Leap into spring for the Great Vic Nature Walk on Sunday 18 September 2022
Did you know that being in nature helps boost your mood, reduces stress and does wonders for your health, and well-being.
We’d love all Victorians to get outdoors and take part in our first ever Great Vic Nature Walk. And there are prizes up for grabs for those who do.
Whether it’s a stroll around your local park or an epic hike, walking in the great outdoors is a fun way to hangout with friends and family. So, get out there and explore.
Choose your adventure
Check out our program of guided, in-person events.
Or you can head out to your nearest park for a picnic and walk to enjoy all nature has to offer.
If you can’t get out on the day, check out some great immersive virtual experiences and other helpful resources.
Tell us about it to win
Sign and let us know where you are taking part in the Great Vic Nature Walk, and you will go in the draw to win one of four family passes to Zoos Victoria; one of two double passes for Forest Therapy with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, or a family (4 person pass) pass to Phillip Island Nature Parks.
We encourage you to trek anywhere in Victoria so long as you stay .
To increase your chances of winning take on our bonus challenge!
Bonus challenges
Share a selfie on social media in nature on the Great Vic Nature Walk by tagging @delwp_vic and use #VicOurNature. The best photos will also feature in our socials!
Looking for hidden nature spots to explore during the Great Vic Nature Walk
Victorians pride themselves on getting out in the great outdoors. So, it’s no surprise that Victoria has a few hidden nature gems up its sleeve. Find out where to explore some of Melbourne's favourite hidden nature spots on Pin My . Don't forget to add your own hidden nature spot.
What's on for the Great Vic Nature Walk
Accessible walks
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the great outdoors. So do our partners at Parks Victoria, and they are making more of Victoria’s parks accessible to people with different access needs.
Check out Parks Victoria’s top 10 all-abilities for ideas about where to for the Great Vic Nature Walk.
More outdoor inspiration
Need some more inspiration on where to go? Then check out these terrific park walks and Victoria Nature Festival events.
Walks in Phillip Island
Home to idyllic beaches, rugged coastlines, unique wildlife and internationally significant environments, Phillip Island is the perfect place cast off the city and dive into nature. Phillip Island Nature Parks have handpicked their favourite walks for you to enjoy.
Cape Woolamai
Stunning coastal scenery from Phillip Island’s highest point. The golden beach of Cape is a popular Phillip Island surfing spot. For the more adventurous, a series of walking tracks across Cape Woolamai reveal breathtaking views of cliffs carved by wind and waves. Ancient middens mark important Aboriginal cultural spots. Cape Woolamai is also home to a large colony of short-tailed shearwaters.
Kitty Miller Bay
Enjoy beautiful coastal views from another of Phillip Island's hidden gems - Kitty Miller Bay. A great spot for snorkelling or swimming and on high tide, there's a nice small wave for surfers of all abilities. On low tide, you can walk across the rocks and around the corner to find the site of the SS Speke Shipwreck.
Rhyll Inlet Wetlands
Discover the world-renowned wetlands on the north shore of Phillip Island. The mangroves and mudflats of Rhyll are a significant site for the wading birds that fly thousands of kilometres to feed during the summer months. They are recognised under the Ramsar international wetlands agreement.
Boardwalks of varying lengths loop through the mangroves, saltmarsh and mudflats, and walkers are rewarded by the presence of spoonbills, oystercatchers, herons, egrets and cormorants. Climb the Conservation Hill Observation Tower for panoramic views of the wetlands and surrounding woodland reserves.
Pyramid Rock
Soak in the picturesque coastal views from Pyramid . The ideal spot for whale watching during the winter months and long walks in the summer.
Oswin Roberts Reserve
Experience a variety of landscapes within Oswin Roberts and beyond with the bush to bay walking trail. Situated just behind the Koala Conservation Reserve, Oswin Roberts is perfect for those looking to wander further through native vegetation after a visit to see the koalas. Breathe in the fresh eucalypt while spotting wallabies and echidnas and listening to native birds singing in the trees.
Swan Lake
Pack your binoculars and stroll through lush vegetation to reach the pristine Swan .
This freshwater lake, situated just before the Penguin Parade, is a significant site for the Traditional Custodians of Millowl (Phillip Island), the Bunurong. Walk along an easy track to the bird viewing hides, beginning at the Swan Lake information shelter. 1.3 kms, 40 mins return: easy.
Reviewed 12 September 2022