Paddys Ranges State Park

Explore

Paddys Ranges State Park

Womin-Dji-Ka (Welcome).

Paddys Ranges State Park is one of six Aboriginal Title parks in Central West Victoria, jointly managed by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board who oversee implementation of the Joint Management Plan 2018 - see relevant strategy and resources documents. 

Located north west of Melbourne, this beautiful bushland is a stronghold of Box-Ironbark and is a important conservation refuge for endangered plants and animals. Wander the park as it bursts into colour with spring wildflowers or discover relics and reminders of its gold mining past.

The park owes its name to an Irish miner by the name of Paddy who lived in the area in the 1800s. From the 1840s the area was used for grazing, gold mining, timber harvesting, eucalyptus oil and honey production. In 1951, the Maryborough Field Naturalists Club began pushing for the protection of the park’s unique Box-Ironbark forest. In 1989, Paddys Ranges State Park was reserved. The park was increased to 1,954ha in October 2002 to conserve and enhance what remains of the Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands of north-central Victoria. 

Today, the park is a haven for plants and animals. With more than 230 species of wildflowers listed in the forest, you won't want to miss a springtime visit. The forest walk from the campground to the picnic area is another great way to explore the park. 

More than 140 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the rare Swift Parrot. Peregrine Falcons, a threatened species in Victoria, nest in the park and majestic Wedge-tailed Eagles can often be seen circling above. As you explore the park, you might also spot wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas. The park is also home to the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale.

 

Things To Do

 

Bushwalking at Paddys Ranges State Park

A pleasant track suitable for families begins at the picnic area and winds through the forest to an old eucalyptus distillery dam - 40 mins return.
A boy crouches at the waters panning for gold in a river.

Prospecting at Paddys Ranges State Park

Recreational prospecting is a popular activity in the park. Walk through the park and you can find relics and reminders of its industrious gold mining past. If you'd like to try your hand at prospecting, you must hold a current Miner's Right.

Camping at Paddys Ranges State Park

Karri Track camping area is a tranquil, relaxing setting featuring toilets and fireplaces. Perfect for caravans. Please remember to bring your own firewood. No fees apply.

Picnicking at Paddys Ranges State Park

Settling Ponds Track Picnic Area has tables, a toilet and wood barbecues. Please remember to bring your own firewood.

Paddys Ranges State Park

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Echidnas
Antechinus
Kangaroos
Wallabies
Powerful owls
Wedge-tailed eagles
Crimson Rosella

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Paddys Ranges State Park

Paddys Ranges State Park is 170km north west of Melbourne, just south of Maryborough. Sealed roads surround the park and there are good graded roads to visitor facilities.

When to go

The park is hot and dry in the summer. A great place for holiday season, but be mindful of fire safety warnings. 

Need to know

Paddys Ranges State Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Paddys Ranges State Park

    Paddys Ranges Picnic area toilet upgrade

    Dear Park Visitors,
     
    We are excited to announce that the Paddys Ranges Picnic Area toilet block is undergoing a much-needed upgrade.
    As part of this project, the current facilities will be temporarily closed.
    Works are funded, planned and delivered by DJAARA in partnership with Parks Victoria, this upgrade will provide new and improved facilities.

    During this period, we kindly ask you to utilise the toilet facilities at the campground on Karri Track.

    We anticipate the completion of these works by the end of 2024. We understand that this may cause inconvenience, and we apologise for any disruption to your visit.
     
    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
     
     

X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm