View source for Protected areas of Victoria

{{Short description|Protected areas of the state of Victoria, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2014}}
[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] is the smallest mainland state in Australia. {{as of|2022}} it contained {{formatnum:5081}} separate protected areas with a total land area of {{convert|4012888|ha|abbr=on}} (17.64% of the state's area).<ref name=CAPAD>{{cite web|title=Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database|url=https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022|work=Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|year=2022|access-date=1 June 2023}}</ref>

The parks are managed by [[Parks Victoria]], a [[Victoria State Government|state government]] [[government agency|agency]]. There are also many smaller state areas which are subject to commercial activity such as logging.{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|NP=y|SP=y|MNP=y|MCP=y|MS=y|WP=y}}

==Main parks==
===National parks===
National parks provide the highest level of protection to diverse natural areas. They usually contain the best and most unique examples of our natural values and biodiversity. There are 45 national parks in Victoria,<ref name="ParksVicManage">{{cite web |title=What we manage |url=https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/about-us/what-we-manage |publisher=Parks Victoria |access-date=8 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> totalling {{convert|2910738|ha|abbr=on}} (72.53% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
{{National Parks of Victoria|state=expanded}}

{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|NPlabel=y}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ [[National park]]s of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | National park name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a national park}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Alfred National Park|Alfred]] || {{convert|3022|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|23 December 1925}}<ref name="ParkCreation">[https://web.archive.org/web/20190501152404/https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/639857/Creation-of-Parks.pdf Parks Victoria: Creation of Parks.pdf]</ref> || 
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Alpine National Park|Alpine]] || {{convert|662354|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|2 December 1989}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Tingaringy NP, Wabonga Plateau SP, Bogong NP, Wonnangatta–Moroka NP, Cobberas–Tingaringy NP
|-
|3 || [[Barmah National Park|Barmah]] || {{convert|28490|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 June 2010}} || Proclaimed in 1987 {{small|(as Barmah State Park)}}
|-
|4 || [[Baw Baw National Park|Baw Baw]] || {{convert|12784|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || 
|-
|5 || [[Brisbane Ranges National Park|Brisbane Ranges]] || {{convert|8881|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1 December 1975}} || 
|-
|6 || [[Budj Bim National Park|Budj Bim]] || {{convert|8571|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|7 June 1960}} || Formerly known as Mount Eccles National Park. UNESCO World Heritage listing from 2019
|-
|7 || [[Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park|Burrowa – Pine Mountain]] || {{convert|18965|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 May 1978}} || 
|-
|8 || [[Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park|Chiltern-Mt Pilot]] || {{convert|21665|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 2002}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1980 {{small|(as Chiltern State Park)}};<br />and in 1997 {{small|(as Chiltern Box–Ironbark National Park)}}
|-
|9 || [[Churchill National Park|Churchill]] || {{convert|272|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|12 February 1941}} || Formerly known as Dandenong National Park {{small|(1941-1944)}}
|-
|10 || [[Cobboboonee National Park|Cobboboonee]] || {{convert|18553|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|11 November 2008}} || 
|-
|11 || [[Coopracambra National Park|Coopracambra]] || {{convert|38513|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1988}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1979 {{small|(as Coopracambra State Park)}}
|-
|12 || [[Croajingolong National Park|Croajingolong]] || {{convert|88516|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Wingan Inlet NP, Mallacoota Inlet NP, Captain James Cook NP
|-
|13 || [[Dandenong Ranges National Park|Dandenong Ranges]] || {{convert|3534|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|13 December 1987}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1928 {{small|(as Ferntree Gully National Park)}}
|-
|14 || [[Errinundra National Park|Errinundra]] || {{convert|43144|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|21 June 1988}} || 
|-
|15 || [[French Island National Park|French Island]] || {{convert|10318|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|21 June 1988}} || Proclaimed in 1984 {{small|(as French Island State Park)}}
|-
|16 || [[Grampians National Park|Grampians]] || {{convert|168277|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 December 1984}} || 
|-
|17 || [[Great Otway National Park|Great Otway]] || {{convert|110412|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|11 December 2005}} || Includes the former Melba Gully SP, Otway NP, Angahook–Lorne SP, Carlisle SP
