Kinglake National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
Introduction
Surrounding the township of Kinglake, this bush retreat close to Melbourne offers views of the Yarra Valley, the city skyline and Port Phillip beyond. Traditionally the Wurundjeri people lived in the area then Europeans came in search of gold and timber. By the 1920s fruit and vegetable farming had developed, but in 1928, before land clearing had totally destroyed the environment, the original Kinglake National Park was declared. The park is divided into four sections: Wombelano Block in the north-east is a comparatively dry environment, with spreading open forest; Everard Block in the south-east is notable for Jehosaphat Gully with its lush, cool ferns; Sugarloaf Block in the central west includes the cascading Masons Falls; and in the north-west, with no public access, is the Wallaby Creek catchment. Eucalypt forest cloaks most of the park, varying from red stringybark, peppermint and messmate in the drier regions to stately mountain ash and grey gum with an understorey of ferns and banksia in the more moist southern aspects. Correas, everlastings, daisies and other wildflowers bloom profusely in spring. Wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas dwell here but are not usually seen; at night you may see or hear possums, bats, gliders and bandicoots foraging for food. Jehosaphat Gully is the most likely spot to find superb lyrebirds. Nature study, cycling and horse riding (check for seasonal closures) are all popular. Anglers will find blackfish, trout, spiny freshwater crays and yabbies the main catches. Walks include a 15-minute circuit near Masons Falls (suitable for people with limited mobility) and the Everard Circuit Walk (6–7 hours return) for experienced hikers.
Fact file
Camping
The Gums; bookings required
Location and access
65 km north-east of Melbourne via Maroondah Hwy then Melba Hwy; via Whittlesea on Whittlesea–Yea Rd; via Hurstbridge and St Andrews on Heidelberg–St Andrews Rd; 16 km north of Yarra Glen
Park Information
PV 13 1963
Size
21 600 ha
Where to Stay
Healesville/Yarra Glen
(03) 5962 2600
www.visityarravalley.com.au
Kinglake (03) 5772 1100
Campsites
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