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Exploring Victoria’s accessible national parks and gardens

11 November 2024

School holidays are a great time for getting outside and exploring nature. Victoria is home to beautiful forests, parks, and gardens and many of them are accessible.

Whether you’re planning a short walk, a picnic, or a road trip, see our top resources and recommendations below!

Our top tips

  • Research and plan your trip ahead of time
  • Be sun-safe! Bring sun-safe clothing, use sunscreen, and find shade during the Summer
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks
  • Choose a destination the whole family can enjoy
  • Check the weather and conditions before you go

Parks Victoria accessibility tools

Margaret Lester Forest Walk

This trail in the Dandenongs National Park was purpose-built for people with limited mobility. TrailRider Wheelchairs are available to book so everyone can enjoy this serene slice of nature. Along the walk, you’ll find signs with information about the surrounding environment.

Cape Schank Lighthouse Reserve

The Cape Schank Lighthouse Reserve in the Mornington Peninsula National Park has been fitted out with sealed and compacted gravel paths and is a great stop on your Peninsula road trip or day out. Families can enjoy looking at the lighthouse, a small museum and stunning coastal views from the accessible lookout platform.

Parks Victoria has teamed up with accessibility advocate Ryan Smith to create this video, giving you an idea of wheelchair accessibility on site.

Cranbourne Royal Botanic Australian Garden

Cranbourne Royal Botanic Australian Garden is a stunning environment, with many accessibility features. A free wheelchair-accessible shuttle can be booked to and from Cranbourne Railway Station, and both manual and motorised wheelchairs are available to hire for free at the gardens. Children also ride free on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays.

The gardens are home to 100,000 plants from 1,900 plant varieties- including 450 indigenous species- across a number of landscapes. All in all, this is a great option for a day out, a picnic, and exploring nature.

Woowookarung Regional Park

Woowookarung Regional Park, just outside Ballarat, is home to an amazing sensory trail. The trail is a gentle 1km stroll, accessible to wheelchairs, assistance dogs, and groups. The trail has been specially designed to create positive feelings and sensations. Please note, there are currently no toilets in the park.

Serendip Sanctuary

Finally, Serendip Sanctuary, near Lara, gives you the chance to see native animals and birds in their natural environment, along a path that’s wheelchair accessible. There are also accessible BBQ shelters and picnic areas, to soak up the surroundings while you rest. Please note that the car park is spacious and not usually busy, but does not have allocated accessible parking.

Staying safe in nature

Walking maps

Parks Victoria all abilities access

Book a guided park walk

All abilities playgrounds in the Melbourne area

Inclusive playgrounds in regional Victoria

Your guide to Victoria’s accessible beaches

Get out and about with a travel pass

Read more Inclusive fun