Be Bushfire Smart

• Mount Arapiles, widely regarded as the top rock climbing area in Australia, is of world renown.
• Two short walking tracks link Centenary Park to the summit of Mount Arapiles and the sealed Lookout Road gives easy access to a short walk that leads to the summit. There is also a short but interesting nature walk from Lookout Road.
• The vehicle track which circles the Mount is suitable for cycling and driving and is a good walk in wildflower season. All but the eastern end of the track is closed to vehicles during winter.
• Birdwatching, painting and nature studies are also popular activities.

• The main picnic area and the only location where camping is permitted is Centenary Park, near the base of the cliffs. There are fireplaces, picnic tables and toilets, but no showers.
• There are basic picnic areas at the carpark summit and at The Bluff picnic area where views are spectacular.
• There are no facilities in the Tooan Block.
• Camping fees apply. There are no powered sites throughout the park.
• 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.
• Backpacker and hotel accommodation is available in Natimuk, and there is a caravan park at Natimuk Lake, 4 km north of the township.

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

A total of 109 bird species has been recorded. Notable species include the Peregrine Falcon, Rainbow Bee Eater, Gilbert Whistler and Southern Scrub Robin.

Kangaroos may be seen grazing the lower slopes and possums observed at night foraging in the tree canopies.

During the summer, Shingle Back Lizards and Eastern Brown Snakes soak up the warm sun.

Most of the Arapiles plateau is covered by low, open forest of Long-leaved Box in association with some Buloke and White Cypress Pine. Below the plateau, Yellow Gum woodland is found.

Throughout the park, wildflowers present a colourful display during spring. About 500 species of native plants occur in the park, including several such as Rock Wattle and Skeleton Fork-fern which are rare or endangered.

• Light fires only in fireplaces provided. If possible, use a fuel stove. Collecting of firewood is prohibited in the park - wood can be purchased in Natimuk.
• Do not disturb wildlife or pick wildflowers or plants - they are all protected.
• Shooting is prohibited.
• Vehicles may only be used on roads open to the public. They must be registered, and drivers and riders must be licensed.
• Put your rubbish in a bin, or take it away with you.

• Rock climbing can be a hazardous sport and should only be undertaken by climbers with experience and training, or under the guidance of skilled and qualified instructors.

Summit Picnic Area
There are no views from the picnic area and car park at Mount Arapiles. Visitors must use the summit track to get to the viewing point. This track is short but also very steep with many steps and some rock-hopping at the top. Accessibility is therefore poor. The Bluff Picnic Area and lookout further down the mountain is a more accessible site offering views without a walk.

Bluff Lookout
Bluff Lookout is a relatively accessible alternative to the summit of Mount Arapiles. Good views are available from the car park and picnic area. Unsealed car parking. No toilet facilities. There is a nature walk further down Lookout Road that is reasonably accessible, although currently lacking features such as handrails, a sealed surface and seating.

• Black Range State Park
• Dergholm State Park
• Grampians National Park
• Little Dessert National Park