|-
|18 || [[Greater Bendigo National Park|Greater Bendigo]] || {{convert|17575|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 2002}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Whipstick SP, Kamarooka SP
|-
|19 || [[Gunbower National Park|Gunbower]] || {{convert|9317|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 June 2010}} || 
|-
|20 || [[Hattah-Kulkyne National Park|Hattah – Kulkyne]] || {{convert|49983|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1980}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1960 {{small|(as Hattah Lakes National Park)}}
|-
|21 || [[Heathcote-Graytown National Park|Heathcote-Graytown]] || {{convert|12693|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 2002}} || 
|-
|22 || [[Kara Kara National Park|Kara Kara]] || {{convert|13982|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 2002}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1984 {{small|(as Kara Kara State Park)}};<br />Formerly known as St Arnaud Range National Park {{small|(2002-2012)}}
|-
|23 || [[Kinglake National Park|Kinglake]] || {{convert|23126|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|7 March 1928}} || 
|-
|24 || [[Lake Eildon National Park|Lake Eildon]] || {{convert|27822|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|4 June 1997}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Fraser NP, Eildon SP
|-
|25 || [[Lind National Park|Lind]] || {{convert|1370|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1926}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /><ref>Parks Victoria, [https://web.archive.org/web/20230813044023/https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/management-plans/resource-library/lind-and-alfred-national-parks---management-plan---1998.pdf?rev=e443a77512cb423388fc6d523b34600e Lind and Alfred National Parks management plan] (August 1998), p. 2.</ref>|| 
|-
|26 || [[Little Desert National Park|Little Desert]] || {{convert|131607|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|10 December 1968}} || 
|-
|27 || [[Lower Glenelg National Park|Lower Glenelg]] || {{convert|26451|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 December 1969}} || 
|-
|28 || [[Lower Goulburn National Park|Lower Goulburn]] || {{convert|9321|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 June 2010}} || 
|-
|29 || [[Mitchell River National Park (Victoria)|Mitchell River]] || {{convert|14402|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|17 June 1986}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1963 {{small|(as Glenaladale National Park)}}
|-
|30 || [[Mornington Peninsula National Park|Mornington Peninsula]] || {{convert|2682|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1988}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Cape Schanck Coastal Park, and part of Nepean SP;<br>Formerly known as Point Nepean National Park {{small|(1988-1995)}}
|-
|31 || [[Morwell National Park|Morwell]] || {{convert|565|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|29 November 1966}} || 
|-
|32 || [[Mount Buffalo National Park|Mount Buffalo]] || {{convert|27484|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1898}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || 
|-
|33 || [[Mount Richmond National Park|Mount Richmond]] || {{convert|1738|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|7 June 1960}} || 
|-
|34 || [[Murray-Sunset National Park|Murray – Sunset]] || {{convert|665694|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|5 June 1991}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1979 {{small|(as Pink Lakes State Park)}}
|-
|35 || [[Organ Pipes National Park|Organ Pipes]] || {{convert|153|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|14 December 1971}} || 
|-
|36 || [[Point Nepean National Park|Point Nepean]] || {{convert|540|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|17 August 2005}} || 
|-
|37 || [[Port Campbell National Park|Port Campbell]] || {{convert|2429|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|9 December 1964}} || 
|-
|38 || [[Snowy River National Park|Snowy River]] || {{convert|114729|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || 
|-
|39 || [[Tarra-Bulga National Park|Tarra-Bulga]] || {{convert|2028|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|17 June 1986}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Includes the former Tarra Valley NP, Bulga NP
|-
|40 || [[Terrick Terrick National Park|Terrick Terrick]] || {{convert|6388|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|15 April 1999}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || Proclaimed in 1988 {{small|(as Terrick Terrick State Park)}}
|-
|41 || [[The Lakes National Park|The Lakes]] || {{convert|2407|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 1956}} || 
|-
|42 || [[Warby-Ovens National Park|Warby-Ovens]] || {{convert|14708|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 June 2010}} || Proclaimed in 1975 {{small|(as Warby Range State Park)}}
|-
|43 || [[Wilsons Promontory National Park|Wilsons Promontory]] || {{convert|48202|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|8 July 1898}}<ref name="ParkCreation" /> || 
|-
|44 || [[Wyperfeld National Park|Wyperfeld]] || {{convert|359855|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|20 October 1909}} || 
|-
|45 || [[Yarra Ranges National Park|Yarra Ranges]] || {{convert|77229|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|15 December 1995}} || 
|}

