Yarra Ranges National Park, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia
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National parks & reserves

Gain perspective in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges' national and state parks, with their spellbinding fern glades and majestic trees, thundering waterfalls and timid wildlife. 

Many ways to appreciate nature
Stand beneath the towering mountain ash trees in the Dandenong Ranges, through the Black Spur and into Marysville. Follow the many walks and trails shaded by these trees, past undulating seas of tree ferns, across clear streams and past thundering waterfalls. Keep your ears out for lyrebirds, which have been known to mimic the sounds of babies crying to cameras clicking. 

Enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your own car and wind through the forests of the world's tallest hardwoods on the magnificent Black Spur Drive from Healesville to Marysville, featuring panoramic views of the countryside. 

A piece of park for a moment of peace
Sit and relax and absorb the peace of the parks, or pack a picnic of fresh local cheeses and artisan bread and graze against the lush green backdrop.

Due to 2009 bushfires, many areas of the region's national parks are closed to visitors until further notice. For further information contact Parks Victoria on 131 963 (in Australia only) .

Bunyip State Park

Bunyip State Park

Visitors to Bunyip State Park are able to explore and experience the Park's rugged bush setting through a range of activities such as:- picnic lunch...

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Maroondah Reservoir Park

Maroondah Reservoir Park

The scenic attraction of the reservoir and European-style gardens has made it one of the most popular parks in Victoria. Things to see and do* Enjoy...

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Cardinia Reservoir Park

Cardinia Reservoir Park

Visitors who view the huge expanse of water that is Cardinia Reservoir by the morning light will understand why this is one of Melbourne's most...

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Yarrambat Park

Yarrambat Park

It also has great recreational value, with activities such as horseriding, archery and model aeroplane flying. Things to see and do * Spend some...

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William Ricketts Sanctuary

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Situated in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquility, due both to the natural setting and the...

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George Tindale Gardens

George Tindale Memorial Gardens

The George Tindale Memorial Garden, only a one hour drive from Melbourne's city centre, is a unique collection of exotic plants set beneath a canopy...

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Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern...

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Upper Yarra Reservoir Park

Upper Yarra Reservoir Park

The carefully maintained gardens and picnic grounds, encompassed by eucalypt bushland and spectacular scenery, makes visiting Upper Yarra Reservoir...

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Sweeneys Flat

Sweeneys Flat

Things to see and do* Enjoy the scenic surrounds of Sweeneys Flats with a picnic or your own barbecue* Walk or jog on the one kilometre mown grass...

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National Rhododendron Gardens

National Rhododendron Gardens

The National Rhododendron Gardens are host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal...

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Silvan Reservoir Park

Silvan Reservoir Park

The beautifully landscaped picnic areas and open lawns of Silvan Reservoir Park help to make it an ideal location for a day away from it all. ...

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RJ Hamer Arboretum

RJ Hamer Arboretum

'Arboretum' is a Latin word meaning a place for trees and an Arboretum can simply be called a 'tree museum'. Things to Do * Open daily with free...

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Pirianda Garden

Pirianda Gardens

Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the 11 hectare terraced gardens of Pirianda are distinctive for their combination of botanically...

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Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam overlooking the reservoir. Try shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout or European carp.

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Aura Vale Lake Park

Aura Vale Lake Park

This system prevents polluted water from entering Cardinia Reservoir and affecting the quality of our drinking water. Things to see and do- have a...

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Kinglake National Park

Kinglake National Park

Due to the Black Saturday fires, Masons Falls Picnic Area and Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area remain closed until further notice. Rehabilitation work...

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Yarra Ranges National Park

Yarra Ranges National Park

A vital catchment for Melbourne's water supply, Yarra Ranges National Park is home to forests of mountain ash, rainforest and fern gullies, and the...

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Alfred Nicholas Gardens

Alfred Nicholas Gardens

The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of awesome Mountain Ash Trees. Walk through shady trees down to the picturesque...

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