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You Yangs panorama, Spring 2024

Key Information

The You Yangs are a series of granite ridges that rise up to 319 m (1,047 ft) above the flat and low-lying Werribee Plain in southern Victoria, Australia, approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) due west of the rural town of Little River, 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Melbourne CBD and 22 km (14 mi) north of Geelong. The main ridge runs roughly north-south for about 9 km (5 mi), with a lower extension running for about 15 km (10 mi) to the west. Much of the southern section of the range is protected in You Yangs Regional Park.

The You Yangs sits about halfway between the Brisbane Ranges to the west and the nearest coast, at Corio Bay to the south-east. Although its highest point, Flinders Peak at the southern end, is only 319 m, the You Yangs dominate the surrounding landscape and are clearly identifiable from nearby Geelong, Melbourne and beyond.

The You Yangs are the site of a geoglyph of Bunjil, a Dreamtime creator deity to some of the Indigenous people of Victoria, depicted as an wedge-tailed eagle. The geoglyph was constructed by the Australian artist Andrew Rogers in recognition of the local Indigenous Wathaurong people. Unveiled in March 2006, the geoglyph has a wing span of 100 metres and 1500 tonnes of rock was used in its construction.[1][2]

History

[edit]

The name "You Yang" comes from the Aboriginal words Wurdi Youang or Ude Youang which could have any number of meanings from "big mountain in the middle of a plain", "big or large hill", or "bald". The Woiwurrung word for granite stone 'yow wong' is also a possibility.[3] The Yawangi people enlarged natural hollows in the rocks to form wells that held water even in dry seasons.[4] The area around the You Yangs was called Morong-morongoo after the murnong, or yam daisy, that was abundant there.[5]

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.[6][7] He named it "Station Peak"[8] but the name was changed in 1912 to "Flinders Peak" in his honour.[9]

The You Yangs have always attracted artists to paint them and feature most strongly in works by one of Australia's greatest artists, Fred Williams. Williams spent long periods developing his plein air representations of the You Yangs, and they have now become classics of Australian art – rugged, dramatic, yet sparse in their imagery – unquestionably of the Australian bush.

The You Yangs were chosen to depict some battle scenes for the HBO World War II series The Pacific.

Geography

[edit]

The nearest settlements include;

Two watercourses pass through or by the ranges: Hovells Creek originates in the western parts of the ranges, while Little River flows around the ranges to the north and east.

Geology

[edit]
View of the Bunjil geoglyph from Flinders Peak

Contrary to popular belief, the You Yangs are not the remains of a volcano. They are an inselberg or monadnock,[10] and the granite that forms them was originally a mass of magma that had worked its way up into the surrounding sedimentary rocks during the Devonian period, when the land surface in Victoria was several kilometres higher than today.[11]

The magma crystallised before it reached the surface, so it did not produce any volcanic activity. Instead, a very slow cooling rate allowed many large white crystals of feldspar to form.[12] These can be seen in many of the granite outcrops throughout the ranges. In places the crystals appear to be lined up, probably because the gooey magma was still moving around when they were growing. The rock enclosing the big feldspar crystals mainly contains crystals of greyish quartz and two black minerals (hornblende and a variety of mica known as biotite).

There are also some tiny crystals of two minerals, allanite and titanite,[13] that contain radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. Titanite crystals have been used to calculate that the You Yangs granite solidified 365 million years ago. In many places in the granite there are dark grey clots and lumps. These are called xenoliths and are foreign pieces of sedimentary rock that have been incorporated into the magma as it moved to the location at which it solidified.

The You Yangs as seen from Werribee Racecourse, 2017

The land surface has eroded over the millions of years since the granite solidified, leaving it exposed. Because granite is a hard rock, it has resisted erosion better than the rocks that surrounded it. The size and shape of the rounded tors are controlled by fractures in the granite that resulted from slight shrinkage during cooling. Weathering and erosion of the granite has formed a blanket of sandy soil that covers any contacts with surrounding rocks.[14]

Climate, vegetation and wildlife

[edit]

Owing to the rain shadow created by the Otway Ranges to the south-west, the You Yangs are in the driest part of Victoria south of the Great Dividing Range. Annual rainfall is as little as 450 millimetres (18 in), with the result that the natural vegetation is grassland or low woodland rather than forest.

