Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Yarra Valley, Victoria

Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, a short drive from Melbourne. Keep an eye out for native birds as you enjoy scenic walks, thrilling mountain bike trails and picnics against the backdrop of panoramic views. Go mountain biking on the diverse and technical downhill trail at Bowden Spur or drive up to Mount Sugarloaf for panoramas over Melbourne’s skyline. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the surrounds of tall eucalypts before embarking on a short walk to Masons Falls. See water cascading over the sheer mudstone walls, which are fossilised sea beds. The Gums Camping area is nestled among tall eucalyptus forest and by a tranquil mountain stream. Camp or bring your caravan or camper for a comfortable stay.

Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. Explore the 70 acre bushland haven to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Visitors are also free to explore the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, a working vetinary hospital treating over 1500 orphaned, ill or injured wildlife every year. The expert team shares the journey of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release with the Sanctuary's visitors. Don't miss: Spirits of the Sky: A free flight presentation featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and colourful parrot species. Tales from Platypus Creek: Come face-to-face with Healesville Sanctuary's most iconic species in a world-first interactive Platypus show. Observe Platypus as they interact with keepers, play in the water and even enjoy having their tummies tickled! Wade with the Platypus: In this world-first, hands-on experience it will be your turn to be the Platypus keeper. You will have the opportunity to step into the shallow water of the 'Platypus play pool' where it's normally the keeper's job to play, frolic, tickle and feed our little furry friends.

This is an important environmental area which backs on to the Yarra River. It includes a billabong and wetlands which provide habitat for birds. There is also a formed walking trail which meanders next to the river and through the surrounding bushland. Good for bird watching, bush walking or fishing activities with views to the Christmas Hills and Yarra Ranges. The Reserve also includes a great place to launch Canoes.

Birdsland is a 75ha bushland reserve located in Belgrave South. 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. There is also an environmental education centre on site where our Environment team share important information about conservation and sustainable living with local school children.Park opens at 7.30am daily. Closing times vary seasonally, please check signs at park entrance for closing time.

Traverse the diverse ecosystems of Bunyip State Park; from heathland swamps to towering mountain ash forests. Explore on foot, horseback, trail bike or in the comfort of your four-wheel drive. Keep an eye out for the southern-emu wren and swamp bush-pea, both rare sights. Follow the Lawsons Falls Circuit Walk to the only waterfall within Bunyip State Park. The narrow trail meanders through dense bush and verdant fern gullies before emerging at a small clearing with views across to Lawson Falls. Bunyip State Park is one of the few places in Victoria where our state floral emblem, the Common Heath, and state fauna emblem, the Leadbeater’s Possum, along with our state avian emblem, the Helmeted Honeyeater, can all be found.