Have you resolved to discover more of Victoria this New Year? If not, you definitely should! With breathtaking scenery, a rich cultural tapestry, and varied landscapes, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature throughout the year.

To ignite your 2025 travel ambitions, we’ve curated a list of top national parks to visit each month, ranging from majestic mountain ranges to serene pink lakes, lush forests, and inviting coastal hideaways.

Whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or a profound connection with nature, this guide is here to assist you in creating your 2025 travel itinerary.

1. January – Alpine National Park

Why visit? Get away from the summer hustle and explore the grassy highlands and mountain summits.

Commence the year by discovering Victoria’s largest national park. Alpine National Park extends from central Gippsland to the border with New South Wales, where it meets Kosciuszko National Park.

The pleasant summer temperatures at the park’s high elevations create ideal conditions for hiking, horseback riding, and four-wheel driving. It’s also a hotspot for summer wildflowers.

Ascend Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, tackle the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, delve into the history and heritage of the High Country along the Wonnangatta Icon Drive, witness Victoria’s tallest waterfall, or embark on a white-water rafting adventure down the Mitta Mitta River.

Alpine National Park forms part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that honors the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples.

Distance from Melbourne: 5 hours / 390-500 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

Explore more: Alpine National Park.

Alpine National Park. Image: Visit Victoria.

2. February – Tarra-Bulga National Park

Why visit? Enjoy the cool shade beneath majestic canopies and sprawling ferns.

Nestled in the Strzelecki Ranges, Tarra-Bulga National Park is a refreshing refuge filled with lush fern-draped gullies, towering Mountain Ash, and ancient Myrtle Beech. Even on the hottest February days, it’s perfect for a cool escape.

Begin your journey at the Tarra-Bulga Visitor Centre in Balook for information about the park and insights into its cultural significance to the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its exceptional Aboriginal heritage.

Take a leisurely stroll on one of the many nature trails, walk across the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, go birdwatching to spot over 100 bird species, or enjoy a picnic by a serene, shaded creek.

Tarra-Bulga National Park is situated on Brataualung Country, holding significant cultural importance for the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its rich Aboriginal heritage.

Distance from Melbourne: 2.5 hours / 190 kilometers east of Melbourne.

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Corrigan Suspension Bridge, Tarra-Bulga National Park. Image: Visit Victoria.

3. March – Point Nepean National Park

Why visit? Discover a coastal landscape rich in rugged beauty and history.

The story of Point Nepean National Park stretches back thousands of years to the Bunurong people and has significantly influenced the early European settlement and Australia’s defense.

March, after summer, is an ideal time to walk or cycle through this captivating coastal area while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and bay. Explore Fort Nepean and gain insight into the people who passed through the Quarantine Station.

There’s so much to uncover that you may wish to stay a few days. Enjoy your time at the picturesque coastal park by booking a spot at the pre-pitched Discovery Tents (bookings required).

Point Nepean National Park rests on an Aboriginal cultural landscape that belongs to the Bunurong People.

Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours / 110 kilometers south of Melbourne.

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Point Nepean National Park

4. April – Brisbane Ranges National Park

Why visit? Encounter a variety of native species just over an hour from Melbourne.

Brisbane Ranges National Park presents excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, scenic drives, and picnicking – especially during the cooler autumn days, which are particularly suitable for exploration.

The Ted Erry Nature Circuit (8km, 3 hours return) makes for a perfect loop hike. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, and koalas, as well as the blooming Twisted Beard heath, Common Heath, and Autumn Bird Orchid.

The park is home to 170 recorded species of native birds, including the Yellow‐tufted Honeyeater and the night-active White‐throated Nightjar.

Brisbane Ranges National Park is part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape and traditionally belongs to the Wadawurrung People.

Distance from Melbourne: 1.5 hours / 80 kilometers west of Melbourne.

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Brisbane Ranges National Park. Image: Visit Victoria.

5. May – Dandenong Ranges National Park

Why visit? Witness a stunning autumnal display right on Melbourne’s doorstep.

Dandenong Ranges National Park is a short drive from Melbourne, yet it feels worlds away. These low mountains are a haven for plant enthusiasts, thanks to the cool climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile volcanic soils.

In May, you can revel in the vibrant autumn foliage throughout the park and its adjacent gardens. Notable spots include the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, and Pirianda Garden.

Read more: Dandenong Ranges Garden Itinerary.

Dandenong Ranges National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People.

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour / 40 kilometers east of Melbourne.

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Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Dandenong Ranges National Park

6. June – Murray-Sunset National Park

Why visit? Experience the world-famous Pink Lakes at their most vibrant.

Murray-Sunset National Park is among the last semi-arid regions on Earth where the landscape remains largely untouched. Its vast, remote beauty is definitely worth a visit—expect breathtaking sunsets and expansive starry nights.

The four enchanting Pink Lakes—Crosbie, Becking, Kenyon, and Hardy—get their color after winter and spring rains. Visiting in June means you’ll likely see these lakes at their most breathtaking, showcasing their vibrant hues.

Murray-Sunset National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape encompassing the traditional Country of the Latji Latji, Ngintait, and Nyeri Nyeri Peoples.

Distance from Melbourne: 7 hours / 600 kilometers northwest of Melbourne.

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Murray-Sunset National Park