River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is the dominant native tree on the low slopes and gullies, yellow gum (E. leucoxylon) grows widely throughout the low and middle slopes, and blue gum (E. pseudoglobulus) grows on the rugged upper slopes. Other native trees in the park include red box (E. polyanthemos), grey box (E. microcarpa) & yellow box (E. melliodora), manna gum (E. viminalis), red ironbark (E. tricarpa), cherry ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis), and silver and black wattle (Acacia dealbata and A.mearnsii). Native low vegetation is sparse and dominated by grasses and saltbushes, with some scrubby areas of snowy mintbush (Prostanthera nivea) and drooping cassinia (Cassinia arcuata).

Many introduced plants occur in the You Yangs, some planted deliberately for forestry, including sugar gum (E. cladocalyx), swamp yate (E. occidentalis) and brown mallet (E. astringens), and others that have been introduced accidentally or have invaded the area, for example, boneseed (Chyrsanthemoides monilifera) and bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides).

The You Yangs are home to more than 200 bird species such as tawny frogmouths, white-naped, white-plumed, New Holland and brown-headed honeyeaters, kookaburras, white-winged choughs, crested shriketits, eastern rosellas, crimson rosellas, purple-crowned lorikeets, sulphur-crested cockatoos, eastern yellow robins, jacky winters and scarlet robins.[15]

Mammals living in the park include eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, swamp wallabies, sugar gliders, brushtail and ringtail possums, and koalas.

Koalas in the You Yangs have been studied since 2006. In approximately 28% of the Park they are monitored by a non-intrusive system of nose pattern identification. The entire population was considered to number around 105 in 2017, down 35% from estimated 161 in 2007. The population has been recorded to prefer to roost in river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis): 34% of sightings occur in that species. Four generations of one koala family have been recorded.[16]

The nearby Serendip Sanctuary, a Victorian government wildlife research centre, open to the public, has been involved in breeding endangered Victorian wildlife species, such as the Australian bustard and the brolga (Antigone rubicundus).[17]

Outdoor activities

[edit]

The foothills to the north of the peaks are home to Ford Australia's You Yangs Proving Ground[18][19] and the Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia's Eagle Park shooting range. There is also a paintball facility next to the SSAA range that is open to both adults and young people.

Camping is not permitted in the You Yangs, although picnics are allowed. Hiking is popular, and the Mountain to Mouth (M~M) event is a bi-annual two-day 80 km (50 mi) art walk starting from the You Yangs and heading for the Barwon River mouth in Geelong, celebrating the contemporary song lines of the Wadawurrung people and recognising their land and traditions. Autumn and winter are also considered the perfect mountain biking and horse riding conditions, because the increased rainfall makes the trails less dusty and the soil firmer, making it more suitable for riding.

The You Yangs is home to a free 5 km parkrun event. You Yangs parkrun[20] starts at 8am every Saturday near the Kurrajong Plantation car park. Permanent signage marks the 5 km loop course for use at any time.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

