Victoria has officially welcomed three new national parks—Mount Buangor, Pyrenees, and the expansive Wombat-Lerderderg—preserving vital habitats for rare and threatened species and honoring long-standing stewardship by Indigenous peoples and conservationists alike.
- Three new parks cover over 250 square miles in central Victoria
- Habitats protected for rare species including greater gliders and powerful owls
- Collaboration planned with Indigenous groups for ongoing forest stewardship
What happened
The Victorian Parliament passed legislation last November to create three new national parks in central Victoria, which took effect this week. The parks—Mount Buangor, Pyrenees, and Wombat-Lerderderg—are the first large-scale additions to the state's protected areas in 15 years, together covering more than 250 square miles of forests.
These areas have become vital sanctuaries for hundreds of threatened and rare species such as platypuses, brush-tailed phascogales, mountain skinks, and the powerful owl. The creation of these parks follows extensive ecological studies and years-long advocacy by groups including the Victoria National Parks Association, Wombat Forestcare, and the Wilderness Society.
Why it feels good
This milestone represents a triumph for nature conservation and the communities who have fought persistently for these forests’ protection. The parks not only secure the habitat for wildlife facing pressure across the region but also acknowledge the dedication of local environmental volunteers and campaigners whose efforts were essential to this success.
Moreover, the protected forests are situated on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Eastern Maar, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri, Gunaikurnai, and Taungurung peoples. Recognizing their ancient and ongoing care introduces a powerful element of cultural respect and shared guardianship for these landscapes, providing hope for a future where both nature and heritage thrive.
What to enjoy or watch next
With Parks Victoria now partnering alongside Indigenous custodians, the coming year will focus on developing management plans that balance ecological stewardship with community involvement. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the parks receive the resources and attention needed to flourish as safe havens for wildlife and places of recreation and education for people.
Nature enthusiasts and visitors alike can look forward to opportunities for responsible exploration within these forests, where the presence of elusive species like greater gliders and powerful owls adds to the richness and wonder of the parks. Keeping an eye on progress updates from local conservation groups will be rewarding as this important new chapter for Victoria’s natural heritage unfolds.