9 Amazing National Parks Near Melbourne, Victoria
There are over 100 national parks in Victoria but did you know that there are many national parks in Melbourne and around that you can visit as a day trip or weekend away? Yes, we are spoiled with beautiful beaches, and stunning coastlines but the beauty of the bushland in these national parks is unmissable. Below you can find 9 amazing national parks to visit from Melbourne.
National Parks, Melbourne
There are some beautiful national parks in Victoria. If you are looking to get away from the city life these national parks near Melbourne make a great family getaway. Get off the grid, get close to nature, and even spot some wildlife.
Some are within an hour or two, others a few hours away but well worth the drive. If you love hiking, biking, or just soaking in the fresh air, there are plenty of different activities to do. Many of these offer camping and other accommodation options too, so if a day trip isn’t enough, stay for the weekend or longer to explore.
Whether you live in Melbourne or are visiting from overseas or interstate, these Victorian national parks are well worth the trip.
1. Organ Pipes National Park
National park Half Hour from Melbourne
The closest National Park in Melbourne is the Organ Pipes National Park which is just over half hour from the city in Keilor, on the edge of one of the world’s largest volcanic lava flows stretching 350kms to the border of Victoria. It is an easy day trip and makes a great day out for a family picnic.
Get your walking shoes on, take a picnic and walk around the park which passes by the main attraction, the famous Organ Pipes. These pipes were formed a million years ago by the cooling and cracking of volcanic lava and rise to 20 metres in height, looking over the peaceful Jackson Creek.
Read More: Organ Pipes National Park
2. Yarra Ranges National Park
National Park 1.5hrs from Melbourne
The Yarra Ranges National Park in Melbourne is another national park near Melbourne, so it is the perfect option for a day trip. Located between the East of Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is filled with ancient rainforests, epic waterfalls, and is home to the world’s tallest flowering tree, the Mountain ash.
You don’t have to go too far to see the stunning views of the Yarra Ranges, you are practically surrounded. The drive through the windy roads is beautiful itself any time of the year.
In the Summer and Spring, you can take a walk or hike to visit a choice of waterfalls. The Autumn is the perfect time to visit to see the Redwood Forest. Over the Winter, the area is covered with snow from Marysville, the foot of Lake Mountain, a popular snow resort.
If you are looking to stay overnight in the nature, check out this Glamping option!
Read More: Things to do Yarra Valley
3. Dandenong Ranges National Park
National Park 1.5hrs from Melbourne
Getaway into the rainforest in the stunning Dandenong Ranges East of Melbourne. Take a ride on Puffing Billy, climb the famous 1000 steps, or just wonder in the tranquil forest wildlife spotting and explore the hilltop towns.
Within a couple of hours of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is the perfect getaway for families and one of the easiest national parks in Melbourne to visit for a day trip.
Read More: Things to do Dandenong Ranges
4. King Lake National park
National park 1.5 hours from Melbourne
Located North of Melbourne, King Lake national park is famous for its scenic walks, mountain bike trails, and wildlife. One of the main attractions is Mason Falls which has a fantastic picnic area and easy walking trails. The Kinglake Forest Adventures are popular too for those who are more adventurous.
A visit during Spring or Autumn is perfect. Take a day trip and have a picnic with panoramic views of the city and Port Phillip Bay. Or spend a few days as there are some popular camping spots perfect for families.
Read More: Things to do in Kinglake
5. Mornington Peninsula National Park
National park 1.5 hours from Melbourne
Looking for a coastal change? The Mornington Peninsula National park near Melbourne, which covers the 40km stretch of wild ocean beaches between Portsea and Flinders is a favourite for beach lovers.
Great for a day trip, or even a weekend getaway. Take a coastal bushwalk to Bushrangers Bay, head up to Arthurs Seat for spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay, or spend a day at the relaxing Peninsula Hot Springs in Finegal.
The best times to visit is during the Summer when you can enjoy the water. Spring is also not a bad time of the year.
Read More: Things to do on the Mornington Peninsula
6. Grampians National Park
National park 3 hours from Melbourne
The Grampians National Park is one of our favourites. Famous for it’s unbelievable rock formations, majestic waterfalls, and incredible hiking tracks, the Grampians National Park is one not to miss.
Whether you want to climb up to the Pinnacle, take a hike to Mackenzie Falls, or go on a family walk with the kids, there is something for everyone.
Wildlife is plentiful, and you don’t need to look far to cross paths with the likes of kangaroos, wallabies and other native animals.
There are various of places to stay in Halls Gap and other camping spots. You can visit all year round, however it Summer it can get quite hot, so the best times to go are in Autumn and Spring for hikes and walks. If you are happy to curl up by a fire and chill out, Winter can be ok too if you don’t mind a bit of rain.
Read More: Things to do Halls Gap and the Grampians
7. Great Otway National Park
National Park 3 hours from Melbourne
The Great Otway National Park is south of Melbourne located along the world-famous Great Ocean Road. The drive from Melbourne itself has some spectacular views as you wind in and out along the coast and into the Otway Forest.
There are plenty of scenic walks, stunning waterfalls and opportunities to view native wildlife, especially koalas, what it is most famous for. You can also walk through the treetops at the Otway Fly if you are feeling adventurous.
There are plenty of campgrounds, with some free camping sites available. Bimbi Park is one of our favourite places to stay, they offer off the grid accommodation, and are famous for “sleeping under the koalas” which are visible almost anywhere. They also offer E-bike tours around the National Park.
You can visit the Otaway National Park all year round however in Winter there tends to be a lot of rain, and the walking tracks will be muddy. Summer time can be very busy with tourists, and more expensive if you plan on staying.
Read More: Things to do Apollo Bay and the Otways
8. Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
National Park 3 hours from Melbourne
The Twelve Apostles Marine National park is a protected national park along the Great Ocean Road and covers a large area of the coast which borders Port Campbell and the Otway National Park.
Named after the iconic Twelve Apostles, nothing can prepare you for the stunning view when you first see these amazing pillars rising from the ocean. They are of the most iconic attractions in Melbourne, and will take your breath away. But there are only 7 pillars left, so get in quick before they all disappear!
Read More: Things to do Great Ocean Road
9. Wilson’s Promontory National Park
National Park 3 hours from Melbourne
Nicknamed “The Prom”, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is located in the South far East of Victoria and is home to the famous Tidal River. With the abundance of wildlife and spectacular scenery, a road trip from Melbourne to Wilson’s Promontory is a must do on any traveller’s bucket list.
Take a walk or hike through the remote coastal bushland, swim in the crystal clear water, squeak your feet along the famous “Squeeky Beach” or go snorkelling at Victoria’s largest marine national park.
While you can stay in accommodation surrounding the national park, camping inside the park itself is a must. It is so popular though, that in Summer time they have a ballot system for allocating accommodation.
Read More: Things to do Wilsons Prom
National Parks Near Melbourne
For such a large city, we have so many stunning national parks near Melbourne. And there are plenty of places to stay nearby. So, grab the kids and head out on a day trip or weekend getaway and get up close to nature in one of Victoria’s beautiful national parks!
For more family travel inspiration around Melbourne check our main post Melbourne for Kids. Follow our FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM page, or join our community group of Melbourne Mums!