You Yangs

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The You Yangs, also known as meaning "big mountain" in the Wathaurong language of the Traditional Owners, is a prominent series of ridges rising abruptly from the flat Werribee Plain in southern Victoria, . The highest point, Flinders Peak, reaches approximately 350 metres above sea level, creating a distinctive landmark visible from , , and surrounding regions. Encompassing the 2,000-hectare You Yangs Regional Park, the area features exposed outcrops, diverse eucalypt woodlands, and over 200 bird species, including powerful and wedge-tailed eagles, alongside mammals such as koalas and eastern grey kangaroos. Geologically formed from ancient granitic intrusions dating back approximately 365 million years, the You Yangs stand in stark contrast to the surrounding volcanic basalts of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, offering insights into the region's tectonic . The area holds deep cultural significance for the people, who have maintained a connection to the land for thousands of years, with sites reflecting spiritual and practical uses. European exploration of the area began in 1802, when and his crew climbed the highest point, naming it Station Peak; it was later renamed Flinders Peak in his honour in 1912, and the ridges later became part of grazing lands before designation as a regional park in 1972 to preserve its natural and scenic values. Today, it serves as a vital corridor within the Western Grasslands Reserves system and attracts a large number of visitors annually for its recreational offerings, including more than 50 kilometres of trails graded for all skill levels, extensive walking tracks like the 3.2-kilometre Flinders Peak ascent with 450 steps, and designated horse riding loops. and are popular on the granite faces, while nine picnic areas provide facilities for families and groups. Conservation efforts focus on controlling like boneseed, which affects up to 1,300 hectares, and protecting rare flora such as 30 orchid species. Accessible via the from (55 kilometres southwest) or (22 kilometres north), the park operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset, emphasizing sustainable use of this unique natural asset.

Physical Features

Location and Extent

The You Yangs Regional Park is located approximately 55 km southwest of Melbourne's and 22 km north of in Victoria, , situated near the settlements of Little River and Lara. The park lies on traditional Country and is accessible via the at the Lara exit, providing convenient links to urban areas. Positioned about 5 km west of Little River, it forms part of the southern reaches of the . The park covers a total of 2,000 hectares, encompassing the southern section of the You Yangs granite formation. The main north-south ridge extends roughly 9 km, rising abruptly to 340 m at Flinders Peak (), the highest point, while a lower western extension stretches about 15 km. These boundaries protect the core granitic outcrops, with the park's limits defined by surrounding agricultural and reserve lands, including connections to the nearby Anakie Hills and Western Grasslands Reserves. Geographically, the You Yangs rise as an landscape from the flat Werribee Plain, a basaltic volcanic expanse, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding low-lying terrain. The formation is situated between the Brisbane Ranges to the west and Corio Bay to the east, offering panoramic views toward , , and the You Yangs' expansive plains. This isolated , emerging 300-350 m above the plain, underscores its prominence in the regional topography.

Geology and Topography

The You Yangs consist of a formed during the period through the intrusion of into the crust, solidifying approximately 365 million years ago as part of the You Yangs Granodiorite Suite. This I-type intrusion, primarily monzogranitic in composition, occurred during the waning stages of the Tabberabberan within the Lachlan Orogen, without volcanic activity at the surface. The derived from of juvenile lower crustal material, likely a – island arc sequence that had undergone granulite-facies , resulting in a metaluminous to slightly peraluminous body with high-K calc-alkaline characteristics. The dominant rock type is coarsely , containing , , , and clinopyroxene, with more amphibole-bearing margins. of this over geological time has produced characteristic landforms, including tors, large rounded boulders, and steep ridges, as joint planes and fracturing facilitate exfoliation and granular disintegration. These processes have exposed residual corestones and created gnamma holes, contributing to the rugged, boulder-strewn terrain. Topographically, the You Yangs form a series of northeast-southwest trending ridges rising abruptly from the surrounding Werribee Plains, with a maximum of 340 . Key features include Flinders Peak, the highest point at approximately 340 , offering panoramic views; Big Rock, a prominent tor with a platform; and the Valley of the Winds, a sheltered area amid steep slabs. patterns, driven by differential of the resistant relative to softer overlying sediments, have sculpted steep slopes and exposed slabs. Geologically, the You Yangs represent a rare in southeastern , serving as an erosional remnant of the ancient pluton that has withstood long-term while surrounding volcanic and sedimentary cover was stripped away. This isolated highlights the effects of prolonged subaerial and the structural integrity of the in a tectonically stable region.

