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Types of Parks

Parks Victoria looks after over 4 million hectares of public land. Some of these areas are reserved to protect plants and animals whereas others are reserved more for recreation and public enjoyment.

It’s important to recognise the different purpose and management objectives of the different types of parks in Victoria.

National Park

Areas of nationwide significance because of their outstanding natural environments, features, scenic landscapes, and diverse land types. They protect natural and cultural features and usually offer visitor facilities. They have limited areas for intensive recreation or development. In Victoria national parks are managed under the National Parks Act 1975. The oldest national parks in Victoria are Wilsons Promontory and Mount Buffalo. Both were reserved in 1898.

State Park

These are managed for the same purposes and under the same act as national parks. They are generally smaller than national parks and make up an area of land containing natural environments and features, scenic landscapes and one or more land types that represent the major land types of the State.

Wilderness park

Managed for conservation and self reliant recreation. Wilderness parks are generally large areas with landforms and native plant and animal communities relatively unaltered or unaffected by the influence of the European settlement of Australia.

Regional park

Areas of land containing indigenous or non- indigenous vegetation readily accessible from urban centres or major tourist routes. They offer diverse recreational opportunities for large numbers of people.

Marine national parks, marine sanctuaries and coastal parks

Protect marine and coastal environments, safeguarding marine habitats for important plants and animals and conserving natural, cultural and aesthetic values.

Metropolitan parks

Managed for intensive recreation and conservation where appropriate.

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Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize 2011 Winner’s Solo Exhibition

16 Feb 2012 10:00am - 15 Apr 2012 5:00pm

Artist Ma Late, winner of the 2011 Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize, will bring her first solo exhibition to the Point Nepean National Park from 16 February – 15 April 2012. The exhibition will be held in the Point Nepean Information Centre, open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily Originally from Burma, Ma Late spent twenty …

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Mountain Bike Orienteering

25 Feb 2012 5:00pm-6:30pm

Mountain Bike Orienteering Event. 75 minute score event starting at Flinders Peak car park. Maps supplied with marked course.

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Green Walks in the Park - Woodlands Historic Park

28 Feb 2012 10:00am-11:30am

Explore new green spaces each month with guided Green Walks in different parks across Victoria. Green Walks in the Park is a fun and active way to spend time with family and friends in parklands and open spaces. The walks are free and suitable for all ages. Green Walks in …

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Monthly Flying Fox Count

7 Mar 2012 7:30pm-8:30pm

The bat count is held once a month at dusk when the whole colony of 10,000 -20,000 bats fly out to feed around Melbourne’s suburbs. New counters are very welcome and much appreciated. Experience is not necessary as training is provided on the night. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, dress …