Explore the beautiful old gardens, historic conservatory, fernery, playground and 60 acres of open spaces in Rosalind Park, right in the centre of Bendigo. History Once a grassy woodland, the area was transformed during the 1950s goldrush when it became the site of the Government Camp and peppered with shallow shafts, mullock heaps and puddling mills. Its varied and fascinating… Read more →
Melbourne Attractions & Things to Do » Nature & Wildlife
Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Take your time meandering the linking paths that wend through this gorgeous historic garden. It’s a perfect scenic haven, with rock walls, a picturesque lake, a boathouse and areas for picnicking. The foliage and flowers are the stars of the show, revealing a kaleidoscope of colour in vibrant bloom year-round, from azaleas and orchids to ferns and maple leaves, beneath… Read more →
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Ballarat Botanical Gardens’ historically significant lakeside gardens were designed and planted in the 1860s and now feature magnificent mature trees, statues and constantly changing plantings and glasshouse displays. Begonias are a focus and the festival is in March. Features include the Ex Prisoner of War Memorial, Avenue of Prime Ministers and Tramways Museum. A range of events are staged throughout… Read more →
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Site closure: This site is temporarily closed to visitors as a public health precaution in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is a rapidly changing situation. For up-to-date information on affected visitor sites, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19. Cruise out to Mount Dandenong and spend a few quiet hours in the peaceful surrounds of the world-renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary. Located in a… Read more →
Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Picnic by the pavilion, stroll by the lagoon and admire the native, rare and fine botanic specimens at Bendigo’s historic botanic garden. Established in 1857, the garden was one of the regional Victoria’s earliest botanic gardens and the first public garden in Bendigo. Take the family and take in some of the gardens’ highlights: Living Plant Collections Peruse the labelled… Read more →
Mitchell River Walking Track
A section of Mitchell Road is closed to vehicles due to soil slips. Access to the Mitchell River walking track via Mitchell Road is still available. Location: Mitchell River National Park Distance: 18 kilometres one way Duration: Two days Grade: Level Four – Bushwalking experience and a good level of fitness required. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep.… Read more →
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures
Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is the ultimate outdoor-nature experience and located only 20 minutes from the start of the Great Ocean Road. Experience a breath taking birds-eye-view of the magnificent Otway Ranges from the 25 metre-high elevate walkway or fly 30 metres high from tree to tree on the Zipline Tour. The Treetop Walk is a one hour rainforest walk… Read more →
Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk
Tarra Bulga National Park is known for giant mountain ash trees and ancient myrtle beeches, and you could spot a lyrebird on the walk through lush fern glades and rainforest to Cyathea Falls. Location: Tarra Valley, Tarra Bulga National Park Distance: 1.4km return Duration: 35 minutes Grade: Level 2 – No experience required. The track is hardened gravel or compacted surface and may have a gentle… Read more →
Triplet Falls Rainforest Walk
Triplet Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Great Otway Park and offers a stunning one hour loop walk through ancient rainforest. View the lower cascades as you follow raised walkways through the forest of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech to the main falls. As you leave the forest you can begin to hear the roar of… Read more →
Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Walk
The Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit takes you into one of the Prom’s most southern temperate rainforests. Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park Distance: 5.8km return Duration: 3 hours Grade: Level 2 – No experience required. The track is hardened gravel or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and some steps. Walks up to 10km. Start: Lilly Pilly Gully car park Finish: Lilly Pilly Gully car… Read more →