Natural Environment

Climate

The You Yangs experiences a Mediterranean-like climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, shaped primarily by its position in the rain shadow of the Otway Ranges to the southwest. This orographic effect blocks moist westerly winds from the , rendering the area the driest region in Victoria south of the . Annual rainfall averages approximately 450–500 mm, with the majority occurring during the cooler months from May to , when frontal systems bring consistent but moderate precipitation; summers from to February are notably arid, often receiving less than 100 mm total. Temperatures exhibit significant seasonal variation, with mean maximums reaching 26–27°C in summer (–) and dropping to 14–15°C in winter (June–July), while mean minimums range from 5–6°C in winter to 13–14°C in summer. Extremes can push summer highs above 40°C during heatwaves and winter lows near or below 0°C on clear nights, contributing to a low- environment with afternoon relative often around 57%. These conditions foster , particularly on exposed granitic outcrops. The park's generates distinct microclimates, with exposed ridges and peaks experiencing stronger winds—averaging 20–25 km/h in the afternoon—due to minimal cover and up to 343 m. In contrast, sheltered valleys and depressions offer milder conditions with reduced wind exposure and slightly higher retention from localized runoff. Such variations influence local levels, with windier sites showing greater rates. Climatic patterns are further modulated by the You Yangs' proximity to , about 30 km south, which introduces occasional southerly sea breezes that temper summer heat and increase winter cloud cover. Additionally, the urban heat island effect from , located 55 km northeast, subtly elevates regional temperatures during prolonged hot spells, though the park's rural setting limits this impact compared to the city center.

Flora and Vegetation

The You Yangs Regional Park features dominant ecosystems of grassy woodlands, heaths, and grasslands, shaped by its granitic and . Key tree species include the river red gum (), which thrives in wetter areas, yellow gum (), prevalent across slopes, and manna gum (), forming open canopies in woodland patches. These eucalypt-dominated communities support understories of native grasses and shrubs, contributing to the park's . Vegetation varies across zones, with dry ridges and upper slopes hosting sparse shrublands of species like yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora), grey box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), and drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata), adapted to shallow, rocky soils and low rainfall. In contrast, moister areas along seasonal creeks exhibit denser tree cover, including river red gum associations with prickly tea-tree (Leptospermum continentale), golden spray (Acacia pycnantha), and rough-barked paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia), fostering more humid microhabitats. The park harbors a diverse native flora, with checklists documenting numerous vascular plant taxa reflective of Victorian volcanic plain ecosystems. Original vegetation has declined significantly due to historical by and feral animals, invasive proliferation, and altered regimes, which favor non-native over sensitive natives. In 2025, the Victorian National Parks Association highlighted ongoing woodland loss, emphasizing the painful degradation of these communities amid urban pressures and climate variability. Parks Victoria leads flora-specific conservation through targeted weed control programs, such as manual removal, chemical treatments, and biological agents against invasives like boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), which have displaced understory plants since the mid-20th century. Revegetation initiatives restore degraded areas by planting native eucalypts and shrubs, enhancing woodland resilience and connectivity in grassy ecosystems.

Fauna and Wildlife

The You Yangs Regional Park supports a diverse array of , with habitats ranging from woodlands to wetlands fostering of native mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This is integral to the park's , where interactions contribute to natural food webs and ecological balance. Among mammals, eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) are commonly observed grazing in open areas, while swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor) prefer denser shrublands. (Phascolarctos cinereus) form a notable , estimated at approximately 105 individuals in 2017, down from 161 in 2007, with recent estimates as of 2023 indicating around 100–120 individuals; ongoing monitoring since 2006 tracks health and habitat use, including threats like chlamydiosis identified in a 2025 study. Other mammals include echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), and brushtail (Trichosurus vulpecula) and ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). Nearby, the Mount Rothwell Conservation and Ecology Reserve serves as a predator-free haven, supporting koala restoration efforts, including the planting of over 8,900 trees by the Koala Clancy Foundation at the reserve's homestead to enhance connectivity with You Yangs populations. The park hosts over 200 bird species, contributing to its status as a significant avian habitat. Common sightings include sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), which forage in eucalypt woodlands, and wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax), Australia's largest , often soaring over open terrain. Rare species such as powerful owls (Ninox strenua) inhabit mature forests, preying on arboreal mammals and reinforcing native predator roles in the . Reptiles are represented by species like lace monitors (Varanus varius), large goannas that climb trees and scavenge in the park's rocky and wooded areas, and eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis), one of Australia's most venomous serpents, frequently encountered on trails and in grasslands. Amphibians thrive in the park's wetlands, with common eastern froglets (Crinia signifera) and southern bell frogs (Litoria raniformis) breeding in seasonal pools, their calls prominent during wet periods. Ecologically, native predators such as wedge-tailed eagles and powerful owls form key components of food webs, regulating populations of smaller mammals and birds. However, like foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) pose threats by preying on native , leading to targeted control measures that aim to mitigate their impact on . These dynamics highlight the park's role in conserving interconnected species assemblages amid ongoing environmental pressures.

