Brisbane Ranges National Park

Park National park west of Melbourne with eucalypt forests

A state park west of Melbourne featuring eucalypt forest, walking trails, granite outcrops and spring wildflowers; popular for bushwalking and koala spotting.

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Brisbane Ranges National Park is a protected area of forested ridges, woodlands and native grasslands in Victoria, Australia. The park conserves remnant native vegetation and provides walking tracks and picnic sites.

Trails and lookouts provide short- to medium-length hikes through eucalypt forest and open ridgelines; the park is used for bushwalking, birdwatching and observing seasonal wildflower displays. Popular local walking areas include gorge and creek valleys within the ranges.

The park was established to protect the Brisbane Ranges landscape and its native flora and fauna and is managed by Parks Victoria. Infrastructure is limited to walking tracks, signage and basic picnic facilities to maintain the area’s natural character.

Geographically it sits inland to the west-northwest of metropolitan Melbourne in western Victoria, between the towns of Geelong, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. The ranges form part of the low volcanic highlands that run through this region.

  • Nature: Noted for native eucalypt woodlands and spring wildflower displays; wildlife includes kangaroos and a range of woodland birds.

What to See #

  • Anakie Gorge: Anakie Gorge - a valley and trail network within the park used for short walks and birdwatching, with picnic facilities at the trailhead.
Brisbane Ranges National Park
Brisbane Ranges National Park, Victoria
-37.8243, 144.2743

How to Get to Brisbane Ranges National Park #

The park is about 60-80 km west of Melbourne, accessible by car via the Western Freeway and local roads. The most-used trailheads have small car parks; limited public transport serves the townships on the park’s edges-plan for a final drive into the park.

Tips for Visiting Brisbane Ranges National Park #

  • Check for park alerts and track closures-some routes are seasonal or closed for conservation work.
  • Early morning is best for wallaby and bird sightings; weekends can be busy at popular trailheads.
  • The park's sandstone ridges can be slippery after rain-wear sturdy footwear.

Best Time to Visit Brisbane Ranges National Park #

A national park west of Melbourne featuring sandstone escarpments, woodlands, and wildflower displays-managed by Parks Victoria.

Autumn
Mar-May · 10-22°C
Leaf colour and cooler weather-excellent for hiking and photography.
Spring
Sep-Nov · 10-20°C
Wildflower season; the park's heathlands bloom with native species.
Summer
Dec-Feb · 20-35°C
Hot and dry; start hikes early and avoid extreme-heat days.

Weather & Climate near Brisbane Ranges National Park #

Climate

Brisbane Ranges National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (680 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 26°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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