===State parks===
State parks help protect the state's natural values. They are very similar to national parks, however, the conservation values and landscapes they protect are smaller or less diverse. There are 26 state parks in Victoria,<ref name="ParksVicManage" /> totalling {{convert|158043|ha|abbr=on}} (3.94% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
{{State parks of Victoria|state=expanded}}

{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|SPlabel=y}}
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ [[State park]]s of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | State park name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a state park}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Arthurs Seat State Park|Arthurs Seat]] || {{convert|566|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 May 1978}} || Includes part of the former Nepean State Park
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Black Range State Park|Black Range]] || {{convert|11731|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|21 June 1988}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 3 || [[Broken-Boosey State Park|Broken-Boosey]] || {{convert|1010|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 October 2002}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 4 || [[Bunyip State Park|Bunyip]] || {{convert|16647|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|23 September 1992}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 5 || [[Cape Nelson State Park|Cape Nelson]] || {{convert|229|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 6 || [[Cathedral Range State Park|Cathedral Range]] || {{convert|3599|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 7 || [[Dergholm State Park|Dergholm]] || {{convert|10886|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|23 September 1992}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 8 || [[Enfield State Park|Enfield]] || {{convert|4323|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|3 August 1995}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 9 || [[Holey Plains State Park|Holey Plains]] || {{convert|10746|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 May 1978}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 10 || [[Kooyoora State Park|Kooyoora]] || {{convert|11455|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 December 1984}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 11 || [[Lake Tyers State Park|Lake Tyers]] || {{convert|8684|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|19 June 1984}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 12 || [[Langi Ghiran State Park|Langi Ghiran]] || {{convert|3043|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|8 December 1984}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 13 || [[Leaghur State Park|Leaghur]] || {{convert|2045|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|23 September 1992}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 14 || [[Lerderderg State Park|Lerderderg]] || {{convert|20545|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|21 June 1988}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 15 || [[Moondarra State Park|Moondarra]] || {{convert|6362|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 December 1984}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 16 || [[Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park|Mount Arapiles-Tooan]] || {{convert|7457|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|17 December 1987}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 17 || [[Mount Buangor State Park|Mount Buangor]] || {{convert|2499|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 October 1989}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 18 || [[Mount Granya State Park|Mount Granya]] || {{convert|6164|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|3 August 1995 }} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 19 || [[Mount Lawson State Park|Mount Lawson]] || {{convert|13366|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|21 June 1988}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 20 || [[Mount Napier State Park|Mount Napier]] || {{convert|2939|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|24 June 1987}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 21 || [[Mount Samaria State Park|Mount Samaria]] || {{convert|7445|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 22 || [[Mount Worth State Park|Mount Worth]] || {{convert|1032|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 May 1978}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 23 || [[Paddys Ranges State Park|Paddys Ranges]] || {{convert|2015|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 October 1989}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 24 || [[Reef Hills State Park|Reef Hills]] || {{convert|2005|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|2 May 1986}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 25 || [[Warrandyte State Park|Warrandyte]] || {{convert|687|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|1 December 1975}} || 
|-
| scope="row" | 26 || [[Werribee Gorge State Park|Werribee Gorge]] || {{convert|563|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 May 1978}} || 
|}

===Regional parks===
Regional parks are found close to urban centres or major tourist routes. While still places of natural beauty, visitor recreation is the primary purpose of regional parks.
{{Columns-list|
* [[Ararat Regional Park]]
* [[Baranduda Regional Park]]
* [[Bendigo Regional Park]]
* [[Cobram Regional Park]]
* [[Colquhoun Regional Park]]
* [[Crawford River Regional Park]]
* [[Creswick Regional Park]]
* [[Crossover Regional Park]]
* [[Echuca Regional Park]]
* [[Glenmaggie Regional Park]]
* [[Hepburn Regional Park]]
* [[Jarvis Creek Plateau Regional Park]]
* [[Kerang Regional Park]]
* [[Kororoit Creek Regional Park]] (being developed)
* [[Kurth Kiln Regional Park]]
* [[Macedon Regional Park]]
* [[Maryborough Regional Park]]
* [[Mirboo North Regional Park]]
* [[Mount Alexander Regional Park]]
* [[Mount Mitta Mitta Regional Park]]
* [[Mount Raymond Regional Park]]
* [[Shepparton Regional Park]]
* [[St Arnaud Regional Park]]
* [[Tocumwal Regional Park]]
* [[Wandong Regional Park]]
* [[Werribee Regional Park]]
* [[Woowookarung Regional Park]]
* [[Yarrawonga Regional Park]]
* [[You Yangs Regional Park]]
}}