History and Cultural Significance

Indigenous Heritage

The You Yangs, known traditionally as , hold deep significance for the (also spelled ) people of the , who are the Traditional Custodians of the region. The name translates to "big mountain in the middle of the plain" or "big hill in the middle of the plain" in the Wathaurong language, reflecting the prominent granitic rises that stand out against the surrounding flat volcanic plains. Specifically, the Yawangi baluk clan of the Wathaurong centered their territory around the You Yangs, utilizing the area as a key meeting place and resource hub. Archaeological evidence reveals extensive pre-colonial occupation by the Yawangi people, with sites indicating continuous use for at least 27,000 years. Notable cultural sites include , where the Yawangi enlarged natural hollows in the outcrops to store during dry seasons, ensuring reliable access in an otherwise arid landscape; such wells have been identified within the area. The stone arrangement, possibly an ancient Aboriginal solar observatory dating back up to 11,000 years, further highlights the site's cultural and astronomical importance. Scar trees, marked by removed bark for tools, canoes, or cultural practices, along with artefact scatters and earth features, further attest to these longstanding connections and sustainable land management. Spiritually, the You Yangs feature in Wathaurong creation stories involving ancestral beings like Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle and creator spirit of the Kulin Nation. These narratives emphasize the area's role as a sacred site tied to the origins of people, animals, and the natural world. This enduring lore underscores the You Yangs' importance as a place of cultural continuity and spiritual reverence for the Wathaurong.

European History

European exploration of the You Yangs began on 1 May 1802, when navigator and three crew members from HMS Investigator climbed the highest peak during his circumnavigation of , naming it Station Peak as it served as his station for taking observations. This marked the first documented European contact with the granite ridges, which Flinders described as prominent features rising abruptly from the surrounding plains. In 1912, the peak was officially renamed Flinders Peak to honor the explorer, coinciding with the unveiling of a plaque at the summit. Settlement followed rapidly in the as European squatters occupied the surrounding Werribee Plains for , drawn by the area's open grasslands suitable for sheep and . By 1835, these informal leases had expanded into the You Yangs vicinity, transforming the landscape through clearing and , though the rugged outcrops limited . Quarrying emerged as a key land use in the late , with extraction targeting areas like the west of Flinders Peak to supply construction materials for regional . The 1850s Victorian gold rush profoundly influenced nearby areas such as and , spurring population influxes and economic booms that accelerated transport links and secondary settlement around , indirectly pressuring the You Yangs' pastoral lands through increased demand for resources. In the , industrial activities intensified with the establishment of Ford Australia's You Yangs Proving Ground in 1965, a 930-hectare facility dedicated to vehicle durability testing on the varied terrain. The area was later designated as the You Yangs Regional Park to preserve its natural and cultural values, with management responsibilities shifting to Parks Victoria upon the authority's creation in 1996.

