Sandstone Escarpments and Quiet Woodlands of Black Range

Overview

Black Range State Park sits in western Victoria, west of the Henty Highway near Cherrypool, and forms part of the broader Greater Gariwerd landscape. It is a relatively secluded park, with a low sandstone range rising out of the surrounding plains and a mix of open woodland, rocky slopes and sheltered sites that give it a very different feel from the larger parks nearby.

The range is also known as Burrunj, a name that reflects the deep cultural history of the area. What stands out most here is the contrast between broad pastoral country around the park and the compact band of rocky country within it, where escarpments, outcrops and pockets of native bush create a strong sense of separation from the farmland beyond.

Highlights

The defining feature of Black Range State Park is its ancient sandstone backbone. Rocky escarpments and exposed outcrops give the park much of its character, especially where the ground rises above the surrounding plains and opens onto broad views across western Victoria.

There is also a quieter scenic appeal here than in some of the state’s better-known ranges. Instead of dramatic peaks, the park is shaped by weathered stone, low ridgelines, scattered gums and a dry woodland setting that feels open, spacious and distinctly western Victorian.

Best Time to Visit

Spring is often the most rewarding time to spend time in Black Range State Park, when heath, teatree and other wildflowers are in bloom and the woodland has more colour and activity. The milder weather at that time of year also suits longer walks and time spent out on the rocky high points.

Autumn is another good option for settled conditions and gentler temperatures. In summer, the park’s exposed rock and open country can feel harsh in the middle of the day, so the cooler months generally give a better sense of the landscape at its best.

Plants and Animals

Black Range State Park supports a mix of woodland and shrubland species, including Yellow Box and River Red Gum, along with spring-flowering heath, calytrix, thryptomene and teatree. It also protects several uncommon plants, including Mount Byron bush-pea, large-leaf ray-flower and Grampians bossiaea.

Wildlife is part of the appeal as well. More than 100 bird species have been recorded in the park, and open woodland habitat supports threatened birds such as the Diamond Firetail. Red-necked Wallabies and kangaroos are regularly seen, especially in the more open parts of the range.

Culture and Heritage

Black Range State Park has direct and ongoing cultural importance for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk People. The park is one of the areas granted as Aboriginal title under the Wotjobaluk Nations Recognition and Settlement Agreement and is to be jointly managed through a Traditional Owner Land Management Board.

The park also protects significant cultural sites, including rock shelters, rock art, quarries and scarred trees. These places are part of a long history of occupation centred on water, plant and animal foods, shelter and stone tool making within the range.