===Metropolitan parks===
Metropolitan parks are very similar to regional parks, however, are located in metropolitan Melbourne.
{{Columns-list|
* [[Albert Park and Lake|Albert Park]]
* [[Braeside Park]]
* [[Cardinia Creek Parklands]]
* [[Cardinia Reservoir Parks]]
** [[Aura Vale Lake Park]]
* [[Dandenong Valley Parklands]]
** [[Bushy Park Wetlands]]
** [[Jells Park]]
** [[Koomba Park]]
** [[Nortons Park]]
** [[Shepherds Bush (Victoria)|Shepherds Bush]]
** [[Tirhatuan Park]]
* [[Herring Island (Victoria)|Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park]]
* [[Greenvale Reservoir Park]]
* [[Karkarook Park]]
* [[Lysterfield Park]]
* [[Maribyrnong Valley Parklands]]
** [[Brimbank Park]]
** [[Horseshoe Bend Farm]]
* [[Maroondah Reservoir Park]]
* [[Merri Creek#Parks and recreation|Merri Creek Park]]
* [[Mullum Mullum Creek#Parklands and recreation|Mullum Mullum Park]]
* [[Plenty Gorge Park]]lands
* [[Silvan Reservoir Park]]
* [[Sugarloaf Reservoir Parks]]
* [[Toorourrong Reservoir#Toorourrong Reservoir Park|Toorourrong Reservoir Park]]
* [[Wattle Park, Melbourne|Wattle Park]]
* [[Werribee Park]]
* [[Westgate Park (Victoria)|Westgate Park]]
* [[Yan Yean Reservoir|Yan Yean Reservoir Park]]
* [[Yarra Bend Park]]
* [[Yarra Valley Parklands]]
** [[Banksia Park (Victoria)|Banksia Park]]
** [[Birrarrung Park]]
** [[Candlebark Park]]
** [[Longridge Park Camp]]
** [[Sweeneys Flats]]
** [[Westerfolds Park]]
** [[Yarra Flats Park]]
}}

==Indigenous Protected Areas==
[[Indigenous Protected Area]]s (IPAs) are "areas of land and sea managed by Indigenous groups as protected areas for biodiversity conservation through voluntary agreements with the Australian Government".<ref>{{cite web | title=Indigenous Protected Areas | website=Australian Government. Dept of Agriculture, Water and the Environment | date=18 February 2019 | url=http://www.environment.gov.au/ | access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref>

There are 5 indigenous protected areas in Victoria, totalling {{convert|3888|ha|abbr=on}} (0.1% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" /> The following IPAs have been declared in Victoria:<ref>{{cite web|title=Declared Indigenous Protected Areas in Victoria|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa/declared/vic.html|publisher=Department of the Environment|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410005454/http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa/declared/vic.html|archive-date=10 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=niaamap>{{cite web | title=Indigenous land and sea management projects | website=National Indigenous Australians Agency | date=26 October 2015 | url=https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/environment/indigenous-land-and-sea-management-projects_old | access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Framlingham Forest IPA | website=National Indigenous Australians AgencyVic Projects | date=10 December 2015 | url=https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/environment/indigenous-protected-areas/framlingham-forest-ipa | access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref>
*[[Budj Bim heritage areas|Budj Bim]]
**[[Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area|Kurtonitj]]
**[[Lake Condah Indigenous Protected Area|Lake Condah]]
**[[Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area|Tyrendarra]]
*[[Deen Maar Indigenous Protected Area|Deen Maar]]
*[[Framlingham Forest Indigenous Protected Area|Framlingham Forest]]

==Historic and heritage==
Parks Victoria is responsible for the largest and most diverse collection of heritage places on public land in Victoria. They manage more than 3,000 historic assets including cultural landscapes, buildings, infrastructure, significant trees, objects and artefacts, archaeological sites, and shipwrecks.

