Beneath the expansive Australian sky lies Plenty Gorge Park. It offers a wide range of natural and cultural experiences. Plenty Gorge Park is only 20 km from Melbourne.
The park’s spectacular gorge creates stunning landscape views. Abundant native wildlife is always on show. With its diverse cultural, historic, recreational, and natural features, there’s something for everyone at Plenty Gorge Park.
Let’s explore the scenic surrounds of the Plenty River. Marvel at the spectacular gorge. Consider camping, walking, or watching birds and wildlife. Plenty Gorge Park is an oasis for many native fauna species. Kangaroos and Echidnas are frequently seen. A variety of Skinks and Snakes also call this park home. Many frog species frequent the low-lying areas. These include the endangered Growling Grass Frog. At night, Possums, Bats, and Owls are common.
Take a look back in time at the historic Hawkstowe Picnic Area. Be impressed by the brick and bluestone Le Page homestead, barn, and stables. Walk around the picturesque lakes. Sit on the jetty and discover the abundant wildlife. Maybe the friendly kangaroos will come and visit you. The Le Page family planted mature quince trees here in the 1850s. They had settled at Hawkstowe after coming from the Island of Guernsey.
The Red Gum Picnic Area playground is perfect for children to play safely. The wide open spaces of Yarrambat and Middle Gorge picnic areas are perfect for kicking a football. Have a game of cricket or fly a kite.
At Middle Gorge Picnic Area, the viewing platform in the carpark has spectacular views of the gorge and river. Paint a picture or take a photograph. Simply enjoy watching the world go by in this peaceful setting. A walking track around the peninsula lets you enjoy the natural bush surroundings of the gorge and the flow of the river.
Yellow Gum Recreation Area offers spectacular views of the Plenty River and the surrounding park. Enjoy bird and wildlife watching. Go bushwalking, picnicking, and barbecuing in natural surrounds. Try your luck at fishing in Blue Lake. Remember to bring your own bait. You will also need a current Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence. Enjoy the panoramic views of Plenty Gorge Park from the lookout. It is situated 50m above Blue Lake.
Take the 6km Plenty Gorge Walk. It starts and ends at the Red Gum Picnic area. Pass through a hidden treasure of native bushland and wetland. Or take the 2km Blue Lake Plenty Gorge Walk. This passes around Blue Lake. The lake gets its name from its turquoise blue color at certain times of the year. Start from Yellow Gum Park, Goldsworthy Lane, Plenty.
Plenty Gorge Park has become an important refuge. It supports a variety of ecological vegetation classes. Examples include escarpment shrubland and creekline grassy woodland.
The basalt plains and Plenty Gorge were formed in geologically recent times. This was between about 10,000 and 2 million years ago. Volcanic activity reshaped the river’s course. Aboriginal people were attracted to this area. This was because of the thinly timbered landscapes and permanent water source. These qualities also attracted European pastoral settlers in the 1830s.
In the 1980s, the Victorian state government recognized the need to protect the natural and heritage features of Plenty Gorge. They wanted to provide important public open space areas with varied recreational opportunities.
The Plenty River is the dividing line between two distinct geological types. The western side is basalt. The eastern side is sedimentary rock. This provides Plenty Gorge Park with a wonderful diversity of vegetation communities and habitats.
Before you leave, remember to leave the park as you found it. All areas have a carry-in, carry-out rubbish policy. Please take all rubbish with you. All native plants and animals are protected here in Plenty Gorge Park.