Explore Outdoors

Victoria has more than 8 million hectares of public land for local communities and visitors to explore.

State forests make up more than 3.1 million hectares of this land, providing many exciting recreational opportunities as well as supporting diverse conservation. This is an addition to over 4 million hectares of land and marine parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria.

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

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

New to camping in state forests?

If you’re looking to visit one of the hundreds of free campgrounds in state forests this summer, we’ve got some tips for you!

Find out what to expect and what you need to bring to enjoy your stay.

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On this site

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Where to start

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

Coastline of Gippsland

Regions

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

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Activities

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

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More to Explore app

Download this handy app and get information about more than 600 forest attractions, complete with online and offline maps.

Three people bushwalking in Beauchamp Falls in the Otways

Victoria's Great Outdoors

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

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Suburban Parks Program

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

Current news

Easter camping ideas

Discover 6 beautiful state forest campsites across Victoria, perfect for tents, caravans, and adventure.

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Inspiration for your autumn overnight hike

Three excellent multi-day hiking trails to take you on a journey through Victoria’s spectacular forest landscape.

Two women walk along a track through bushland

Short forest walks under 2 hours from Melbourne

Looking for a quick burst of nature, but short on time? Check out these 5 short forest walks that are within easy reach of Melbourne.

A wooden picnic table sits near the water's edge in the bush

Visiting Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounds 

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounds reopen following fires in December 2024.

A waterfall surrounded by green vegetation and a wooden viewing platform

Seven refreshing forest sites to explore

Discover 7 state forest campgrounds and walks to enjoy in the warmer months.

Blue Pool waterhole surrounded by rocks and tree covered hills.

Cool campgrounds to explore this summer

Find the best state forest campsites with water access.

A man is holding up a pair of binoculars and enjoys some birdwatching in the forest.

Nature experiences in our state forests for all abilities

Discover accessible recreation sites in Victoria's state forests this summer.

A family walk along a bridge in the bush

November is Try bushwalking month

Bushwalking Victoria is hosting more than 70 free and guided bushwalks in Victoria's parks and state forests in November.

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Nature play ideas for Children's Week

Nature play ideas for children in Victoria's state forests.

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