===Historic and heritage parks===
Historic or heritage parks are significant historic cultural landscapes of heritage value. There are 6 historic and heritage parks in Victoria<ref name="ParksVic">{{cite web |title=Parks Victoria |url=https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ |publisher=Parks Victoria |access-date=8 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
{{Columns-list|
* [[Beechworth Historic Park]]
* [[Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park]]
* [[Point Gellibrand Heritage Park]]
* [[Steiglitz Historic Park]]
* [[Wimmera River Heritage Area Park]]
* [[Woodlands Historic Park]]
}}

===Historic and heritage areas===
There are 75 historic and heritage areas in Victoria<ref name="ParksVic" /> including:
{{Columns-list|
* [[Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Reserve|Coolart Historic Area]]
* [[Daylesford Court House Complex Historic Area]]
* [[Eldorado Historic Area]]
* [[Howqua Hills Historic Area]]
* [[Lal Lal Iron Mine and Smelting Works|Lal Lal – Bungal Historic Area]]
* [[Maldon Historic Area]]
* [[Moliagul Historic Area]]
* [[Oriental Claims|Oriental Claims Historic Area]]
* [[State Coal Mine|State Coal Mine Heritage Area]]
* [[Walhalla Historic Area]]
* [[White Hills Chinese Diggings Historic Area]]
}}

===Heritage River===
There are 18 heritage rivers in Victoria, totalling {{convert|158783|ha|abbr=on}} (3.96% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" /> These are defined under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 as parts of rivers and river catchment areas that have significant nature conservation, recreation, scenic or cultural heritage values 
{{Columns-list|
* [[Aberfeldy River]]
* [[Aire River (Victoria)|Aire River]]
* [[Bemm River|Bemm]], [[Goolengook River|Goolengook]], [[Arte River|Arte]] and [[Errinundra River]]s
* [[Big River (Goulburn River, Victoria)|Big River]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/hra1992171/sch1.html |title= Heritage Rivers Act 1992 – Schedule 1 |author=<!--Not stated--> |website= AustLII: Australasian Legal Information Institute |publisher= UTS and UNSW Faculties of Law |access-date= 7 June 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.onlyoneplanet.com/FWPA_protectedRivers.htm |title= Counting Australia's protected rivers |last= Nevill |first= Jon |date= 20 June 2007 |website= OnlyOnePlanet |access-date= 7 June 2023 }}</ref>
* [[Genoa River]]
* [[Glenelg River (Victoria)|Glenelg River]]
* [[Goulburn River]]
* [[Howqua River]]
* [[Lerderderg River]]
* [[Mitchell River (Victoria)|Mitchell]] and [[Wonnangatta River]]s
* [[Mitta Mitta River]]
* [[Ovens River]]
* [[Snowy River]]
* [[Suggan Buggan River|Suggan Buggan]] and [[Berrima River]]s
* [[Thomson River (Victoria)|Thomson River]]
* [[Buchan River|Upper Buchan River]]
* [[Wimmera River]]
* [[Yarra River]]
}}

==Marine protected areas==
Victoria is the first jurisdiction in the world to create an entire system of highly protected marine national parks at the same time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Victoria's System of Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. Management Strategy 2003&ndash;2010|url=http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/313348/Marine-National-Parks-and-Marine-Sanctuaries-Strategy-2003-2010.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401011640/http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/313348/Marine-National-Parks-and-Marine-Sanctuaries-Strategy-2003-2010.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-01 |url-status=live|department=[[Parks Victoria]]|publisher=Government of Victoria|year=2003|access-date=4 February 2012 }}</ref>
{{as of|2020}} Victoria contained {{formatnum:30}} separate [[marine protected area]]s with a total area of {{convert|121242|ha|abbr=on}} (11.87% of the state's coastal waters).<ref name="CAPAD" /> Marine national parks and sanctuaries contain important marine habitats and species, or encompass areas of significant natural features; and are highly protected areas in which no fishing, extractive or damaging activities are permitted.

