May 8th, 2025Guide to new national park
A new guide book takes people inside the Victorian National Park that isn’t actually on the map yet: Great Forest National Park.
The adventure guidebook has been released to share the destinations, activities, science and history behind the proposed park in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
For over a decade, locals and researchers have mapped out a plan to declare the Great Forest National Park.
They have now produced a Great Forest Park Guide book to showcase opportunities for engaging with the park area while protecting it into the future.
It dispels the myth that national parks are locked up and neglected, with pages to inspire walkers, campers, fishers, cyclists, runners, horseriders and 4-wheel drivers.
“Making the guide book is a huge step towards engaging Melburnians with the park’s history and all it has to offer,” says (above pictured) Sarah Rees, project manager of the GFNP.
“We need our government to step up and declare the National Park so that millions of Victorians can enjoy this natural wonderland and we can begin boosting the local economy, with a projected $71 million supporting rural towns in surrounding areas each year.”
The guide book is full of contributions from highly regarded scientists, environmental gurus, experts and outdoor explorers.
“The GFNP will provide protection for threatened species from commercial logging and numerous other threats,” says Matt Ruchel, executive director of the Victorian National Parks Association.
“Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it’s a huge opportunity for recreation for nature-starved urbanites.”
Link: greatforestnationalpark.com.au
Image: Liam Neal
