Mount Samaria Summit Circuit (4km)

Just a few hours' drive from Melbourne, Mount Samaria State Park is a serene, semi-remote sanctuary for wildlife, native flora and nature lovers alike.

The region's plateau, formed by volcanic activity during the Devonian period nearly 420 million years ago, has created abundant habitats for native Australian animals. Watch for Swamp Wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, possums and gliders. You might see snakes and lizards sunning themselves on the granite rocks. Keep an eye out for the park's many bird residents as well, including lyrebirds, rosellas, and the Wedge-tailed Eagle.

The tall forest of the plateau is a stronghold for the Greater Glider, a vulnerable species of marsupial which only comes out at night.

See remnants of the park's more recent history at the kilns and in the mounds of sawdust left over from logging operations in the 1920s. Enjoy the rejuvenated native forests that now blanket the area. Majestic Blue Gums, giant Messmate Eucalypts and Mountain Grey Gums inhabit the moist elevated areas. In drier areas you can walk through forests of Stringybarks, Boxes and Peppermints interspersed with hardy shrubs and tussock grasses, as well as Grass Trees with their unique flower spikes in spring.

In spring and early summer, marvel as a dazzling array of native wildflowers burst into multi-coloured bloom, including peas, trigger plants, everlasting daisies, milkmaids and orchids.

Walk the tracks that start at the park's central gravel road to take in 360-degree views from the summit of Mount Samaria, or linger by the rushing waters of Wild Dog Falls and Back Creek Falls. This is a park that's best savoured slowly - take your time and experience all it has to offer.