===Marine national parks===
There are 13 [[marine park|marine national parks]] in Victoria,<ref name="ParksVicManage" /> totalling {{convert|52191|ha|abbr=on}} (43.05% of the state's protected waters).<ref name="CAPAD" />{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|MNPlabel=y}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ [[marine park|Marine national parks]] of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Marine national park name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a marine national park}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Bunurong Marine National Park|Bunurong]] || {{convert|2048|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Cape Howe Marine National Park|Cape Howe]] || {{convert|4078|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 3 || [[Churchill Island Marine National Park|Churchill Island]] || {{convert|670|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 4 || [[Corner Inlet Marine National Park|Corner Inlet]] || {{convert|1414|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 5 || [[Discovery Bay Marine National Park|Discovery Bay]] || {{convert|2790|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 6 || [[French Island Marine National Park|French Island]] || {{convert|2980|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 7 || [[Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park|Ninety Mile Beach]] || {{convert|2652|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 8 || [[Point Addis Marine National Park|Point Addis]] || {{convert|4419|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 9 || [[Point Hicks Marine National Park|Point Hicks]] || {{convert|3803|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 10 || [[Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park|Port Phillip Heads]] || {{convert|3473|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 11 || [[Twelve Apostles Marine National Park|Twelve Apostles]] || {{convert|7502|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 12 || [[Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park|Wilsons Promontory]] || {{convert|15586|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 13 || [[Yaringa Marine National Park|Yaringa]] || {{convert|776|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|}{{clear}}

===Marine sanctuaries===
There are 11 [[marine sanctuary|marine sanctuaries]] in Victoria,<ref name="ParksVicManage" /> totalling {{convert|864|ha|abbr=on}} (0.71% of the state's protected waters).<ref name="CAPAD" />{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|MSlabel=y}}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ [[marine sanctuary|Marine sanctuaries]] of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Marine sanctuaries name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a marine sanctuaries}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary|Barwon Bluff]] || {{convert|16|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary|Beware Reef]] || {{convert|220|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 3 || [[Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary|Eagle Rock]] || {{convert|18|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 4 || [[Jawbone Marine Sanctuary|Jawbone]] || {{convert|30|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 5 || [[Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary|Marengo Reefs]] || {{convert|13|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 6 || [[Merri Marine Sanctuary|Merri]] || {{convert|29|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 7 || [[Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary|Mushroom Reef]] || {{convert|57|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 8 || [[Point Cook Coastal Park#Marine|Point Cooke]] || {{convert|292|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 9 || [[Point Danger Marine Sanctuary|Point Danger]] || {{convert|22|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 10 || [[Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary|Ricketts Point]] || {{convert|121|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|-
| scope="row" | 11 || [[The Arches Marine Sanctuary|The Arches]] || {{convert|48|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|16 November 2002}}
|}{{clear}}

===Coastal and marine parks===
Coastal Parks and Marine Parks protect areas of coastal, intertidal or subtidal land. There are 6 [[Marine park|marine]] (or marine & coastal) parks in Victoria, totalling {{convert|68187|ha|abbr=on}} (56.24% of the state's protected waters).<ref name="CAPAD" /> There are also 5 coastal parks in Victoria, totalling {{convert|45284|ha|abbr=on}} (1.13% of the state's protected land areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|MCPlabel=y}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ [[Marine park]]s of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Marine park name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a marine park}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Bay of Islands Coastal Park|Bay of Islands]] || {{convert|935|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|4 June 1997}} || Coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park|Bunurong]] || {{convert|1260|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|17 December 1991}} || Marine & coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 3 || [[Cape Conran Coastal Park|Cape Conran]] || {{convert|11576|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|4 June 1997}} || Coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 4 || [[Cape Liptrap Coastal Park|Cape Liptrap]] || {{convert|4327|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|4 June 1997}} || Coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 5 || [[Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park|Corner Inlet]] || {{convert|28567|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 April 1986}} || Marine & coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 6 || [[Discovery Bay Coastal Park|Discovery Bay]] || {{convert|10643|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || Coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 7 || [[Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park|Gippsland Lakes]] || {{convert|17803|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || Coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 8 || [[Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park|Nooramunga]] || {{convert|30200|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 April 1986}} || Marine & coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 9 || [[Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park|Shallow Inlet]] || {{convert|1972|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 April 1986}} || Marine & coastal park
|-
| scope="row" | 10 || [[Wilsons Promontory Marine Park|Wilsons Promontory]] || {{convert|6187|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|18 April 1986}} || Marine park & marine reserve
|}

* The former [[Point Cook Coastal Park]] (proclaimed in 1978) became part of the [[Point Cook Coastal Park#Marine|Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary]].
* The former Cape Schanck Coastal Park (proclaimed on 1 December 1975) became part of the [[Mornington Peninsula National Park|old Point Nepean National Park]] in 1988.
{{clear}}

