Kinglake National Park

Just an hour north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park is a bushland sanctuary that feels a world away from the city. This is where the Great Dividing Range’s tall eucalypt forests, fern gullies and sweeping views over the Yarra Valley converge. The park’s dramatic topography – shaped by volcanic activity and the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires – tells a story of regeneration and resilience. For travellers seeking a quick nature fix, it offers walking trails, picnic spots and a chance to see kangaroos and lyrebirds in the wild.

Highlights & What to See

• Masons Falls – A short walk leads to a viewing platform overlooking this plunging waterfall, best after rain, with picnic facilities nearby.
• Junction Hill – A moderate hike rewards you with panoramic views across the Yarra Valley and, on clear days, to the city skyline.
• Wallaby Track – An easy, family-friendly loop where you’re almost guaranteed to spot eastern grey kangaroos grazing at dusk.
• Razorback Lookout – A quick detour from the main road offering a stunning vista of the Kinglake plateau and surrounding forest.
• Black Saturday Memorial – A poignant site that honours the 2009 bushfire victims and highlights the park’s remarkable recovery.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring the park, starting with a short walk to Masons Falls then driving to Junction Hill for the view. If you have a full day, pack a picnic and tackle a longer hike like the 8 km Kinglake Loop, which takes you through wet forest and open ridges. For photographers, early morning or late afternoon light is best, especially at Razorback Lookout.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yarra Valley – Just south, this wine region is perfect for a post-walk tasting at cellar doors like De Bortoli or Yering Station.
• Healesville Sanctuary – A wildlife sanctuary in the Yarra Valley where you can see platypuses, koalas and dingoes up close.
• Marysville – A charming town with gardens and waterfalls, about 30 minutes east, great for lunch or a coffee.
• Steavenson Falls – Near Marysville, this 84-metre waterfall is especially spectacular after rain.
• Toolangi State Forest – Adjacent to the park, home to towering mountain ash trees and the Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.