Kinglake National Park Guide | Everything You Need To Know

If you’re tired working the entire week and want to spend a weekend somewhere to reward yourself, Kinglake National Park will give you the satisfaction. If you love spontaneous road trips, nature-based adventures, and just want to get away from the noise of the city, this park is perfect for you! So, what are the unique perks of this place?

Kinglake National Park is a place where serenity and tranquillity combine with bold escapades in the north-east side of Melbourne, Australia. It is ideally accessible for day trips or weekend drives. Its extraordinary scenic views are perfect for photography and an excellent location for stress-free picnics with friends and family.

Here is an overview of the campgrounds in Kinglake National Park:

Campsites 1-18
Andersons Garden

The Gums Campground
Combinane No. 1 Camp
Combinane Regular Camp

So, are you going on a trip to Kinglake National Park? Make sure to read the full article before you go.

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How Do I Get To Kinglake National Park?

The Kinglake National Park is only 56 kilometres north from Melbourne, Australia. There are four ways to get from Melbourne to Kinglake National Park by Train (from Hurstbridge), Taxi, Uber, Car or Towncar.

From the centre of Melbourne, take the Collins St and continue to Macarthur St until you get to Gisborne St.

Continue your way to Gisborne and turn right to Victoria Parade, turn left again at George St.
Continue the long way to George St and turn right to Johnston St then turn left to Smith St.
At the end of Smith St, you will meet Queens Parade so turn right and follow the Route 46 Station St in Fairfield.

Turn Left onto Station St.
Take Plenty Rd and C725 to National Park Rd.
Continue on National Park Rd. Drive to Masons Falls Rd in Kinglake west.

A bus is an alternative in driving. From Melbourne, take the line 906 bus from Swanston St/Lonsdale St to Warrandyte Bridge/Yarra St 906 to get to Kinglake.

You can take the cab from Warrandyte Bridge/Yarra St to Kinglake National Park.

What Should I Know About Kinglake National Park?

Kinglake National Park is situated on the slopes of the Great Dividing Ranges. The 23,210-hectare park is located 31 miles northeast of Melbourne, Australia. It is a great place to bond and chill with the family and friends because it’s just a short drive from Melbourne.

The park was established on 7 March 1928. In the early 20^th Century, the park was entirely concealed with logs and remnants of logging such as scars for some trees and sawdust dump.

In January 2006, severe bushfires started from a thunder during a thunderstorm almost wiped out the entire park. Luckily, the town was saved by Country Fire Authority volunteers.

In 2009, 98% the National Park was harshly burnt again by the devastating Black Saturday bushfires. The town was almost entirely razed to the ground, and hundreds of lives were lost.

In 2010, rehabilitation took place and continue until it gradually reopened again.

Kinglake National Park used to be covered with the sea until it was reclaimed by nature. Its diverse ecosystem is the main reason why it’s also home for native flora and fauna. The park provides protection for a wide variety of plants and animals. Rare and Endangered species are also protected in this area

There is a wide range of attractions at Kinglake National Park, but Masons Falls is one of the most popular sites in park for its exceptional scenic view and relaxing sound of the waterfalls. You can enjoy the picnic and barbecues while surrounded by tall eucalypts and tranquil mountains as well.

How Are The Campgrounds At Kinglake National Park?

The Gums Camping Area is perfect to start camping at Kinglake National Park. They have eighteen campsites at The Gums that have a wide range of facilities and equipment like barbecue, bushwalking trails, parking lot, disabled access, native bush, rainwater and unpowered sites. So, visitors have less hassle settling in.

There are also information and accommodation for you to plan your visit to the park. However, dogs are prohibited in the campground and you must be aware of snakes and European Wasps. The weather condition in the area usually changes at short notice, so you better check weather updates ahead of time.

Each campsite can accommodate a maximum of six persons only and one car. It is advised that campers must bring their drinking water and avoid using detergent soaps in nearby creeks. Firewood can be purchased during winter at Kinglake.

Make sure to bring all of your essentials or make a checklist if you can to avoid the hassle. Choose the campsite that is most suitable for you.

Campsites 1, 7, 8, 10 and 16 are the caravan friendly ones up to 20 feet and a tent. It comes with free communal gas barbecue, picnic tables, and a short walk around.

Campsites 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18 are suitable for tents. It has a 5m x 3m tent pitching area and comes with a picnic table, and a fireplace shared with four campsites.

There are also 83 different campsites within 83 km of The Gums such as the The Gums Campground that you can check and find what’s suitable for you.

Andersons Garden is a free Campsite in Kinglake that allows fire and dogs. There are facilities available in the area like barbecue and toilets. It is ideal for self-contained travellers who wants more thrill while camping.

Conbinane No.1 Camp is a perfect camp for a rookie. Fire is also permitted in this area so you can toast your marshmallows, grill and make yourself warm at night. Make sure to bring thermals, especially during the winter season because it is going to be a bit freezing. You can park your car at the campsite as well.

Conbinane Regular Camp is a free campsite as well. Make sure to bring your drinking water and your tents, and also set your caravan nearby. The grassy area is perfect for pitching tents. If you want to be more adventurous, this place might be perfect for you. However, the toilets are a bit far.

If you want to know more about the campgrounds in the park, you can visit their website.

Where Can I Take A Bushwalk In Kinglake National Park?

There are eight exciting trails at Kinglake National Park that nature lovers will surely like. There are two easy, four moderate, and two hard paths you can explore.