==Reference areas==
Reference areas are tracts of public land containing viable samples of one or more land types that are relatively undisturbed. There are 144 reference areas in Victoria, totalling {{convert|112628|ha|abbr=on}} (2.81% of the state's protected areas) and all but {{convert|23032|ha|abbr=on}} are located inside other protected areas<ref name="CAPAD" /> including:
{{Columns-list|
* [[Anser Island Reference Area|Anser Island]]
* [[Baw Baw Reference Area|Baw Baw]]
* [[Benedore River Reference Area|Benedore River]]
* [[Cobboboonee Reference Area|Cobboboonee]]
* [[Cobboboonee Reference Area|Cobboboonee]]
* [[Disappointment Reference Area|Disappointment]]
* [[French Island (East) Reference Area|French Island (East)]]
* [[French Island (North) Reference Area|French Island (North)]]
* [[Kooyoora Reference Area|Kooyoora]]
* [[Little Desert (East) Reference Area|Little Desert (East)]]
* [[Little Desert (West) Reference Area|Little Desert (West)]]
* [[Merragunegin Reference Area|Merragunegin]]
* [[Mitta Mitta Reference Area|Mitta Mitta]]
* [[Mount Buffalo Reference Area|Mount Buffalo]]
* [[Pine Mountain Reference Area|Pine Mountain]]
* [[Raak Plain Reference Area|Raak Plain]]
* [[Reef Hills Reference Area|Reef Hills]]
* [[Stringybark Creek Reference Area|Stringybark Creek]]
* [[Sunset Reference Area|Sunset]]
* [[Tambo River Reference Area|Tambo River]]
* [[Terrick Terrick Reference Area|Terrick Terrick]]
* [[Tooan Reference Area|Tooan]]
* [[Warby Range Reference Area|Warby Range]]
* [[Wonnangatta River]]
* [[Yan Yean North Reference Area|Yan Yean North]]
* [[Yan Yean South Reference Area|Yan Yean South]]
}}

==Other nature areas==
===Wilderness and Nature parks===
Wilderness parks are large areas with native plant and animal communities that are relatively unaffected by humans. They are managed for conservation, with no facilities provided for visitors and no vehicles are permitted. There are 3 wilderness parks in Victoria,<ref name="ParksVicManage" /> totalling {{convert|200699|ha|abbr=on}} (5% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

There is 1 [[nature park]] in Victoria, totalling {{convert|1925|ha|abbr=on}} (0.05% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

{{Parks of Victoria (state) map|WPlabel=y}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Wilderness & Nature parks of [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Order
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Park name
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Area<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Declared<br />{{small|as a wilderness park}}<ref name="CAPAD" />
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
! scope="col" | [[hectare|ha]]
! scope="col" | [[acre]]
|-
| scope="row" | 1 || [[Avon Wilderness Park|Avon]] || {{convert|39566|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 November 1987}} || Wilderness park
|-
| scope="row" | 2 || [[Big Desert Wilderness Park|Big Desert]] || {{convert|141713|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|26 April 1979}} || Wilderness park
|-
| scope="row" | 3 || [[Phillip Island Nature Park|Phillip Island]] || {{convert|1925|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|27 June 1997}} || Nature park
|-
| scope="row" | 4 || [[Wabba Wilderness Park|Wabba]] || {{convert|19395|ha|acre|disp=table}} || {{dts|30 June 1992}} || Wilderness park
|}

===Wilderness zones===
There are 19 wilderness zones in Victoria, totalling {{convert|641441|ha|abbr=on}} (15.98% of the state's protected areas) and all but {{convert|131|ha|abbr=on}} are located inside other protected areas.<ref name="CAPAD" />

