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Victoria
 Parks Victoria now manages the State's outstanding parks system, as well as Melbourne's bays and waterways and a considerable part of our cultural heritage.
The estate managed by Parks Victoria includes:
- 36 National Parks
- 3 Wilderness Parks
- 31 State Parks
- 11 Marine and Coastal Parks and Reserves
- 83 Regional Parks
- 3,000 Crown Reserves
- Key Heritage Properties and over 200 historic places
- Sanctuaries
- Gardens
- Port Phillip Bay and Western Port
- Yarra, Maribyrnong and Patterson Rivers (recreational management)
These assets total approximately 16% of the total land area of Victoria. Together they attract over 25 million visits per annum, not including the millions of visitors to our bayside beaches each summer.
A commitment to conservation
Through effective environmental and visitor management, Parks Victoria is dedicated to preserving the natural and heritage values of the parks, bays, and waterways, including full protection of sensitive areas. Preservation is our highest commitment.
Excellence in environmental management
Park management is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and Parks Victoria staff are well qualified to address the challenges involved in balancing protection of our natural heritage with the needs of visitors. The efficiencies of a single, fully integrated organisation enables more resources to be devoted to environmenta l protection and the development of visitor services.
Integrated environmental policy, planning and research functions have been established to ensure that standards of excellence and efficiency are achieved.
This will result in a stronger focus on conservation, driven by state of the art environmental management systems.
Serving our visitors
Victoria's parks system is characterised by a diversity of natural ecosystems. Its landscapes offer a wide range of visitor opportunities from intensively serviced recreation to self-reliant wilderness experiences.
From family picnics in metropolitan parks and gardens or sightseeing along the Great Ocean Road to overnight hiking in the Alps or birdwatching in the Mallee, visitors can enjoy our parks now, and they know they are protected for the future.
Parks Victoria will seek to raise awareness of Victoria's natural resources and to encourage visitors to treat them with care and sensitivity.
For brochures on parks or details on activities contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.
Our parks are in safe hands
Parks Victoria employs staff across the State in a wide range of roles. Approximately 70% of the staff are professionals with formal qualifications in park and reserve management, environmental management and recreation. This highly skilled and experienced team includes specialists in business systems, financial management, planning and marketing, and over 400 rangers based in parks, bays, and waterways.
All staff are totally committed to their role of protecting the State's natural and cultural heritage, and to developing an understanding and appreciation of this heritage by park visitors and the Victorian community.
Parks Victoria will continue to derive its funding from the State budget for national and other parks and recreational management of the bays, and from the Parks Charge for parks in the metropolitan area.
Involving the community
Parks Victoria has a strong commitment to working with and nurturing Friends Groups and volunteers. On-line information services, such as this Internet site, will assist and encourage these invaluable supporters.
Other initiatives include a new $1 million Community Environment Fund providing grants for community groups. These grants will enable local government improvements which enhance and complement the parks system.
Parks Victoria is looking after our parks - for now and forever.
Contact Details
Chief Executive
Mark Stone
Administrative Offices
Level 10 535 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria
AUSTRALIA 3000
Phone 03 8627 4699
Facsimile 03 9629 5563
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