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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Brisbane Ranges National Park #
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).
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).