The distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong.

The You Yangs is a fantastic park for mountain biking. It has two mountain biking areas with over 50 kilometres of exciting trails catering for riders of all ages and ability.

The park is also popular for its magnificent views, birdlife and for bushwalks and picnics.

Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Local directions

You Yangs Regional Park is 55 km south-west of Melbourne and 22 km north of Geelong (Melway ref: Key map 11). Access to the park from the Geelong-Melbourne Freeway is clearly signposted via Little River or Lara. From the park entrance the sealed Turntable Drive (one way traffic) leads to many of the main picnic areas.

Facilities

Activities

Additional business information

Vegetation
A variety of plant species can be found. Tall eucalypts such as Manna Gums, Yellow Gums and River Red Gums give way to a sparse undergrowth of native shrubs and ground covers. Patches of wattles and Drooping Sheoaks can also be seen. The vegetation of the You Yangs has seen considerable change since the arrival of Europeans. As the native vegetation was cleared for farming and timber, plantations of Sugar Gum and Brown Mallet were established to supply local communities with firewood, posts and poles. On 14th January, 1985 a wildfire burnt more than 80% of the park. The vegetation is now slowly recovering, although its composition is changing. Unfortunately Boneseed, a noxious weed, is thriving since the fire and is choking out large areas of native vegetation.