Ready to trade traffic for treetops and email pings for birdsong? Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Great Forest National Park is calling your name.
This stunning slice of the Central Highlands covers over half a million hectares of greenery, mountain ash trees, hidden waterfalls and fresh mountain air—making it the ultimate spot for a day of exploring, adventuring, or simply slowing down.
Escape to Nature: A Day Trip to Victoria’s Great Forest National Park
Breathe Deep, You’re in Nature Now
This incredible forest within the Great Forest National Park is home to the tallest flowering plants on the planet and the critically endangered (and completely adorable) Leadbeater’s Possum. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or more of a casual wanderer, you’ll find plenty of ways to soak up the natural beauty here.
Must-See Highlights at the Great Forest National Park
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Mt Donna Buang: The views from the summit are worth the drive (or the climb!), and if you visit in winter, you’ll find yourself in a snow-dusted wonderland perfect for tobogganing and hot chocolate breaks.
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Cumberland Walk: A peaceful loop through ferns and forest giants, past waterfalls and ancient trees. Don’t forget to stop and say hello to the Big Tree.
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Black Spur Drive: This famously scenic stretch of road winds through towering trees—perfect for a dreamy drive or a breezy bike ride.
Activities on Offer at the Great Forest National Park
The Great Forest National Park is a nature lover’s playground. Camp beneath towering trees, hike scenic trails like Keppel Lookout, or cruise along Black Spur Drive for jaw-dropping views.
Cyclists, rock climbers, horse riders, and 4WD adventurers will find plenty of tracks to explore, while peaceful corners like Starlings Gap offer a tranquil escape. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just a breath of fresh air, this National Park has you covered.
A Natural Wonderland for Kids
There’s something for everyone at the Great Forest National Park—easy picnic spots and gentle strolls for families, more challenging trails for adventurous types, and plenty of hidden corners to discover.
Pack a lunch, bring your camera, and prepare for some serious fresh air therapy.
The Great Forest National Park Guide Book
For more than a decade, locals and nature lovers have been rallying to make the Great Forest National Park a reality, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. The plan? To connect over 525,000 hectares of spectacular forest into one thriving sanctuary for people, wildlife, and future generations.
To build support and bust a few myths, community members have created a guidebook packed with inspiration for how everyone—from walkers and cyclists to campers and 4WDers—can enjoy the park without harming it.
Planning Your Trip
While the Great Forest National Park is still in the proposal stage, many of the incredible areas within it are ready and waiting to be explored, just make sure you check local conditions before you head out.
To learn more, visit Great Forest National Park.
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