Authored by Mark Wyld

While the majority of travelers to Australia head straight for the iconic sites of Melbourne, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, this amazing country offers so much more. Occupying the vast eastern corner of Victoria, Gippsland is one area in particular that travelers should explore; a region of spectacular natural landscapes of unparalleled beauty. Best National Parks in Victoria. 

With quaint seaside villages, alpine towns and farming communities, unspoiled beaches, ample farm-fresh produce and beautiful lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, we are fortunate to call Gippsland our home. Being such a large area, National Parks are a plenty here, and our days and weekends are spent camping, bush walking, fishing and relaxing on unspoiled beaches along the coast. This is a paradise for those who love nature and the outdoors.

The following are the top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.

Top 5 National Parks to Visit in Gippsland, Australia

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The top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.

The top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

The prom, as it is affectionately known to Victorians, is one of the most popular national parks in the state, encompassing the southern most tip of mainland Australia. Most beautiful park in Victoria. Victoria National Parks map.

The prom is renowned for its spectacular scenery of native flora, rain forests, and huge granite peaks that rise from the landscape. Bush walking is popular with many day treks and overnight walks possible. The trek to the Wilson Promontory Lighthouse is the most popular. The lighthouse sits on a rocky peninsula that stretches out into the wild waters of bass straight.

The waters around the national park are alive with a huge variety of marine life. Everything from whales, to seals can be seen here, and fishing and camping are popular options for many visitors. Self-contained camp sites include Yanakee, Shallow Inlet, Sandy Point and Tidal River. Wilsons Prom National park.

Mt Oberon summit overlooking Wilsons Promontory

Mt Oberon summit overlooking Wilsons Promontory

Buchan Caves National Park

The Buchan caves are located on the outskirts of the town they are named after. The caves reserve consists of a campground, camp kitchen, swimming pool, shop and a park information centre. Victorian national parks.

There are 2 caves available in the reserve for visitors to tour through; the royal cave and the fairy cave. The caves were formed over many millenniums by underground rivers cutting through the limestone. The formation of the stalactites which are the feature of the caves are created by water seeping through the ground into the caves over millions of years.

Wildlife is aplenty at the reserve. If you camp here you are likely to encounter kangaroo’s hopping around, koala’s in the trees, and possums trying to raid your food supply by night. The pool at Buchan caves is one of the coldest pools in the State, the water flowing straight from an underground cave. Bush walking tracks are popular for short hikes. National parks in Victoria.

The formation of the stalactites which are the feature of the caves are created by water seeping through the ground into the caves over millions of years.

Wildlife is aplenty at the reserve. If you camp here you are likely to encounter kangaroo’s hopping around.

The Alpine National Park

The Alpine National park is the largest park in Victoria. This park joins up with national parks located in New South Wales and The Australian Capital Territory.

These joined parks across three states work to protect most of the Australian Alps. The alpine national park encompasses 10 of the 11 highest mountains in Victoria and is renowned for diverse mountain landscapes, wild rivers, untouched forests giant exposed escarpments on open plains. A popular way to experience the park is to drive the renowned great alpine ride which winds itself through the highest altitude roads in the state offering uncompromising panoramic views of the Victorian alps. Best hiking in Victoria.

Winter Ski resorts such as Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain fall in the Gippsland region of the park. These resort towns offer downhill, cross country skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. In the summer months, these small towns become a mecca for bush walking, mountain biking and fly fishing enthusiasts.

Hiking to Mount Speculation in the Victorian Alps

Hiking to Mount Speculation in the Victorian Alps

Mitchel River National Park

This national park is for those looking for impressive wilderness and river scenes. The Mitchell River cuts its way through deep and remote gorges in this park. The river meanders through some of the most unique flora and fauna in the state some of which is indigenous to this area only.

The best way to see the park is via white water rafting where you can experience the tranquil water and demanding rapids the characterize the Mitchel River. It’s recommended that only experienced rafters take the river on alone, though tours are available for beginners. Things to do in Gippsland.

Numerous walking tracks are situated throughout the park that take you through forests of wattle tree and moss-covered rain forests. Fishing for trout in remote area’s of the river is popular too. Hunters stalk deer during the season while campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. The Den of Nargun can be visited which is associated with the home of a beast in Aboriginal culture.

Cape Conran National Park

Cape Conran National Park is located in far North Gippsland near the township of Marlo. This is one of the most remote and wild sections of the Victorian coastline. Things to do in west Gippsland. What’s on in Gippsland today?

Untouched and rugged are words that come to mind when describing this part of the coast. The park features the self-guide Cape Conran nature trail for the hikers. Rock pooling swimming and fishing are popular activities for day trippers and campers in the park. Best things to do while in Gippsland.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are recommended at the west cape beach and salmon rocks. This area is inhabited by seals and a wide variety of sea life that live bull kelp forests that reside under the water.

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The top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.

The top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.

Mark is a father, husband, travel planner, savings expert, beer connoisseur, photographer, social media tragic, castle and UNESCO seeker. He got the travel bug way back in 1999 and together with his wife, he documents his family’s journey on Wyld family Travel. His two daughters Willow and Marley were infected with the travel bug at a young age, and are obsessed with discovering all the different wonders of the world.

Through the their travels, they are hoping to inspire as many people as they can to get out there and explore the world, and send the message that it’s not too hard, too expensive or too restricting to travel with small children. Travel is a wonderful experience can be had by the whole family!

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Photo credits: Mt Oberon summit overlooking Wilsons Promontory by Long Zheng. A shiny beach by Chris Ford. Buchan cave by Pat Scullion. Hiking to Mount Speculation in the Victorian Alps by Tommy Miller. Ski season at Mt. Hothman by Samantha Bell.