more than a third of plant species that are found in Victoria.
Towering summits and ridgelines look out over 167,000 hectares of heath lands, swamps, forests, woodlands and alpine zones.
The Grampians are well known for there wonderfully colourful displays of springtime flowers, most prolific during October. The heath lands of the Grampians come to life with a multi-coloured display of Boronia, Pin-cushion Lily, Parrot-pea, and lots of other herbs and shrubs.
There is more than 800 indigenous plants, of which 20 are not found anywhere else in the world, and over 100 species of orchid which thrive in the park,
You will see a profusion of wildlife in the lowlands such as kangaroos, emus, possums, echidnas, wallabies, koalas, and around 200 bird species.
Australia's own Grand Canyon, the Grand Stairway and Pinnacle rock formations are also part of the 'not to miss' attractions in the park.
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Through the life flow of water from the nearby Murray River and the freshwater Hattah Lakes, Hattah-Kulkyne is a unique place. Filled each season by the creeks linked to the Murray River, the Hattah-Kulkyne provides food and shelter for fish and waterbirds. The lakes can remain filled for up to a decade without flooding, though flooding does occur, on average, once every couple of years.
Activities here include biking, camping, canoeing, photography, fishing and driving. The Hattah and Kulkyne nature drives - other tracks are dangerous or impassable after rain.
The Dandenong Ranges
Located to the east of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges have always been a popular weekend retreat for city dwellers. The mountain areas are cool with forests of ash trees, creeks and gullies and verdant ferns are a welcome relief to the hot city temperatures.
Winding mountain roads offer great views over Melbourne and the bay and along the way you will find little tea rooms, good value bed and breakfast accommodation and garden centres to browse around.
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There are many lovely gardens to explore, or stop to have a picnic along the way, many of which once belonged to large mansions of wealthy people.
The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden at Sherbrook is one of the most popular with visitors with its old English traditional trees such as elm, oak, ash and silver birches all located around a pretty boating lake.
In 1987 three areas of outstanding natural beauty, Doongalla Reserve and Ferntree Gully National Park and Sherbrooke Forestwere were united to become the Dandenong Ranges National Park bringing the total area of the new park to 3215 hectares.
The park is an extremely important place for protecting the famous lyrebirds and other indigenous creatures. In June 1997 Mt Evelyn Forest and Olinda State Forest were also included in Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Otway National Park
Otway National Park lay further along the Great Ocean Road. Here you will find crystal clear rivers and gushing waterfalls which fall beneath the canopies of giant trees. The park has abundant rainforest and dramatic scenery which can be explored by using the well maintained bush tracks.
Picnic Spots, amongst other good facilities, have been provided for visitors to the park.
A wonderful place for exploring lots of different recreational activities Otway National Park is a gem of an area. Inaccessible and rugged terrain on the coastline of Victoria it lies in 13,000 hectares of the park. an invitation to the adventurous to explore this 60-kilometre stretch from Apollo Bay to Princetown, reached via the Great Ocean Road.
Things to Do
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- At Maits Rest, near Apollo Bay, take the 40 minute self-guided rainforest walk.
- Walk through cool temperate rainforest of towering trees beside streams cascading seaward to Bass Strait.
- Visit Melba Gully, a cool temperate rainforest pocket near Lavers Hill, and walk the Madsen Track.
- See ancient and intricate plant life, lush ferns, mosses and fungi.
- Swim, snorkel, surf or fish at secluded beaches and estuaries.
- Glimpse Swamp Wallabies, Pygmy Possums, gliders and koalas, and (in winter) Southern Right Whales.
Facilities - You can camp at Blanket Bay, Aire River and Joh. All sites have basic toilets. Accommodation in other camping areas, cabins and motels is available at nearby Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill - contact the Apollo Bay Tourist Information Centre for details on (03) 5237 6529.
The Light Station at Cape Otway is considered to be the best collection of historic lighthouse buildings in Australia. There are daily tours of the Lighthouse, and accommodation in the historic keeper's quarters can be arranged by contacting the Lighthouse on (03) 5237 9240 or the Apollo Bay Tourist Information Centre.
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Port Campbell National Park
Most people would say that Port Campbell National Park is the highlight of the Great Ocean Road journey. Abundant with natural landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and the Bay of Islands.
Scenic flights take off from the park and is probably the best way to see this dramatic piece of coastline or alternatively boardwalks have been provided leading to lookouts for great views.
Mornington Peninsula National Park
About a 90 km drive from Melbourne and accessed by the Nepean Highway or Peninsula Freeway is Mornington Peninsula National Park. This is a popular getaway for the people of Melbourne and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The long sandy, sheltered beaches here are the perfect place for all kinds of watersports from windsurfing to sailing or if you prefer a less energetic break just relax and take in the wonderful seascapes.
The part of the coastline which looks out toward the Bass Strait is more rugged with surfing beaches, rock pools and rocky reefs.
There is a spectacular chair-lift ride at Arthur’s Seat which offers fantastic views out over the peninsula.
Fine wine is produced in the surrounding area particularly from the Red Hill wineries which have a great reputation for producing superb Pinot Noir and Chardonnays .>> places to see >> |
