The 10 Best State Parks in Victoria, Australia

The jagged ridges of Cathedral Range State Park offer spectacular views and some of the best hiking in the state. For an easy walk try the Friends Nature Trail or the tranquil Little River Walk. Experienced walkers can tackle the Razorback Trail or take an overnight hike through the park. Follow the Southern or Northern Circuit through open forest and up rocky ridges for breathtaking views across the park. Spend a night under the stars in the company of native wildlife such as kangaroos and lyrebirds. Camp by the ruins of Cooks Mill or escape the crowds at The Farmyard hike-in camping area. There's also rock climbing for beginners and experts. Practice bouldering at The Boulders or try the tricky Sugarloaf Saddle or North Jawbone.

The Warrandyte State Park is the closest state park to Melbourne. It is a haven for picnickers, bushwalkers, canoeists, birdwatchers and those who enjoy peace and solitude. The landscape is dominated by the Yarra River as it winds through the Warrandyte Gorge. The hills around Warrandyte have a distinctive bluish-green hue, typical of the Red Box foliage common in the area. The park consists of a number of different sections, each with its own attractions. Jumping creek has a large recreational area with wood barbeques, picnic tables, toilets and information shelter. Some wood is provided but it is advisable to bring your own. There is also a canoe launch at this reserve. Pound Bend is another picnic area with tables, toilets, great views and a good chance of seeing Koalas in the trees. There are also a number of easy walks for visitors throughout the park. The park is 24km north-east of Melbourne. Access is mainly via sealed roads; Warrandyte Road, Research-Warrandyte Road and Ringwood-Warrandyte Road. Mountain bikes are permitted within the park but must remain on management vehicle only tracks.

Explore a variety of landscapes including eucalypt forest, creek flats, waterfalls and steep escarpments. From the peak of Mount Buangor, the highest in the area, you can experience spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. At Mount Buangor there is a 15km network of walking tracks, many extend into the adjoining Mount Cole State Forest. Middle Creek is a good spot for large groups to camp or for camping in caravans. The section of the Bukkertillible and Sugarloaf walks between The Cave and 2 Mile Circuit is a semi remote and steep walk suitable for experienced bushwalkers only. Please be aware that in wet conditions this section of track can become quite slippery.

A wild, rugged natural beauty shaped by 500 million years of geological history. A range of challenging walks amid steep river washed gorge and surrounding rocky ridges offer spectacular views and access to a rock-climbing site. Self-contained visitors can picnic and hike to explore this unique park and its unique settings.

Mt Arapiles is a spectacular feature, rising sharply from the Wimmera plains. It is one of Australia’s premier rock climbing areas, and a valuable nature conservation area, with 14% of the State’s flora species represented in the Mt Arapiles section alone. Numerous important cultural heritage sites are evidence of the significance of Dyurrite for Wotjobaluk Peoples and the use of the area for thousands of years.