Nature in Melbourne
6 places in Melbourne, with the official website of each.
Places
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Birdwood Avenue
Botanic garden next to the centre. Free entry, open every day from 7:30 to 19:30.
DirectionsPenguin Parade (Phillip Island Nature Parks)
Phillip Island
Watching penguins come ashore at dusk, about 90 minutes from Melbourne. Booking is required.
DirectionsDandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges
Rainforest park near the city, with the 1000 Steps climb. It closes on days of extreme fire danger or higher.
DirectionsGreat Otway National Park
Great Ocean Road
Park running from Torquay along the Great Ocean Road to the Otways interior, with waterfalls, forests and campsites. Some tracks are still closed because of the January floods.
DirectionsWilsons Promontory National Park
Gippsland
Southern tip of mainland Australia, about three hours by car. It has beaches, multi-day walks, wildlife and a marine park. In summer you must book the Tidal River campsite.
DirectionsGrampians (Gariwerd) National Park
West Victoria
Park with lookouts, the 164 km Grampians Peaks Trail and Aboriginal rock art. Some sites are still closed because of the 2024-2025 fires, and the Mackenzie Falls area is closed for works during 2026.
Directions
More in Melbourne
Details and prices seen on official websites on 5 Nov 2026. They may change, so check before booking. No link on this page pays us. Own a business here? For businesses.