Imagine a vast, untouched wilderness just a short drive—or even a train ride—from the heart of the city.
Picture towering mountain ash forests, rare wildlife, and tranquil walking trails, all protected for future generations.
This vision could soon become reality, as passionate advocates renew their push for the creation of the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Why the Great Forest National Park, and why now?
Melbourne is booming. Since the late 1990s, the city’s population has exploded, growing by the equivalent of an entire Adelaide.
Yet, while we’ve seen new hospitals, schools, and roads, our green spaces haven’t kept pace. In fact, Melbourne hasn’t had a new national park declared in over two decades.
Compare that to Sydney, which boasts a whopping 1.1 million hectares of green space—seven times more than Melbourne’s 165,000 hectares. For a city that prides itself on liveability, that’s a worrying gap.
Sarah Rees, Project Manager for the GFNP, puts it simply: ‘We haven’t had a new national park since the late 1990s in Melbourne, yet the city has increased in size equivalent to the size of Adelaide since then.
We’ve had huge population growth and we’ve had advances in our hospitals and our schools and roads but had no investment in our green spaces.’
A sanctuary for people—and wildlife
The proposed Great Forest National Park would cover an impressive 350,000 acres (about 140,000 hectares) of the Central Highlands, stretching from Kinglake to the Baw Baw Ranges. This isn’t just about pretty scenery.
The area is home to some of Victoria’s most iconic—and critically endangered—species, including the Leadbeater’s possum (Victoria’s faunal emblem), the elusive baw baw frog, and the rare galaxias fish.
The mountain ash forests themselves are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems on the planet, playing a vital role in fighting climate change.
Declaring the area a national park would provide much-needed protection for these species and their habitats.
It would also help safeguard the region from threats such as logging, which has historically been a major industry in the area.
With political winds always shifting, advocates worry that without formal protection, these forests could once again be at risk.
Why green space matters—especially now
For many Australians, the cost of living is biting hard. Overseas holidays are off the cards for some, and even a weekend away can feel like a luxury.
That’s where local, accessible green spaces become so important. National parks offer a free or low-cost way to escape the city, recharge, and reconnect with nature—something that’s been shown to boost both physical and mental health.
Sarah Rees highlights the importance of accessibility: ‘It’s about an investment into Melbourne and into creating more green spaces for Victorians, particularly under a cost of living crisis where people can’t afford their annual holidays and so forth.
The point is, everyone goes to these places to refuel, to spend that quiet time, to get away from the hustle and bustle. And the power of this place is you can reach it by public transport.’
What would the Great Forest National Park offer?
If the GFNP becomes a reality, it could transform how Melburnians and visitors experience the outdoors. Here’s what’s on offer:
Walking and hiking trails: From gentle strolls to challenging hikes, there would be something for everyone.
Camping and picnicking: Enjoy a night under the stars or a family barbecue surrounded by ancient trees.
Wildlife watching: Spot rare species in their natural habitat—bring your binoculars!
Educational opportunities: Learn about the unique ecology and history of the Central Highlands.
Accessible by public transport: No car? No problem. The park would be reachable by train and bus, making it inclusive for all.
The conservation case: more than just trees
Protecting the Central Highlands isn’t just about preserving a pretty landscape. The mountain ash forests are a global treasure, storing more carbon per hectare than any other forest type. That means they’re a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
By creating the GFNP, Victoria would be making a bold statement about the value of nature—not just for today, but for future generations.
What’s standing in the way?
Despite strong public support and the clear benefits, the park is yet to be formally declared. Some of the challenges include:
Political will: Changes in government can shift priorities, and logging interests remain influential in the region.
Economic concerns: Some argue that ending logging could impact local jobs, though advocates point to the potential for eco-tourism and park management roles.
Balancing interests: Ensuring the park meets the needs of conservationists, local communities, and traditional owners is a complex task.
What can you do?
If you believe in the importance of green spaces and protecting our unique wildlife, there are ways to get involved:
Contact your local MP: Let them know you support the creation of the Great Forest National Park.
Join a local conservation group: Many organisations are working hard to make the park a reality.
Visit the Central Highlands: Explore the area and see for yourself what’s at stake.
Have your say
Would you visit the Great Forest National Park if it were created? Do you think Melbourne needs more green space? Have you seen the Leadbeater’s possum or walked among the mountain ash giants? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share them in the comments below!
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Also read: ‘Ghost booking’ crackdown: What the new national park fees mean for you
What is a “new nassive national park” ????
I agree that this new National Park should be created !!!