Parks & Gardens
Yarra Ranges has long been recognised as a special place for its natural beauty and diverse habitats, with some of Victoria's most environmentally significant areas located within its borders. The combination of national parks, state forests and private gardens combine to make the area unique in both natural and cultural amenities.
The mountainous landscapes of the Great dividing Range and Yarra Valley contain significant remnant native vegetation, much of which is botanically and zoologically significant, providing important habitat for wildlife.
The Yarra Ranges is the perfect playground for exploration through its many parks. Only a short drive from Melbourne and you are be surrounded by a variety of natural parks and reserves.
Many of these parks host a large variety of activities including walking, horse riding, mountain bike riding, bird watching, family picnics, sightseeing, just to name a few. Click on the links below for more information.
Top 5 Parks to Visit in Yarra Ranges
Lillydale Lake
This very popular 80ha park provides wetlands, trails, BBQ & picnic facilities, a large lake suitable for sailing or use of non-motorised water craft, a large accessible playground with liberty swing and an outdoor fitness station.
Karwarra Australian Plant Garden
The two-hectare garden is one of our hidden jewels featuring more than 1400 different species of native plants, a nursery, community room and an elevated boardwalk with spectacular views of Silvan Dam
Birdsland Reserve
The reserve is home to many native animals and birds, including platypus. Birdsland is a great spot for a picnic or bush walk, with it's walking tracks, BBQ's and 28ha retarding basin
Yarra Ranges National Park
Featuring majestic Mountain Ash Forests, the Yarra Ranges National Park runs along side the Yarra River. Activities range from snowsports in winter to mountain biking or hiking in the summer.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Only 38km from Melbourne the Dandenong Ranges offers spectacular views, abundance of native birdlife and many trails and picnic areas.
For more information on other National Parks throughout Victoria, please visit the Parks Victoria website.