Explore Outdoors

Discover the beauty of Victoria’s state forests, home to some of the best walking tracks, scenic lookouts, picnic spots, and free campgrounds in the state.

With hundreds of free recreational sites and great visitor facilities, it's time to plan your next everyday adventure.

Our 3.1 million hectares of state forests are open to visitors for camping, horse riding, paddling, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, mountain biking, prospecting and recreational hunting.

Experience Victoria’s natural beauty, there’s something for everyone.

Forest day trips near Melbourne

Escape the city buzz and explore these beautiful forest sites under 2 hours from Melbourne.

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On this site

Where to start

Ready to plan your next outdoor adventure? Here's all the information you need for a fun and safe visit.

Regions

Find out more about in Victoria's unique regions and the activities you can experience there.

Activities

Find the best walking trails, campgrounds, mountain biking trails, 4WD tracks and more in state forests and parks.

More to Explore app

Download this handy app and get information about more than 800 forest attractions, complete with online and offline maps.

Victoria's Great Outdoors

A $106.6 million investment in better campgrounds, walking trails, 4WD tracks and visitor facilities in our parks and forests

Suburban Parks Program

Melbourne is getting new and upgraded large suburban parks, local parks, dog parks and walking and cycling trails.

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A grey four-wheel-drive vehicle drives along a track in a foggy bush landscape

02 Jun

Check for seasonally closed roads in state forests

Many roads and tracks in Victoria's state forests are closed between June and November to protect the environment and visitors.

Two people standing on a wooden bridge overlooking a river in the forest

30 Apr

Short forest walks under 2 hours from Melbourne

Looking for a quick burst of nature, but short on time? Check out these 9 short forest walks within easy reach of Melbourne.

family descending the steps at Steavenson Falls

21 Apr

Leave the car behind: state forest escapes by free public transport

With public transport free across Victoria until the end of May and half price for the rest of the year, getting out into nature has never b...

Two people at a forest campground. One person walking and one person sitting by the campfire

26 Mar

Your guide to free Easter state forest camping

Discover Victoria’s stunning state forests and the many free camping spots where you can relax, explore and reconnect with nature this Easte...

A boardwalk and wooden bench looking across to a waterfall inthe forest.

05 Feb

Refreshing waterfall walks

Cool down this summer at 12 of Victoria's best state forest waterfall walks.

A family standing in a river in the the forest with their 4WD in the background

19 Dec

Waterside forest camping this summer

Explore Victoria’s state forests for camping experiences that keep you cool and close to nature.

09 Dec

Discover Victoria's historic state forest huts

Visit historic huts that were once havens for timber workers, miners and graziers deep in Victoria’s state forests.

People sitting at a picnic table in a forest campground with a caravan in the background

15 Oct

Long weekend state forest camping

With over 330 campgrounds in Victoria's state forests, there is no shortage of options to plan an escape into nature this long weekend.

Two people walking through the forest beneath an historic wooden tresetle bridge.

30 Sep

Top state forest circuit walks

Explore Victoria's state forests along one of many beautiful circuit walks.

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