Victoria’s state forests are open for everyone to explore and enjoy. Some restrictions are in place to protect visitors, forest health and our native plants and animals. These rules are explained below.
What are the rules?
Dogs are welcome in state forests*, and they can remain off-leash in most areas.
If you’re camping or in a visitor area (within 100m of facilities like carparks, picnic tables, toilets, fire pits or information shelters), your dog must always be on-leash or under your control. This means you should be able to call it back straight away, even if it’s distracted or excited.
Wherever you are, make sure your dog doesn’t disturb native animals or sensitive vegetation, and make sure you take home any mess your dog leaves behind.
Assistance animals are allowed in all areas of state forest.
* In forest parks: Dogs are normally prohibited but may be allowed in specific areas. Call us on 136 186 to confirm the rules before you visit.
You can fly drones and model aircraft in a state forest if:
- it’s not in a visitor area,
- you’re not disturbing wildlife, and
- you follow the rules set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This includes always being able to see your drone while it’s flying, keeping at least 30m away from other people, and never flying near an airport or during natural disasters/emergency operations.
Please note, Parks Victoria does not allow drones to be flown over any areas they manage, including national parks, state parks, and reserves.
You can go fishing and yabbying in a state forest if you have a recreational fishing licence and follow Victorian fishing rules. Check out this guide or contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority for more information.
* In forest reserves: Fishing or yabbying is normally prohibited but may be allowed in specific areas. Call us on 136 186 to confirm the rules before you visit.
You can go horse riding in a state forest if you stay on formed vehicle roads and tracks, multi-use tracks (where signed), and/or purpose-built horse trails.
Make sure your horse is always under your control and is not endangering any person or animal. Please avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.
* In forest reserves: Horses are normally prohibited but may be allowed in specific areas. Call us on 136 186 to confirm the rules before you visit.
You can hunt game and pest animals in state forests if you hold the appropriate permission from the Game Management Authority (except for in some restricted areas). You can’t hunt any native animals, unless they are specified as game animals.
If you hold a current game licence, you don’t need a registration of interest to hunt pest animals or game in state forests. Check out the More to Explore app for sites near you, and visit the Game Management Authority website for comprehensive information about licences and firearm rules.
A game licence is not required to hunt pest animals, but some hunters will need to get a Registration of interest to hunt pest animals on Crown land in order to have a genuine reason to obtain a Firearm Licence and use a firearm to hunt pest animals.
Please note that:
- If you have a bow or spear, you cannot use it in a visitor area.
- If you have a gun, you must comply with the Firearms Act 1996.
* In forest reserves (general): Traps/snares, poison, firearms, and/or interference with animals not allowed.
* In Delatite Arm Reserve: Firearms allowed.
* In Tarago and Thomson River Forest Reserves: Traps/snares, poison, or firearm allowed if you’re hunting deer only and you comply with the Wildlife Act 1975.
You can have a picnic anywhere in a state forest, but please avoid disturbing plants and animal habitat when you’re choosing a spot to set up.
While you’re there:
- You can use a BBQ, campfire or stove when it’s safe to do so. Do not light a flame if it’s hot, windy or a Total Fire Ban is in place. Put someone in charge of watching the BBQ, campfire or stove closely and make sure it’s fully extinguished before you leave.
- Take your rubbish home with you. There are no bins or collection services in forests.
- Please do not touch or feed wildlife.
For more information about campfires while picnicking, see the Campfires, stoves and BBQs page.
You can fossick and pan for gold in a state forest if you have a Miner’s Right permit. There are strict rules about where you can go and the type of equipment you can use to ensure vulnerable areas and waterways aren’t disturbed.
Check out this guide or contact Resources Victoria for more information.
You can go rock climbing and bouldering in state forests, but you must follow other rules that apply to the area. Make sure you avoid interfering with plants and animals, damaging cultural heritage, and endangering the safety of other visitors.
* In forest parks and forest reserves: Climbing is normally prohibited but may be allowed in specific areas. Call us on 136 186 to confirm the rules before you visit.
For rock climbing sites in national and state parks across Victoria, visit the Parks Victoria website.
You can swim in the waterways and pools in state forests, but make sure you always swim in a safe location and know your limits. Keep an eye on children, pets, and other swimmers to help keep everyone safe.
* In forest parks and forest reserves: Swimming may be prohibited in some areas – these will be clearly signed. Call us on 136 186 to confirm the rules before you visit.
Commercial
You can only run a for-profit tour or event, or conduct any other commercial activity, if you have a permit or licence. This includes trailbike and 4WD tours, rallies, festivals, commercial filming or photography, sporting competitions, and any other for-profit activities. For more information on tours, read this tour operators guide, or call us on 136 186 for information on other events and commercial activities in state forests.
Not-for-profit
Not-for-profit tours and events are generally allowed in state forests. However, these tours or events must follow all other rules that apply to the activity being done (e.g. you must not damage flora and fauna, must not cause a nuisance, must not endanger public safety) and you may be required to have a permit for your event or activity. Please call us on 136 186 for more information.
For rules about vehicle use, see the ‘Vehicle use’ page.
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