You Yangs Regional Park – Guide to One of Melbourne’s Best Adventure Playgrounds

If you’re a Melbourne local, you’ve probably heard of You Yangs Regional Park. Under an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, it’s the ultimate Explorer’s playground. Ally’s hiked, biked, and run all over the You Yangs, and she’s got the best tips to help you make the most of your visit. 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

You Yangs Overview

Wurdi Youang/You Yangs Regional Park is a fantastic spot in Victoria, just 55km southwest of Melbourne. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and exploring, with killer views and plenty of trails to get stuck into. 

Whether you’re after a short and sweet day trip or a weekend getaway, You Yangs Regional Park is an epic spot to visit (and it’s dog-friendly!). 

@allyburnie_

About You Yangs Regional Park

You Yangs Regional Park can only be described as an Explorer’s playground. With over 50km of trails, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, or trail running (there’s even the option for horse riding, if that’s your thing). 

It’s most popular for the Flinders Peak hike – a return 3km trail that leads you to the highest point in the You Yangs. Up top, you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views out to Melbourne and Geelong. 

@ben.savage

You Yangs History

The You Yangs sit on the land of the Wadawurrung people, who have been looking after this beautiful place for thousands of years. The name ‘You Yangs’ comes from Wurdi Youang or Ude Youang, which means ‘big mountain in the middle of a plain’. 

These days, it’s a protected park where you can enjoy its natural beauty and explore its rich cultural history. 

Read more: Best Melbourne Microadventures

How to Get to You Yangs Regional Park

The best way to get to the You Yangs is definitely by car. However, it’s possible to get there by public transport, but you’d also need to get a rideshare for the final leg.

By Car

From Melbourne, take the Princes Freeway (M1) towards Geelong. Take the Little River exit and follow the signs to You Yangs Regional Park. It’s about a 50-minute drive from the CBD.

By Train

From Melbourne Central, you can catch the Sunbury line to Footscray, then the Geelong line to Little River Station. From there, it’s about a ten minute drive to the entrance of the You Yangs Regional Park. 

By Bus

There’s no direct bus to the You Yangs, so the best bet is a train to Little River Station and then a rideshare.

Essential Gear for Your You Yangs Trip

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Mountain bike (if cycling)
• Plenty of water
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Picnic supplies
• Map or GPS
• Camera for the views
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Where to Stay Near You Yangs Regional Park

If you’re planning a visit to You Yangs Regional Park and looking for a place to crash, your best bet is somewhere nearby. You cannot camp in the park itself, but you can stay at: 

Boar Gully Campground

Distance from You Yangs: 40 minutes 

At Boar Gully Campground the facilities are basic but you have all you really need – toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire pits. It’s a great spot to unwind and unplug!

Geelong Discovery Park

Distance from You Yangs: 30 minutes 

If you’re after some accommodation with more amenities, Geelong Discovery Park is a solid option – especially for families. It’s got everything you need for an easy stay, including comfy cabins, a pool, a playground, and BBQ areas.

Barwon River Holiday Park

Distance from You Yangs: 30 minutes 

I love Barwon River Holiday Park because it’s right next to the river and offers a good mix of cabins and spacious campsites. There are some great facilities too, like a pool and playground to keep the young ones (and old ones!) entertained.

Where to Eat Near You Yangs Regional Park

The closest town to You Yangs is Lara, which is about ten minutes by car. If you’re looking for a place for a bite to eat or coffee, I recommend:

Anna’s Cafe

The coffee at Anna’s Cafe is super yum and reasonably priced, and if you’re hungry you can also grab something off the all-day lunch and brekky menu. This cafe also caters for vegans and gluten-free eaters!

Boss Burger Co.

Who doesn’t love a burger for lunch? It’s undoubtedly the ultimate post-hike refuel meal. With vegan and gluten-free options and a kid’s menu, everyone is catered for at Boss Burger Co.!

Town & Country Pizza & Pasta

If you love a big carb feed, you can’t go past Town & Country Pizza & Pasta. It’s great value for money and super tasty too. They don’t say they cater for vegans/gluten-free eaters, but you can alter the menu to try and suit your dietary requirements. 

Things to Do in You Yangs Regional Park

Hike, bike, abseil, and horse riding are just some of the fun things you can do in the You Yangs! However, hiking and MTB are definitely the most popular.

Read more: 13 Best Bushwalks Near Melbourne

Hiking / Trail Running in You Yangs

What’s great about the hiking/trail running routes in You Yangs is it’s really a ‘build your own adventure’. You can connect different tracks for a longer walk, or hop off the track at different points if you want to make your hike shorter!

@ben.savage

1. Flinders Peak

Distance: 3.2km return
Duration: 1 hour
Start/End: Turntable car park
Difficulty: Intermediate

This hike takes you up 450 steps to the highest point in the You Yangs, offering stunning 360-degree views of Melbourne, Geelong, and the surrounding plains. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views at the top make it all worthwhile.

2. Big Rock Walk

Distance: 3km return
Duration: 1 hour
Start/End: Visitor Centre car park/Big Rock Picnic Area
Difficulty: Beginner

An easy, beginner-friendly walk that leads you to the impressive ‘Big Rock’, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the park.

Photo by @tlwvision via Flickr | License

3. East-West Walk

Distance: 4.5km loop
Duration: About 90 minutes
Start/End: Turntable car park
Difficulty: Intermediate

This loop trail gives you a good mix of scenic views and a moderate challenge as you navigate around the rocky terrain. Expect some killer vistas of the You Yangs as you circle around the peaks.

