Kooyoora State Park

Inglewood Victoria

Kooyoora State Park, with magnificent views and a rich variety of plants and wildlife, protects some of north-central Victoria’s outstanding natural features. The park is ideal for many outdoor recreation activities from picnics to sightseeing, rock climbing, orienteering and nature study. Melville Caves, named after robber and rogue “Captain Melville”, have a rich history and offer fine views from giant rocky outcrops.

Kooyoora State Park can be considered an island within the surrounding countryside, in that large tracts have remained relatively untouched by development or industry. The park provides a fairly comprehensive interpretation on the activities and lifeways of the Jaara Jaara of the past.

The Jaara Jaara Aboriginal people of the Kooyoora area depended on natural springs and wells for their water as the area lacks permanent streams. Many large, yet shallow rock wells in the upper surfaces of the granite outcrops supplemented the water supply by storing rainwater.

Rock shelters and caves were used for shelter from the weather and their sandy floors have preserved many stone artefacts. Other remnants of Aboriginal occupation are scars in the bark of trees. Bark was used to make bark dishes and shields.

Kooyoora State Park was extended to 11,646ha in October 2002 to enhance what remains of Victoria’s Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands. The park encompasses the existing Kooyoora State Park, West Brenanah and Glenalbyn State Forests, part of Wehla State Forest and Wehla North Nature Conservation Reserve.

Walks at Kooyoora State Park

1. Melville Caves Walking Track – 1 hour loop, 1km

Start on the opposite side of the Melville Caves Picnic Area and climb between boulders, passing Seal Rock. The track continues to the summit (steep grades in places) and Melville Caves Lookout. Return to the Picnic Area via the steep walking track that leads off from the summit or via the road past the Melville Caves car park.

2. Eastern walking track – 2_ hour loop, 4.5km

The Eastern Walking Track is a loop track leading off Back Road and is currently isolated from the main visitor nodes. About 700m along the track there is a rock lookout with a good view of the valley. Continue past a long rock down to the fenced bush paddock. The track crosses a creek then heads down through more rock formations before climbing out of the valley and returning to the car park.

3. Melville Caves Lookout – 15mins, 300m

This is a short walk commencing from the Melville Caves car park. A directional disc on top of the boulders at the Lookout points out surrounding features and landmarks.

4. Southern Lookout Walking Track – 1_ hours, 1.8km

Start from the Melville Caves Picnic Area and follow the track to the Southern Lookout. Enjoy some of the best views from the park. Return to the picnic area via the same track.

5. Long Rock Walking Track – 2-3 hours, 5.3km

Start from either the Picnic Area or the Camp Ground. From the Picnic Area head to the Southern Lookout, then backtrack 200m to rejoin the track heading north. Walk in a clockwise direction to McLeod’s Lookout with magnificent views. The track continues south through remarkable rock formations and rock pools. From the Camp Ground, follow the walking track to McLeod’s Lookout and continue south to the Rock Pool and the Picnic Area. Return to the Camp Ground via the Southern Lookout walking track (turning north at the sign).