The 32 national parks of lovely, compact Victoria range from alps and open grasslands, to desert mallee and tropical fern gullies. Twelve per cent of the state's land is devoted to conservation areas. Spring and summer are the best time to visit for wildflowers and warm-weather outdoor activities, while autumn and winter welcome the bushwalker and skier.

Brisbane Ranges
95 mi/153 km west of Melbourne.
Feature Victoria's richest wildflower display. Activities: bushwalking, camping, picnicking. Best time to visit: March - November

The Grampians (Gariwerd)
160 mi/257 km west of Melbourne.
Features sandstone ridges, McKenzie Falls, and Aboriginal art sites. Activities: bushwalking, camping, climbing, fishing, picnicking and swimming. Best time to visit: September - November, April - May.

Hattah-kulkyne
305 mi/491 km north-west of Melbourne.
Features dry lake beds and mallee scrub. Activities: boating, bushwalking, camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Best time to visit: August - December

Kinglake
40 mi/64 km north-east of Melbourne.
Features waterfalls and fern gullies. Activities: bush-walking, camping, horse riding and picnicking. Best time to visit: August - December.

Mt Buffalo/Snowy River/ Victorian Alpine
250 mi/402 km north-east of Melbourne.
Features mountain peaks and alpine scenery. Activities: skiing in winter, bushwalking, camping, climbing, picnicking, swimming, fishing, cycling, horse riding, canoeing, caving, and rafting. Best time to visit: All year round.

Mt Eccles
205 mi/330 km west of Melbourne.
Features the crater of an extinct volcano. Activities: bushwalking, camping, picnicking, and swimming. Disabled facilities. Best time to visit: September -May.

Otway
125 mi/201 km south-west of Melbourne.
Features coastal views and rainforest. Activities: bushwalking, camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, snorkeling, surfing and swimming. Best time to visit: October - May.

Port Campbell
155 mi/249 km south-west of Melbourne.
Bordered by the Great Ocean Road, the park features the famous coastal rock formation, the Twelve Apostles. Activities: bushwalking, fishing, picnicking and swimming. Best time to visit: November - May.

Wilsons Promontory
155 mi/249 km south-east of Melbourne.
Features beaches and granite outcrops. Activities: bushwalking, camping, fishing, picnicking, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Best time to visit: November - February.

Wyperfeld National Park
280 mi/451 km north-west of Melbourne.
Features semi-desert, sand dunes and mallee. Activities: bushwalking, camping, cycling and picnicking. Best time to visit: June -November.

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