Cultural and Artistic Importance

The You Yangs have served as a profound inspiration for Australian artists, particularly through the works of Fred Williams, whose You Yangs series in the and 1970s revolutionized . Williams produced over 50 oil paintings, gouaches, drawings, and prints between 1963 and 1966, capturing the rugged formations and sparse vegetation in a fragmented, abstract style that marked a breakthrough in depicting the Australian bush. This series, exhibited extensively including at the Geelong Gallery, influenced subsequent generations of artists by emphasizing the dramatic over romanticized vistas, establishing the You Yangs as a key motif in modern . In media, the You Yangs have been prominently featured as a filming location, doubling for Pacific islands in the 2010 HBO miniseries The Pacific. The granite ridges near Lara were used to portray the , leveraging the area's stark, elevated terrain for authentic war scenes. The region has also appeared as a backdrop in documentaries, such as a 2019 German production highlighting its populations, which aired to millions in and underscored its ecological and visual appeal. A notable modern symbol is the Bunjil geoglyph, a large-scale earthwork unveiled in March 2006 to honor the Wathaurong people's creator deity, depicted as a wedge-tailed eagle. Created by artist Andrew Rogers using 1,500 tonnes of local stone, the structure spans 100 meters across its wings and commemorates the 2006 Commonwealth Games while integrating Indigenous spiritual elements into contemporary land art. This installation, viewable via walking trails, has elevated the You Yangs' role in environmental art and photography, attracting creators who document its fusion of natural and cultural landscapes. The You Yangs symbolize Victoria's in promotions and select literary works, promoting the area as an accessible emblem of the state's geological and . Official campaigns by Visit Victoria highlight its peaks and trails as iconic backdrops for eco-tourism, drawing visitors to experience its blend of adventure and heritage. In literature, such as Janine Burke's My Forests: Travels with Trees (2021), the You Yangs are evoked as enduring landmarks tied to Indigenous and settler narratives, reinforcing their place in broader Australian storytelling.

Recreation and Conservation

Outdoor Activities

The You Yangs Regional Park provides a wide array of outdoor activities centered on its rugged landscapes and accessible trails, attracting hikers, cyclists, and other enthusiasts year-round. The park's network of over 30 kilometers of walking tracks varies in difficulty, from gentle paths suitable for families to strenuous routes involving steep inclines and rocky scrambles, allowing visitors to explore the park's unique and occasional sightings along the way. Hiking is one of the most popular pursuits, with notable trails including the Flinders Peak Track, a challenging 3.2 km return route ascending 200 meters via 450 steps to a lookout offering expansive views across the surrounding plains. The Branding Yard Trail provides a more moderate 5 km return option through eucalypt forests, taking about 2.5 hours, while the 8 km Northern Range Circuit loop combines moderate terrain with outcrops for an immersive 3-hour experience. Mountain biking thrives on more than 50 kilometers of purpose-built singletrack in two dedicated areas, featuring technical elements like berms, rock gardens, and climbs designed for all skill levels, from novice loops to expert descents such as the trail. is accommodated on designated looped trails starting at the Western Car Park off Sandy Creek Road, including the short but demanding Sugar Gum Trail through eucalypt plantations, with horses restricted to these paths to minimize environmental impact. Regular events enhance the recreational appeal, including the weekly You Yangs parkrun, a free 5 km timed community run or walk held every Saturday morning near the Kurrajong Plantation car park, welcoming participants of all abilities. Organized races, such as the annual Cressy Descent hosted by You Yangs MTB Inc., draw competitors for thrilling downhill runs on the park's technical trails. and opportunities abound on the park's tors, with sites like Gravel Pit Tor offering steep routes and anchors for experienced climbers, alongside accessible bouldering at Big Rock. Visitor facilities support comfortable day-use experiences, with nine picnic areas scattered throughout the park, many featuring free gas barbecues, tables, toilets, and accessible parking. Key viewpoints at Flinders Peak and Big Rock provide unobstructed panoramas, complemented by interpretive signs along major trails that highlight local , , and history. Camping is not permitted to preserve the natural setting.