4. Branding Yard Trail

Distance: 5km loop
Duration: 1.5 hours
Start/End: Intersection of either Northern Range Track or Saddleback Track, or from the Turntable car park via a short connecting track
Difficulty: Beginner

This is another beginner-friendly loop that’s great for a slow hike. It winds through quieter areas of the park, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk.

5. Saddleback Track

Distance: 1km one way
Duration: 15-25 minutes depending on direction
Start/End: Intersection of East-West Walk and Northern Range Track/Intersection with Branding Yard Trail
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate depending on direction

A short and sweet trail that connects to other paths in the park, with varying difficulty depending on which direction you take. It’s a great little add-on to other hikes.

6. Northern Range Walking Track

Distance: 3.5km one way
Duration: 1 hour
Start/End: Intersection of East-West Walk and Saddleback Track / Branding Yard Trail near Branding Yard Road
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

This one-way trail offers a bit more of a challenge, linking up with other tracks for a longer adventure. It’s perfect if you’re looking to extend your hike and explore more of the park.

Read more: Best Trail Running Near Melbourne

MTB / Cycling in the You Yangs

The You Yangs Regional Park is great for MTB/cyclists whether you’re a beginner or a more skilled rider, with over 50km of trails for all skill levels.

There are two main cycling areas in You Yangs Regional Park:

• Kurrajong Plantation – This is the go-to spot for beginners. It’s 20km of easier, flatter trails weaving through eucalyptus trees. Perfect for first-timers and those looking to enjoy a relaxed ride
• Stockyards – If you’re after a challenge, head north to Stockyards. It’s got steep, technical sections and flowing single tracks. There are three downhill tracks and a bunch of cross-country routes to test your skills

All trails are clearly marked with signs and gradings. You can grab a map from the Park Office or download it online. 

Photo by @tlwvision via Flickr | License

Rock Climbing / Abseiling

You Yangs is also a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling, with the park’s granite tors offering a range of routes from beginner to advanced. Trails are well-marked, and a map is available from the Park Office.

Some of the best areas for climbing are:

• Gravel Pit Tor – Known for its steep routes, this area offers some of the best and most challenging climbs in the park
• Urinal Wall – Despite its name, this wall has some excellent slab routes like ‘Round The Bend’ (grade 17) and ‘Aiming To Please’ (grade 15)
• Nightfall Pinnacles – Routes include ‘Nightfall’ (grade 15) and ‘Knight Moves’ (grade 16). Keep in mind, this area is a bit scrambly to reach but worth it for the fun climbs

What it’s Like to Visit You Yangs Regional Park

I personally love You Yangs Regional Park. This park has so much going for it. With a variety of hiking tracks for all levels, being dog-friendly, and offering options to explore by bike or even on horseback, it’s a solid all-rounder.

The You Yangs may not be the prettiest regional park in Victoria (just my opinion!), but I’ll tell you what – those rugged granite peaks rising up from the flat plains? They’re pretty gorgeous. Plus, the contrast of the rocky outcrops against the vast, open skies gives the place a raw, ancient vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Photo by @tlwvision via Flickr | License

You’ll find diverse flora and fauna here too, like towering eucalypts, Yellow gums, and River Red gums, as wellas wildflowers in the spring. If you’re lucky, you might stumble across one of the 30 orchid species that call the park home, including the rare and delicate brittle greenhood orchid.

The wildlife in the You Yangs is another reason to visit. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and wallabies bouncing through the bush, echidnas trundling along, and you might even spot a koala chilling high up in the trees. Birdwatchers, this is your paradise – over 200 species have been recorded here, from colourful parrots to majestic wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

For those who appreciate a park with character, variety, and plenty to offer, the You Yangs is a gem worth exploring.

Photo by @tlwvision via Flickr | License

Tips For Visiting the You Yangs

• The park gates open at 7am and close at 7pm, so your car must be out before then
  
• Once you’re inside the gates, there are a few parking options. The largest and most convenient car park is at one end of Turntable Drive. It’s a good starting point for most of the walks in the park
• It’s free to visit the You Yangs Regional Park
• There are bathrooms at the main large car park, and several others throughout the park/at the start of main trails/picnic areas
• You Yangs Regional Park is dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times (and you must clean up after your dog)
• The Flinders Peak hike can get busy on weekends, so I recommend going early to beat the crowd. If you go mid-week, you’ll likely have a lot of the park to yourself

Read more: Best Dog Friendly Walks in Melbourne

@ben.savage

You Yangs FAQs

How long does it take to climb the You Yangs?

Climbing Flinders Peak typically takes about 1-2 hours (3.2km return). If you’re super fit and race up, you might do it quicker, but if you prefer to take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe snap a few pics, give yourself a bit longer. It’s not a race (unless you want it to be!).

What is the significance of the You Yangs?

The You Yangs is a really special place, especially to the Wadawurrung people, who have a deep connection to this land that goes back thousands of years. The name ‘You Yangs’ comes from the Aboriginal words Wurdi Youang or Ude Youang, meaning ‘big mountain in the middle of a plain’. 

How far is the You Yangs from Melbourne?

The You Yangs is about 55km southwest of Melbourne’s CBD. That’s roughly a 50-minute drive, so you can easily pop out for a day trip. It’s close enough that you can leave in the morning, have a full day of fun, and still be back home in time for dinner.

Feature and Table of Contents images by @tlwvision via Flickr | License