Several new and expanded parks and reserves across Victoria's central west and Mirboo North are entering a new chapter, helping protect some of the state's most significant natural and cultural landscapes while ensuring people can continue to enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.
The official establishment of these parks and reserves strengthens protection for forests, waterways, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage across the region, while continuing to support opportunities for walking, camping, exploring, connecting with nature, and much more.
Of the new parks coming into Parks Victoria's management, three new national parks will include areas already familiar to many visitors and local communities.
Mount Buangor National Park will include Mount Buangor State Park and parts of the Mt Cole State Forest.
Pyrenees National Park will include the Landsborough and Landsborough Hill Nature Conservation Reserves and parts of the St Arnaud-Pyrenees State Forest.
Wombat–Lerderderg National Park will include Lerderderg State Park and additions from the Wombat State Forest.
Additionally, three new conservation parks, seven new or expanded regional parks and almost 30 nature and bushland reserves are now open for all to enjoy.
As well as protecting important environmental and cultural values, these landscapes will support nature-based tourism and recreation opportunities that contribute to local communities, businesses, employment and regional economies.
Traditional Owners have cared for these landscapes for thousands of years, and their knowledge, values, goals and priorities will continue to shape the future of these parks.
Through our ongoing partnership with Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria recognises their enduring connections to Country and supports their goals, knowledge and leadership in caring for these landscapes.
What visitors need to know
The new and expanded parks are being established following the Victorian Government's response to the 2021 Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) Central West Investigation Final Report, followed by the introduction of the Parks and Public Land Amendment (Central West and Other Matters) Bill into the Victorian Parliament – creating over 65,000 hectares of national park in Victoria's Central West.
The new parks and reserves create even more opportunities for people to enjoy nature through activities such as walking, camping and exploring the great outdoors.
Many recreational activities will continue as they do today, although some activities will change in specific parks and locations.
Parks Victoria is committed to keeping visitors informed through clear and timely communications. As we roll out updated signage, online resources and visitor information over the coming months, we encourage visitors to look out for these updates to stay informed about any changes.
You can find visitor information, resources and updates on our website parks.vic.gov.au/projects/southwest-victoria/central-west-transition.
Plan ahead
Before packing up your gear for a trip in the great outdoors, check the Parks Victoria website for current information about park access, permitted activities and any changes that may apply in specific parks or locations.
