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Overview
In the western outskirts of Melbourne, less than 20 kilometres from the CBD, sits the suburb of Deer Park. It's bordered to the north by Kororoit Creek and the creeks adjacent Kororoit Creek Trail, a multi-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians. Deer Park is primarily residential, with some commercial areas along with plenty of parks and nature reserves, many with playgrounds and dog parks. If you're looking for a bit of urban nature, head to Lake Chamoun, which offers a mix of footpaths and grassy parklands plus ample opportunities for birding.
Where to go
Lerderderg State Park
A short drive from Deer Park, this state park protects the Lerderderg River Gorge and the areas around it. Here you'll find a campground, and a couple of picnic areas, one with electric barbecues and picnic tables. The park is particularly popular for hiking, and there are multiple trails, including the challenging East Walk and Cowan Track Loop Walk, which rewards hikers with fantastic views of the area.
Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve
The 600-hectare Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve protects hundreds of species of native plants, much of which are shrubs, as well as all sorts of birds and mammals. Bring your binoculars and you may see owls, robins, and warblers along with kangaroos, black-tailed wallabies, koalas, and echidnas. It’s a great place for walking, and multiple family-friendly walking tracks weave through the reserve.
You Yangs Regional Park
Equestrians, walkers, birders, and mountain bike enthusiasts flock to this regional park near Deer Park, which has over 50 kilometres of mountain bike trails for riders of various experience levels. It's also easy to explore by car via the park's Great Circle Drive. Head up to Flinders Peak, the highest point in the park, for views out over Geelong and Melbourne.
When to go
The best time to visit Deer Park is between November and March, when the weather is at its warmest, though do expect to see more people out and about around Christmas. Autumn and winter here can get chilly, with plenty of rain, especially in July and August. That said, temperatures rarely get anywhere close to freezing, so if you don’t mind cooler weather, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds, particularly in Melbourne and in area parks.