Cobboboonee National Park

In the deep southwest of Victoria, Cobboboonee National Park is a wild, untamed pocket of coastal heathland and towering Stringybark forests. Named after the local Aboriginal word for 'the place of the ghost,' this park feels gloriously remote — a place where the only soundtrack is the wind in the eucalypts and the call of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo. For travellers seeking solitude and a genuine immersion in nature, Cobboboonee rewards with quiet walking trails, dramatic seasonal wildflowers, and a sense of discovery that's rare in more visited parks.

Highlights & What to See

• Discovery Bay Coastal Trail: A scenic 4WD track that winds through the park's heart, offering access to hidden forest walks and picnic spots. Keep an eye out for emus and kangaroos.
• Blackwood Gully Walk: A short, atmospheric trail that meanders through a fern-lined gully and across a historic wooden bridge — perfect for a morning leg-stretch.
• Wildflower Spectacle: In spring (September to November), the heathlands erupt in a riot of colour: flame heath, pink bells, and golden wattles. Bring a camera.
• Birds and Wildlife: The park is a stronghold for the endangered eastern bristlebird and a haven for koalas. Dawn and dusk are prime viewing times.
• Four-wheel Driving: Several unsealed tracks invite 4WD exploration (check conditions locally — some are very rough).

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day is enough to drive the main tracks, tackle the Blackwood Gully Walk, and enjoy a picnic. If you're a keen birdwatcher or bushwalker, an entire day allows you to explore deeper trails like the longer Cobboboonee Forest Walk. The park is compact, so you can cover the highlights without rushing — but the quiet beauty encourages lingering.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Portland — Victoria's oldest European settlement, with a working port, historic buildings, and the excellent Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.
• Nelson — A tiny town on the Glenelg River, perfect for canoeing, fishing, and riverside camping.
• Discovery Bay Coastal Park — Adjacent to Cobboboonee, this park offers wild beaches, the iconic Cape Bridgewater blowholes, and a colony of fur seals.
• Mount Richmond National Park — A volcanic peak with panoramic views and a network of walking trails through remnant forest.
• Lower Glenelg National Park — Famous for the Princess Margaret Rose Cave and the serene Glenelg River canoe trail.

Please check official sources for current details.