If you’re looking for an action-packed weekend away with the kids this school holidays, why not plan a trip to the Kinglake National Park, just under 40 minutes from Donnybrae Esate.
Lying on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Kinglake National Park offers scenic walks, thrilling mountain bike trails and picnics – all against the backdrop of panoramic views of the city, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
With so many fantastic attractions showcasing nature at its best, we guarantee a trip here will be an unforgettable one. Here are some of our favourite things to do.
Immerse yourself in nature.
Kinglake National Park is home to almost 600 native plant species, more than 40 species of native mammals and 90 native bird species, including the iconic superb lyrebird, making it the perfect place to get up and close to some of Australia’s favourite flora and fauna.
Alongside wallabies, kangaroos and the occasional wombat, the Park is home to a variety of native birds. Keep an eye out for Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, King Parrots and colourful rosellas – and, if you’re really lucky, one of those elusive lyrebirds.
If flora is more your thing, on the drier northern slopes there are forests of peppermint, stringybark and box eucalypt, alongside banksias, grass trees and wildflowers. In the south-facing wet gullies, you’ll also find statuesque mountain ash and grey gum as well as a wide range of tree ferns and other ferns.
Pack a picnic.
There are plenty of spectacular picnic spots throughout the park. One of the best is at Mason Falls. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the surrounds of tall eucalypts before embarking on a short walk to the falls where you can see water cascading over the sheer mudstone walls, into the gully below. The high drop waterfall is particularly impressive after recent rain.
If you’re feeling still feeling energetic, go for a stroll along the 500m - long Lyrebird Circuit Walk, which its way around some of the park's oldest trees.
Pitch a tent.
Nestled among tall eucalyptus forest alongside a tranquil mountain stream, the Gums Campground is ideal for families and small groups, featuring 18 campsites. Camp or bring your caravan or camper for a comfortable stay.
Hit the bike trail.
Head to the Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area for an action-packed downhill mountain bike ride. Fly down the trail as you leap over dirt jumps, wind your way along large off-camber sections and cross over rocky terrain. Shepherds Track will challenge and delight the most seasoned mountain bike riders. With dirt jumps, rock gardens, flowing earth berms and off-camber riding, there's excitement at every twist and turn.
A little history.
Kinglake National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people to the south and the Taungurung people to the north. They used seasonally available plants and animals for shelter, food, medicine, clothing, hunting implements and many important cultural items. The Wurundjeri and Taungurung people retain a very strong connection with this area, with many Aboriginal sites, including scatters and hand tools, revealed by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
What else do you need to know?
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, make sure to check the relevant Kinglake National Park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable.