Victoria’s park life: Why boosting your health is a walk in the park

WANT to know where to walk the dog, or a good spot to snorkel? Here’s the best places you can burn some calories outdoors around Victoria.

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VICTORIA’S lush green parks, wilderness areas and varied coastline are perfect places to get active.

With 18 per cent of Victorian land either an urban or a national park and 70 per cent of the coastline defined as parkland, there are plenty of great spots to run, climb or just wander.

BUSHWALKS

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk stretches 100km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and weaves along rugged pristine coastlines, tall forests, coastal heathlands and windswept clifftops with breathtaking views.

The most famous spot along the Great Ocean Road: The Twelve Apostles. Photo: Great Walks of Australia/Graham Michael Freeman

You can choose to hop on and off along the way or hike the full length up to eight days. Book and stay at any of the seven hiker camps or choose from a range of accommodation options in nearby towns along the way.

Visit www.greatoceanwalk.com.au for more information.

RUNNING

Albert Park

Getting tired of slogging it out on the treadmill?

Popular parks for jogging around Melbourne include Albert Park, Arthur’s Seat State Park and Jells Park.

Across the state, ‘parkrun’ organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs at many parks including Albert Park. www.parkrun.com.au.

KAYAKING & CANOEING

Murray River North

A wonderful way to get up close to nature while improving aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility is to head out in a canoe or kayak and discover Victoria’s stunning waterways.

Top places to paddle include Barmah National Park that is home to sections of the Murray River, secluded creeks, and Barmah Lake.

Family paddling in canoes at Barmah Lake, Victoria.

Lysterfield Park

Located 30km southeast of Melbourne, the park is home to the State Mountain Bike Course and mountain bike trails that offer 20 kilometres of trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. Choose from easy family trails for all to enjoy around the lake and parkland, a range of single trails through the bush or steep and technical sections of trail through rocky landscapes.

ROCK CLIMBING

Mt Arapiles West

Looking for some adventure and getting fit at the same time?

Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park Mount Arapiles is widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia.

More than 2000 routes have been developed on the many cliffs, crags and pinnacles, presenting variety and challenge to climbers of all levels of experience.

The "Kachoong" climb at Mt Arapiles in Western Victoria. Photo: David Geraghty

Grampians National Park

This is known as another of Australia’s top venues for rock climbing, with spectacular sandstone cliffs.

Scuba DIVING AND SNORKELLING

Pope’s Eye

Grab your flippers, mask and snorkel or diving gear and discover the incredible world that lies beneath the waters in Port Phillip Bay.

Come face-to-face with colourful fish and swim among colourful sponge gardens at Pope’s Eye. This artificial reef is popular for diving and snorkelling and rivals many tropical reefs.

Pope's Eye in Port Phillip Bay.

DOG WALKING

Jells Park

Located in Wheelers Hill, southeast of Melbourne, you can soak up the beautiful views across the lake as you enjoy 9km of walking tracks that weave through bushland and open green spaces.

Dogs must be kept on-leash and there is plenty of space.

Yarra Bend Park

Dogs are welcome in most areas of this stunning park that is the biggest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne.

If your dog is feeling adventurous, it can go for a swim in the Yarra River that winds through the park.

Talk your best friend for walk at Yarra Bend Park. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Call Parks Victoria’s Information Centre on 13 19 63 or visit: www.parks.vic.gov.au.