National Parks Victoria

On Phillip Island, nature has packed in a power of attractions. There’s the nightly performance of the Penguin Parade, a reserve with boardwalks weaving through treetops populated by cute koalas and a marine centre where interactive displays introduce you to seals, sharks and dolphins.

In Melbourne, 300 species are at home in the Melbourne Zoo, but it’s also a place of peaceful gardens and very pleasant walks. The Butterfly House is filled with brilliant fluttering colours, while the African and Asian rainforests reveal gorillas, orang-utans, majestic big cats, pygmy hippopotamus and other exotic animals.

Travelling west around Port Phillip Bay, you’ll come to the You Yangs, 22km north of Geelong. These granite peaks rise dramatically in the Werribee lava plains, dominating the landscape.

It’s an easy drive to Ballarat, where Ballarat Wildlife Park has friendly kangaroos and scary Tasmanian devils, spitting cobras and death adders. Take lunch to enjoy in the picnic areas with barbecues, or relax in the licensed café before discovering the rich 19th century goldrush history that abounds in Ballarat.

Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are filled with easy bush and lakeside walks. But you mustn’t miss the strange formations of Hanging Rock, which inspired the book ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’. There are plenty of walks, picnic areas, barbecues, wildlife and birdlife, and even fishing in the dam for kids.

Penguins, Koalas and the Nobbies Centre Phillip Island Three top attractions, all close by. Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, meet koalas on tree-top boardwalks, see seals, sharks and dolphins in interactive displays and zoom in with camera close-ups. www.penguins.org.au Also in the Phillip Island region: Seal Cruises

Melbourne Zoo Melbourne See more than 300 species of creatures, walk through lush Asian and African rainforests, explore the butterfly house and then go tree-top viewing at the spectacular new Orang-utan Sanctuary.  www.zoo.org.au Also in Melbourne: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The You Yangs Geelong and The Bellarine Fun, adventure and education as you picnic, walk or study nature. Or take a trip along the Great Scenic Drive, which winds through this striking national park. www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Also in Geelong and the Bellarine: Marine Discovery Centre at Queenscliff

Ballarat Wildlife Park Ballarat in the Goldfields Free-ranging kangaroos bound around this park, which is home to koalas, wombats, evil-looking Tasmanian devils and reptiles including crocodiles, spitting cobras and death adders. Café, shady lawns, picnic areas, barbecues. www.wildlifepark.com.au   Also in Ballarat and Goldfields: Great dividing trail

Hanging Rock Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Mystery still swirls around this mythological Rock, home of the celebrated book and movie Picnic at Hanging Rock. Also famous for New Years Day and Australia Day Hanging Rock Races. www.hangingrock.info   Also in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges:Mount Macedon