You Yangs Regional Park (Lara)
The name 'You Yangs' comes from the Aboriginal word 'Wurdi Youang' or 'Ude Youang' meaning big mountain in the middle of the plain. The park's distinctive granite peaks rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views, birdlife, bushwalks and horse riding. The park is renowned for its two purpose‐built mountain biking areas, with over 50 kilometres of exciting trails.
Things to See and Do:
Walking
Fantastic walking and wildlife viewing opportunities abound within the park, catering for all ages and abilities. Many of the walking tracks can be linked by management vehicle tracks to provide longer walks for the more enthusiastic.
Big Rock Walk - 3.0km, 1 hour return
From the park office car park, wind your way around Big Rock and then back down the same path.
Big Rock - 100m, 10 minutes return
Starting from the Big Rock car park this short walk takes you to Big Rock with brilliant views towards Geelong.
East‐West Walk - 4.5km, 2 hours return
Starting and finishing at the Turntable car park, this challenging walk provides excellent views of the park and surrounding countryside.
Flinders Peak - 3.2km, 1 hour return
Starting from the Turntable car park, this walk takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs. There are 450 steps and some sections with steep gradients.
Branding Yard Trail - 5.0km, 2.5 hours return
This gentle walk starts from either the Turntable car park or Branding Yard Road. From the Turntable car park, walk down a medium gradient to connect with the trail.
Northern Range Walk - 3.5km, 1 hour one way
Extending from the East‐West Walk and the Branding Yard Trail, this walk provides a more challenging walk, with some steep gradients. Walkers are rewarded with impressive water views.
Mountain Bike Riding (MTB)
The Stockyards MTB Area provides challenging downhill and cross country trails for experienced riders. The Kurrajong Plantation MTB Area provides family friendly and beginners trails through flat terrain.
Mountain bikes are not permitted on tracks or Management Vehicle Only tracks outside of the areas listed above. The Western Plantation area is horseriding and walkers only.
Rock‐climbing and abseiling
There are several great rock‐climbing and abseiling sites throughout the park. Bookings are required for groups. Individuals are not required to book, but should check the availability of sites with the Park Office. Seasonal closures apply to some sites.
Horse Riding - Western Plantation Area
The Western Plantation offers great horse riding opportunities. Three looped horse riding trails, marked with arrows, begin at the Western Car Park located just off Sandy Creek Road. Horses are not permitted in any other area of the park.
Orienteering
A permanent orienteering course has been established in the park. Additional information and maps are available from the park office.
Scenic drives
Great Circle Drive is a 12km gravel road accessible by two wheel drive cars. The drive provides the full spectrum of scenery available in this unique park.
Turntable Drive is a sealed road from the park entrance to Turntable car park and will take you to Flinders Peak Walk. It provides access to most of the main picnic areas.
Bunjil Geoglyph
To commemorate the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, a series of geoglyphs was created by renowned artist Andrew Rogers. The geoglyph on the You Yangs depicts Bunjil, the traditional Creator Spirit of the Wada wurrung Aboriginal people. With a wing span of 100 metres, it uses 1500 tonnes of rock Bunjil is best viewed from Flinders Peak Track. It can also be viewed from the East Walk. Access to Bunjil is from Branding Yard Walk.
Facilities:
There are nine picnic areas throughout the park, many with tables and accessible toilet facilities. The main picnic areas provide free gas barbecues on a first come basis. There are plenty of places to set up your own gas barbecue. Drinking water is available from the Visitor Centre drinking fountain. Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.
Access for Dogs:
There are some nice walks for dogs in the park. Dogs must be on-leash at all times.
History of the Area:
A family group of the Wada wurrung Aboriginal people known as the Yawangi balug enjoyed a rich lifestyle in the You Yangs for thousands of years. The name You Yangs comes from the Aboriginal word 'Wurdi Youang' or 'Ude Youang' meaning big mountain in the middle of the plain.
Granitic rock wells were created by the Yawangi balug as permanent water storage due to the scarcity of natural water in the You Yangs and surrounding areas. Rock wells can be best viewed at Big Rock.
Explorer Matthew Flinders and three of his crew were the first Europeans to see the You Yangs. They climbed to the highest point on 1 May 1802. Flinders named it 'Station Peak' but this was later changed to Flinders Peak in his honour.
Following European settlement the You Yangs were a source of gravel and timber. Tree plantations are prominent throughout the park and the remains of the gravel pits can still be seen.
Opening Hours:
You Yangs Regional Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. The park is closed each evening.
- Non‐Daylight Saving: 7.00am - 5.00pm
- Daylight Saving: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Getting There:
You Yangs Regional Park is 55km southwest of the Melbourne CBD and 22km north of Geelong. Access to the park from the Princes Freeway is clearly signposted via Lara.
Location
You Yangs Regional Park, Branch Road, Lara 3212 Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/you-yangs-regional-park
→ You Yangs Regional Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
→ You Yangs Regional Park Kurrajong Mountain Bike Area (PDF)
→ You Yangs Regional Park Map (PDF)
