5 national parks you must visit in Victoria
Victoria has some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. But there are 36 national parks in Victoria, so how to choose the one to visit? These are our top picks.
Alpine National Park
Embrace your inner Man From Snowy River in the state’s largest national park. The film was shot here and much of the park still feels like a step back in time. Rolling plains and rugged mountains are dotted with historic cattleman’s huts, gold rush relics and well worn trails. One of the best ways to explore the park is on horseback and you can ride for days and camp under the stars. The Alpine National Park is home to the state’s highest peaks, so expect plenty of snowfall in winter.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Known affectionately as The Prom, this national park covers the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland. It’s the largest coastal wilderness area in the state and it has an incredible variety of landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches to lush rainforest, open plains to granite mountains. It’s one of the most popular recreation area for locals who make use of the scenic walking trails, well-equipped campsites and great facilities.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Tucked away in the lush forest of the Dandenong Ranges is a unique tribute to Australian armed forced of World War II. The 1,000 Steps is part of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a three-kilometre stretch that’s marked with 14 plaques along the way telling the story of the original track in Papua New Guinea. You can take the steps at a leisurely pace, just keep an eye out for the fitness fanatics taking them at a rapid pace.
Port Campbell National Park
Stretching along the southern coast of the state, the Port Campbell National Park is home to some of Victoria’s most iconic sites – the Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, just for starters. The rock formations here have been shaped by the ocean over thousands of years and the towering sculptures are fascinating. Strap on your hiking boots and walk along the clifftops, with plenty of breaks for a cooling dip.
Murray-Sunset National Park
Parts of this remote park look like they belong on another planet. The environment is almost untouched and is one of the few remaining semi-arid regions in the world. The spectacular salt lakes are out of this world, changing from a deep pink to glittering white throughout the year. You can explore much of the park by four wheel drive, rolling over endless sandy flats and dunes. Spend the night in the park to get a glimpse of the enormous star-filled sky.
What’s your favourite national park in Victoria? Share in the comments below.