Be Bushfire Smart

• The park offers opportunities for sightseeing, picnicking, walking, nature study and camping.
• The Summit Track climbs between boulders to the summit and Melville Caves Lookout.
• The Eastern Walking Circuit traverses an area of strange rock formations, giant granite slabs, and balancing rocks.
• Melville Caves Lookout is a short walk from the Upper Picnic area. A direction disc on top of boulders at the lookout points out surrounding features and landmarks.
• Exploring the walking track systems is a good way to see the park and relax in natural surroundings while enjoying the scenic and historic values.

• Melville Caves picnic ground has shelter and toilets.
• Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• Camping is permitted at the Melville Caves camping ground situated 1 km past the main picnic ground.
• Commercial accommodation is available at nearby towns.

Proclaimed in November 1985 and expanded in 2002, this 11, 350 ha park encompasses some of north-central Victoria's outstanding natural features. A wide variety of vegetation communities and a rich history add to the park's value.

The Jaara Aboriginal people of the Kooyoora area depended on natural springs and wells for their water supply, since the area lacks permanent streams. Large shallow rock-wells on the granite outcrops stored rainwater that supplemented their water supply. Rock shelters and caves gave ample protection from the weather; many stone artefacts have been found in their sandy floors. Other reminders of Aboriginal occupation include scars on trees showing where bark was taken to make dishes and shields.

Fissures - loosely called caves - formed by the splitting of weathered granite are said to have been used as a hideout by ‘Captain Melville’, a bushranger active during the Gold Rush days.

European settlement of the area began in the 1840s and mining for alluvial gold was under way by the late 1850s. Substantial finds in the late 1860s began a rush which lasted several years. Relics of settlement history are most abundant in the eastern section of the park.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

Arboreal mammals and tree-nesting birds live in the open forests. Rainbow bee-eaters nest in the granite soils and wedge-tailed eagles among the granite tors. Kangaroos and wallabies browse the native grasslands. Areas with shrubby understorey and abundant ground litter give shelter to many ground-dwelling animals such as the yellow-footed antechinus. Some 130 bird species have also been recorded.

Most of the major open forest communities typical of north-central Victoria are present, including Blakely's red gum, yellow and grey box and red ironbark. Nineteen species of rare, interesting or restricted plants occur, as well as many species of native orchids, creating a delightful display when in flower.

• All plants and animals are protected.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Firearms are not permitted.
• Light fires only in fireplaces provided. No fires including barbecues may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban.
• Dogs are permitted in the park, but must be kept on leash at all times.
• Leave the park as you find it.

The park is about 220 km north west of Melbourne, lying west of the Calder Highway, between Inglewood and Wedderburn. Melville Caves Road is the major access route in the park.

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