Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bunyip State Park spans approximately 29,000 hectares in southeastern Victoria, located about 65 kilometers east of Melbourne. The park features a mix of wet and dry eucalypt forests, fern gullies, and open grasslands, supporting native fauna such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and numerous bird species. It was established in 1992 with a focus on conserving the diverse ecosystems characteristic of the Gippsland and Central Highlands regions. The terrain includes gently rolling hills, small creeks, and rocky outcrops, providing varied scenery and habitats. Visitors commonly engage in hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and camping. Several well-maintained trails wind through the park, including multi-use tracks suitable for both walkers and cyclists. Historic logging tracks and old forestry huts lend a glimpse into the region’s logging past. Bunyip Falls, a seasonal waterfall, is a popular natural landmark within the park. The park’s location near Melbourne makes it a convenient natural retreat for day visitors and overnight campers seeking wilderness experiences close to the city. It is managed to balance recreational use with environmental protection, preserving habitat connectivity for a range of native species. The park’s forested settings and open spaces also support bushfire management activities and ecological research. Bunyip State Park represents an important conservation area within Victoria’s network of public lands, valued for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
