Plenty Gorge Park
A volcanic gorge cut by the Plenty River, twenty minutes from the city, with plenty of places to perch for a picnic.
Overview
Plenty Gorge Parklands sits just 20 kilometres from Melbourne, where the Plenty River carves between two different rock types, creating enough habitat variety to make it an important refuge for threatened local species. It's also home to Blue Lake, a striking turquoise pool viewable from a dedicated platform, and the 1860s-era Le Page Homestead, still standing from the park's farming days.
Head for the Middle Gorge viewing platforms for the best vantage point over the river and surrounding cliffs, then pick a picnic spot from Hawkstowe, Yellow Gum or Yarrambat depending on which end of the park you've landed in — all three have barbecues and tables. Dogs are welcome on-lead, and the walking and cycling trails threading through make it an easy half-day out rather than a quick stop.
Vanessa Bluett
Images: Parks Victoria.
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