Situated about two hours east of Melbourne, Mount Worth State Park protects a remnant of the forests that once covered the western Strzelecki Ranges.
The tall Mountain Ash, Blackwood and Mountain Grey Gum littered forests offer an insight into what the Strzelecki Ranges used to look like before cattle farming took over the land.
Just that little bit closer to Melbourne, Bunyip State Park provides opportunities for all - hikers and walkers, four wheel drivers, motor-cross riders, mountain bikers and horse riders alike.
A few years back almost half the park fell victim to a bushfire. The State Park has since made a speedy recovery and is once again lush and open for exploring.
According to the Aboriginal people, the Bunyip is a spirit that punishes bad people. Local Aboriginal people believed the Bunyip lived in the swamps of the Bunyip River and therefore avoided the area. Many early settlers, believing this story, never pitched their tents near a Bunyip hole. People were also careful not to make ripples when collecting water as this would upset the Bunyip.
Well worth a visit for their serenity and fresh air, both parks give spectacular views over the beginning of the Great Diving Range.
