Visitors to Gembrook and the Yarra Ranges have even more reason to explore the outdoors, with Parks Victoria wrapping up a series of upgrades and programs at parks across the region.
Local rangers have been busy fixing storm damage, resurfacing tracks, renewing boardwalks, removing illegally dumped rubbish and improving visitor safety.
Upgrades and repairs include:
Bunyip State Park – upgrades to two timber boardwalks measuring a collective 18 metres along the Mortimer Nature Walk provide improved access to the creeks and native birdlife that make this walk a local favourite.
Operation Columbus – Parks Victoria is celebrating the many visitors who explored parks and reserves around Gembrook safely and responsibly over winter. During the annual operation period, authorised officers from Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator, in partnership with Victoria Police, had over 1000 interactions with visitors across the region. Of these, 222 offences were detected and 64 fines issued. Most illegal activities were unfortunately linked to off-road vehicle use, unlicensed and unregistered offences, and firewood theft.
Cambarville Circuit Walk – repaired sections of track, boardwalks, handrails and benches now reconnect visitors to Victoria’s tallest living tree, the 400-year-old Mountain Ash affectionately known as Big Tree, and the popular Cora Lynn Falls.
Lady Talbot Drive – repairs along the popular tourist route include the boardwalk along Beeches Rainforest Walk, as well as tracks and benches at the Taggerty Cascades. Upgrades to wayfinding signage along the route, and resurfacing of the Phantom Falls Car Park, are complete.
Mount Donna Buang – the toboggan run has been reshaped and stabilised, making it safer for families and snow lovers ahead of the 2026 season. This repair follows wear and tear over multiple years, causing a large drop off at this steep location.
Yannathan Bushland Reserve – Parks Victoria rangers recently held a working bee with volunteers from the Just Mates 4×4 Club in October. Together, they removed 30 cubic metres of rubbish, 50 tyres, three abandoned cars, and even one mini truck. Several illegally made tracks were rehabilitated following the clean-up, giving the park a much needed refresh ahead of summer.
