Discover the natural beauty of Portland's National Parks and picnic areas. Experience the abundance of flora and fauna, in the hinterland and coastal areas. Free camping is available in some of the National Parks. Full descriptive guides on each park can be obtained at the Portland Visitor Information Center.

Fawthrop Lagoon
Since 1984 Fawthrop Lagoon has been transformed into a tidal wetland. It is situated within walking distance from the city centre of Portland and is 5kms of gentle walkways (suitable for wheelchairs and prams). The walk around the lagoon takes you over bridges, causeways and tracks with superb opportunities for bird watching. There are free undercover BBQs and picnic areas.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park
The Discovery Bay Coastal Park stretches from Bridgewater to the South Australian border. Take this opportunity to experience vast areas of unspoilt ocean beach, with huge rolling sand dunes, tranquil lakes and wetlands. Camping permits are required.

Cape Nelson State Park
Cape Nelson State Park has many walking tracks, including a 5km lighthouse walk. There are BBQ facilities and a picnic area. The Park is set on 210 hectares featuring craggy coastal cliffs, sea birds and the unusual Soap Mallee gum trees, which are unique to the area. While there you can take a guided tour of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse.

The Saw Pit Picnic Area
The Saw Pit is a peaceful picnic area located at Boyers Road in Narrawong. While there, inspect the replica of a nineteenth century sawpit and meander down the track to the old Whalers' Lookout.

Volcanic Trail
Southwest Victoria is one of the largest volcanic plains in the world. Mt Eccles erupted some 6,500 years ago. Further areas of flow can be seen through to Yambuk and onto the plains around Tyrendarra.
Mt Richmond, Cape Grant, Cape Bridewater and Cape Nelson display evidence of a distinctive volcanic complex, including stony rises, lava caves and lava channels.

• Mt Eccles National Park
  Mt Eccles National Park provides visitors with picnic tables,walking tracks, and camping facilities (permits required). There is a scenic lake, bush land and interesting volcanic features. The three main craters contain the placid waters of Lake Surprise. Be sure to check out the extensive fish trap network, developed by aboriginals some 6,000 years ago at Lake Condah.
• Mt Richmond National Park
  You can access Mt Richmond National Park via the Portland-Nelson Rkoad. Climb the lookout towers for spectacular coastal views and keep your eyes open for wildlife as you explore the network of walking tracks.
• Stony Hill - Volcanic Activity
  Stony Hill at Cape Bridgewater is the highest cliff top on the Victorian coastline, 130 meters above sea level. It is part of the western rim of a volcano situated between the Seal Caves and the Springs. The evolution of a sand pit linked the island to the mainland; dunes then formed which have since turned to limestone.

Lower Glenelg National Park
The Lower Glenelg National Park is situated northwest of Portland. Enjoy picnics, bushwalking, sightseeing, camping (permits required), canoeing, boating, water skiing, fishing, cruising and tours. Don't forget to visit the Princess Margaret Rose Limestone Caves.

Wood, Wine & Roses Forest Drive (90kms)
Head north of Portland, past the Shell petrol station turn left and follow the forest drive signs to the Cobboboonee State Forest. Here you can inspect three different eucalypt species; Messmate Stringybark, Manna and Narrow-leaf Peppermint gum trees.
Turn right off the Portland-Nelson road towards Barrett's Winery, passing the Cobboboonee Vineyard and on to Heywood. Return to Portland via the Henty Highway, past Treloar's Roses at Bolwarra.

Surry Ridge Picnic Area
The Surry Ridge, situated in the Cobboboonee State Forest is a tranquil setting for picnics. You can take a short walk to Surry Ridge, cross the magnificent bridge and enjoy the river gorge filled with ferns.

Crawford Regional Park
The Crawford Regional Park provides a peaceful camping and picnic spot along the Crawford River.