Easy walks

Mason Falls via Boundary Track and Wallaby Trail is a loop type 5.3-kilometre light trail that offers to see the natural surroundings of the park, especially you can catch sight of waterfalls while walking. This trail is suitable for everyone, and this trail is usually used for trail running.
Wombelano Falls is an easy 1.5-kilometre loop type of trail and is quickly completed by 30mins maximum time. It starts at Extons Road off Whittlesea-Kinglake Road (C724), then right onto Captains Creeks Road until you reach Wombelano Falls Carpark and ends at Wombelano Falls Carpark.

The Lyrebird Circuit Track is a 500-metre track that is concealed with asphalt made for those limited in mobility. Shady paths are so soothing while you are walking surrounded by tall trees.
The Boundary Track is a 2.4-kilometre mild track that separates the forest from agriculture and housing subdivisions. This trail will lead you to Masons Falls Picnic Area.
Goodenia Track is a 750 metre one way that divides picnic area with the boundary track and opens for cyclists and walkers.

Moderate Hikes

Running Creek Track is a 14.3-kilometre moderate trail at Kinglake that showcases the wonders of waterfalls in the area. It is a loop type and accessible all year-round. It is an excellent track for beginners to develop more experience in trekking. The routes have some inclines that you will surely enjoy!
Mount Everard Loop is a loop type 20.1-kilometre moderate trail and quite narrow to start a hike. The first 9 kilometres are easy, but the harder part begins at the incline part. The exhilarating feeling will surely get into you as you take this trail.

Andrew Hill Loop is a 13.4-kilometre moderate loop type trail that features good forest trail setting. Usually spends a good 2.5 hours to 3 hours of a hike around the loop.
Mount Jerusalem, Bundy, Mt Verard and Cookson Hill Trails are a 20.6-kilometre moderate loop type trail. If you love nature, you would want to try trekking here because you can see wildlife and enjoy nature trips.

Hard Hikes

Bundy and Mount Everand Track is a 10.8-kilometre hard loop type trail. Expect steep trails and see wildlife lying around.
Mount Jerusalem Circuit is a 13.7-kilometre difficult loop type trail. It is a good and hard trail that showcase the wonders of the river while trekking.
Silver Creek Circuit is a 13.5-kilometre moderate loop type circuit trail. It is a combination of loop and outer circuit at Kinglake. Perfect for people who love mild but steep trails, and approximately 4.5 hours to complete. The area is still at the rehabilitation stage from a recent tragic fire. Upon arrival, you can see signage boards for more information, and the loop is colour coordinated.

What Are The Other Things That I Can Do At Kinglake National Park?

If you’re visiting Kinglake National Park, should:

Try Birdwatching and Explore the Wildlife. The ecosystem of the park is so vibrant, it is home to almost 600 species of native plants, more than 40 species of native animals, and more than 90 species of native birds. Even when you are doing the simplest type of activity, you can always spot wildlife in the area. Perfect for the nature enthusiast, kids, and even for adults. You can have fun while also observing the nature around you.
Try Canoeing and kayaking in the River. There is no other way to explore the wonders of Kinglake but through riding a kayak or canoe.

Mountainbiking in the entire park. Also, it is one of the best ways to explore the Park and its trails.
Hike. One of the best exercises and best way to wander the mountains.
Be a Junior Rangers. If you have a kid that’s interested in being a ranger, you can sign them up, and your kid will learn to protect their National Park today and for the future.

Rock climbing. Test your core and endurance. It is recommended for professionals only.
Join Tours. Explore the whole park with tour guides. Learn more about the History of Kinglake and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Try Bushwalking. Explore the trails from easy to hardest ones. It is the perfect way to test your endurance. Walking with the ones you love is more exciting than walking alone.

Try Camping. Delight in the majestic scenery of Kinglake through camping in. The Gum Camp Area has a wide range of campsite that you may choose from and unleash the wanderlust within you.
Visit Masons Falls. One of the most magnificent falls in Australia. You can try picnics with their large sheltered areas here with your family and friends. They also have a free gas barbecue, tables and short walks that lead you to Mason’s Falls.
Try 4WDing. It is always the best way to travel is through 4WD because it makes you fearless of the destination either it could be asphalt or an off-road track.

Try Mountain biking

Kinglake Mountain Biking Trails

Here is the list of popular Mountain Biking Trails at Kinglake National Park:

Scrubs Super Sprint

Mt Humevale Ascent
The Black Plague Doctor
Sunlight Splinters

Small Ridge Loop

What Is The Best Time To Visit Kinglake National Park?

Summer (except for high fire danger), spring and autumn is the best time to visit the park. The park is much colder and wetter than Melbourne because it is located at Great Diving Range. Wetter seasons are the time when the mosses flourish so you might want to check that out as well.

What Do Other Tourists Say About Kinglake National Park?

“Peace, nature and picnics. We took a day trip to Kingslake on the final day of my trip to Melbourne, just sad we didn’t go much sooner. A fantastic place to have a relaxing day and a picnic with amazing nature walk. All of the pathways are well-maintained as well as the toilets, BBQ spots, and picnic tables.

I mostly enjoyed the walk to the platform took approximately 45 minutes return journey, but it’s worth it. The views on the way and way back was remarkable, and once you reach the platform, it was just breathtaking to see so much vegetation and nature, not to mention the main star, a beautiful waterfall.

To anyone who wants a less crowded and relaxing day surrounded by Australia nature, you should go here! Also couldn’t recall the name but there was a small café/bakery at the end of the access road, you should try it if you have the time. Food was lovely.” –Rachel G. (TripAdvisor)