The granite peaks of the You Yangs rise dramatically in the Werribee lava plains. Although only 352 m in height, they dominate the landscape and are clearly identifiable from Melbourne and beyond.
Things to Do
Spring and summer are the best times to visit.
- Enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
- Walk to Flinders Peak, the highest point in the You Yangs. On a clear day you can see Mount Macedon, the Brisbane Ranges, Geelong, Corio Bay and the tall buildings of Melbourne.
- See the Aboriginal rock wells on Big Rock.
- Try to identify some of the 200 or more birds in the area.
- Take the Great Circle Drive which takes you to many features around the park.
- Four main walks cover the park and all are well signposted.
- Camping is not permitted within the park.
Heritage
The name 'You Yang' comes from the Aboriginal words 'Wurdi Youang' or 'Ude Youang' meaning 'big mountain in the middle of a plain'. Aboriginal people enlarged natural hollows in the rocks to form wells that held water even in dry seasons.
Explorer Matthew Flinders was the first European to visit the You Yangs. On 1 May 1802 he and three of his men climbed to the highest point. He named it 'Station Peak' but this was later changed to Flinders Peak in his honour.
For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.