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}
* [[Bowen Wilderness Zone|Bowen]]
* [[Buchan Headwaters Wilderness Zone|Buchan Headwaters]]
* [[Cape Howe Wilderness Zone|Cape Howe]]
* [[Chinaman Flat Wilderness Zone|Chinaman Flat]]
* [[Cobberas Wilderness Zone|Cobberas]]
* [[Galpunga Wilderness Zone|Galpunga]]
* [[Genoa Wilderness Zone|Genoa]]
* [[Indi Wilderness Zone|Indi]]
* [[Minook Wilderness Zone|Minook]]
* [[Mount Cowra Wilderness Zone|Mount Cowra]]
* [[Mount Darling - Snowy Bluff Wilderness Zone|Mount Darling – Snowy Bluff]]
* [[North Wyperfeld Wilderness Zone|North Wyperfeld]]
* [[Razor-Viking Wilderness Zone|Razor-Viking]]
* [[Sandpatch Wilderness Zone|Sandpatch]]
* [[Snowy River Wilderness Zone|Snowy River]]
* [[South Wyperfeld Wilderness Zone|South Wyperfeld]]
* [[Sunset Wilderness Zone|Sunset]]
* [[Tingaringy Wilderness Zone|Tingaringy]]
* [[Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Zone|Wilsons Promontory]]
{{div col end}}

===Natural catchment area===
There are 25 natural catchment areas in Victoria, totalling {{convert|151368|ha|abbr=on}} (3.77% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

===Remote and natural area===
There are 24 remote and natural areas in Victoria, totalling {{convert|302990|ha|abbr=on}} (7.55% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

===Other reserves===
In Victoria, there are a total of 2776 [[Nature reserve (Australia)|nature reserves]], totalling {{convert|467092|ha|abbr=on}} (11.64% of the state's protected areas)<ref name="CAPAD" /> divided is the following different groups:

;Bushland Reserve
There are 1592 bushland reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|45305|ha|abbr=on}} (1.13% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Cave Reserve
There are 9 cave reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|532|ha|abbr=on}} (0.01% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Conservation park / reserve
There are 13 conservation parks / conservation reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|20994|ha|abbr=on}} (0.52% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Flora & Fauna Reserve
There are a total of 186 flora and/or fauna reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|119632|ha|abbr=on}} (2.98% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Geological Reserve
There are 14 geological reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|436|ha|abbr=on}} (0.01% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Gippsland Lakes Reserve
There are 39 gippsland lakes reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|7129|ha|abbr=on}} (0.18% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Nature Conservation Reserve
There are 263 nature conservation reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|136909|ha|abbr=on}} (3.41% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Natural Features and Scenic Reserve
There are 49 natural features reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|10402|ha|abbr=on}} (0.26% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" /><br>
There are 50 scenic reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|9649|ha|abbr=on}} (0.24% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" /><br>
There are 24 combined natural features and scenic reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|19799|ha|abbr=on}} (0.49% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Streamside Reserve
There are 259 streamside reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|7895|ha|abbr=on}} (0.2% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Tall Trees Reserve
There is 1 tall trees reserve in Victoria, totalling {{convert|14|ha|abbr=on}}.<ref name="CAPAD" />
;Wildlife Reserve
There are 277 wildlife reserves in Victoria, totalling {{convert|88396|ha|abbr=on}} (2.2% of the state's protected areas).<ref name="CAPAD" />

;Some of the nature reserves include:
* [[Deep Lead Nature Conservation Reserve]]
* [[Jackass Flat Nature Conservation Reserve]]
* [[Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve|Long Forest Flora & Fauna Reserve]]
* [[Marble Gully - Mount Tambo Nature Conservation Reserve]]
* [[Mount Elizabeth Nature Conservation Reserve]]
* [[Mount Hope Nature Conservation Reserve]]
* [[Mullinger Swamp Conservation Park|Mullinger Swamp Wildlife Reserve]]
* [[Spit Nature Conservation Reserve|The Spit Wildlife Reserve]]
* [[Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve]]

==See also==
* [[Protected areas of Australia]]
* [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ Parks Victoria]
* [http://www.atn.com.au/parks/vicparks.html Victoria National Parks]
* [https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/experiences/naturewildlife/nationalstateparks/ Travel Victoria – National & state parks]
* [https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/experiences/naturewildlife/metropolitanparks/ Travel Victoria – Metropolitan parks]
* [https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/experiences/naturewildlife/coastalmarineparks/ Travel Victoria – Coastal & marine parks]

{{Protected areas of Victoria}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Protected areas of Victoria (state)| ]]
[[Category:Lists of protected areas of Australia|Victoria]]
[[Category:Lists of tourist attractions in Victoria (state)|Protected areas]]
[[Category:National parks of Victoria (state)| ]]