Feel like exploring Melbourne’s north this summer? Well, get the gang together and take a short road trip to the quaint town of Kinglake for some of the most dramatic views regional Victoria has to offer.

The Heart of Victoria

Located roughly 40 minutes from Riverhills, Kinglake or, the ‘Foggy Mountain’, is a breathtaking spot and the largest national park close to Melbourne. Offering fantastic walking and mountain biking tracks, it’s the ideal destination for those who love spending time outdoors or getting active.

While there is actually no lake in Kinglake, there are plenty of spectacular waterfalls. The stunning surrounds of Masons Falls and Jehoshaphat Gully are not to be missed. An easy walking circuit can be found here which leads visitors to Wombelano Falls. Here, natural beauty abounds, the area being home to more than 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species. This walk takes in waterfalls, forest pools and picnic areas and offers a very pleasant taste of what Kinglake National Park has to offer.

Kinglake Ranges Art Show

For those keen to experience culture as well as nature, the Kinglake Ranges Art Show would be a must-visit. Held from November 22 – 24 at the Kinglake Community Centre, the exhibition showcases the work of talented local artists, of which there are many in Kinglake. A wide variety of pieces will be on display including art in various media, textiles, photography, metalwork, woodwork and more.

Bollygum Park & Community Market

Bollygum Park is a magical playground for kids, based on the award-winning children’s book ‘Bollygum’ by Garry Fleming. Spread across two and a half acres, this magnificent play space has been designed to encourage kids’ imaginations, and is complete with lots of musical structures for little ones to crash, hit and stomp on. For bigger kids, there is also an architecturally designed skate park next door, with a bowl perfect for carving out some serious moves.

Aside from the fun to be had at the park, there is also a community market held here from September until May on the second Sunday of the month. The market boasts a wide variety of stalls selling homemade goods, fashion and homewares as well as fabulous food and wine, all from local makers.

Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market

Another must-visit market, the Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market have a great variety of stalls, set in an absolutely idyllic location. Here, marketgoers can expect to find anything and everything they’d wish to stock their pantry with. Fresh fruit and vegetables, jams, sweet and savoury treats, wine, bread and more. Plus there is a great selection of handmade crafts, quilts and giftware on offer.

Far from an exhaustive list, there is even more to explore in Kinglake and its surrounds. So why not take a cruise up to the hills this summer and explore the natural beauty that abounds in Melbourne’s backyard.