Nature's Best

Within easy reach of Avalon Airport, less than 15 minutes by car, is a natural playground begging to be explored with plenty of action-packed activities for thrill seekers.

Whether you like your thrills on two wheels or two feet, there's something for everyone.

You Yangs Regional Park

Bubbling spectacularly from the Western Plains are the huge granite slabs and boulders of the You Yangs. Named from Wadawurrung language ‘Wurdi Youang’ which means ‘big hills’. This region has been a significant site for the local Wadawurrung people for more than 60,000 years and the resources available on these lands provided a sustainable life.

There are more than 300 cultural heritage sites in the area including water wells which were made by enlarging natural hollows in the rock. There’s also a sculpture of Bunjil, the Wadawurrung Creator Spirit. From the highest peaks, the 360-degree views are over the expanses of Wadawurrung country and as far as Melbourne.

The You Yangs Regional Park is a wonderful place to get active in nature. It has a vast array of tracks for walking and hiking and there are also horse-riding trails, plus 50km of dedicated mountain bike tracks. Rock climbing and orienteering are also popular here.

Geelong Adventure Specialists can guide you on any of these activities and will have you abseiling down rock faces before you know it. They also offer bush adventure therapy sessions.

More than 200 species of birds have been recorded around the You Yangs and the park is also home to koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas and lizards.

There are plenty of spots to choose from for picnics and barbecues and dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great place to share with your furry friend.

Serendip Sanctuary

About 10km from the You Yangs Regional Park, Serendip Sanctuary is a serene oasis that feels a world away, despite being close to the Lara township and easily accessible from Geelong and Melbourne.

It’s a haven for wildlife in the Western Volcanic Plains where you can walk through 250 hectares of grassy woodlands and wetlands to discover free roaming animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus and up to 150 bird species. There’s a picnic space and barbecue area.