Management and Protection

The You Yangs Regional Park is managed by Parks Victoria, the Victorian government's statutory authority responsible for the care and protection of the state's parks and reserves. Management efforts emphasize sustainable use, cultural preservation, and ecological restoration, guided by the 2022 You Yangs Precinct Master Plan, which outlines upgrades to facilities, trails, and visitor infrastructure while prioritizing environmental protection. Conservation initiatives focus on habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring, particularly for threatened species like koalas. The Koala Clancy Foundation conducts ongoing koala population monitoring in the park, with recent estimates indicating around 100-120 individuals as of 2023, and organizes habitat planting and weeding events, such as the Koala Conservation Day weeding and wildlife walk held in November 2025 to remove invasive weeds and restore eucalypt habitats. Parks Victoria leads weed control programs targeting species like boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) and bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), using chemical, mechanical, and biological methods across priority zones to protect native vegetation. Feral animal management includes goat eradication efforts through targeted culling and fencing to reduce grazing pressure on sensitive ecosystems. These actions address vegetation decline highlighted in the Victorian National Parks Association's 2025 submission, which notes the degradation of three key ecological vegetation classes in the park due to ongoing pressures. Recent developments include infrastructure upgrades funded by an $11 million investment announced in 2025, building on the 2022 master plan. These encompass a new at the adjacent Serendip Sanctuary to enhance for visitors with disabilities, improved picnic areas, and enhancements, with public feedback incorporated through consultations on draft designs. Fire management has been intensified following the 2019-2020 bushfires, with Parks Victoria implementing planned burns, fuel reduction, and recovery monitoring to mitigate future risks across the park's woodlands. Key threats to the park include , urban encroachment from nearby and , and , which exacerbates aridity and habitat stress for species like koalas. Policies to counter these include strict access restrictions, such as requiring dogs to be on-leash at all times to protect , and prohibitions on off-trail activities to minimize and weed spread. Parks Victoria's broader framework integrates these measures with the Victorian Plan to ensure long-term resilience.

References

  1. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/you-yangs-regional-park
  2. https://bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/BWV-2021/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/You-Yangs-RP-visitor-guide-2021.pdf
  3. https://www.trustadvocate.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Pages-100-103-from-DPCD-South-West-Landscape-Assessment-Study-Significant-Landscapes.pdf
  4. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/learning-in-nature/learning-resources/you-yangs-excursion-guide.pdf
  5. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/you-yangs-regional-park/you-yangs-regional-park-visitor-guide.pdf
  6. https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0039/709995/Visual-Impact-Assessment-Report-Attachment-F.pdf
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  20. https://caws.org.nz/PPQ2324/PPQ%252023-1%2520pp051-51%2520Roberts.pdf
  21. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/conservation-and-science/conserving-our-parks/weeds-and-diseases
  22. https://www.koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/target-300000-koala-trees-2030/
  23. https://www.koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/9000-koala-trees-planted/
  24. https://geelongindy.com.au/news/07-08-2022/you-yangs-koala-tree-planting-project-completed-on-national-tree-day/
  25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12291677/
  26. http://fieldguides.com/triplists/aus14p.html
  27. https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/4476728-You-Yangs-Regional-Park-Check-List
  28. https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/17419-Greater-Geelong---Pt-C-Check-List
  29. https://auscycling.org.au/news/be-prepared-mountain-bikers-close-call-eastern-brown-snake-tale-caution-others
  30. https://wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/introduced-predators/
  31. https://www.abc.net.au/education/this-place-place-names-in-wathaurung-country/13723768
  32. http://www.aboriginalastronomy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Hamacher-2012-Wurdi-Youang.pdf
  33. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/managing-country-together/aboriginal-heritage-identification-guide.pdf?rev=e5c11619e1964a5498637956ddd64e3f
  34. https://deadlystory.com/page/aboriginal-country-map/Aboriginal_Country_Completed/Wadawurrung/Wadawurrung_Further_Reading/Wadawurrung_Resource_List
  35. https://inwhichi.weebly.com/-write/at-last-the-you-yangs
  36. https://wathaurong.org.au/
  37. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/common/Public/Documents/8d97c1c5405a0b1-thematic2sep20218lr.pdf
  38. https://www.academia.edu/95615680/9_The_You_Yangs_Regional_Park_By_Ever_Dolce_and_Ian_D_Clark
  39. https://resources.vic.gov.au/geology-exploration/minerals/metals/gold/gold-mining-in-victoria
  40. https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/ford-oz-proving-ground-turns-50-100508/
  41. https://theconversation.com/fred-williams-in-the-you-yangs-a-turning-point-for-australian-art-83884
  42. https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/fred-williams-in-the-you-yangs
  43. https://screenrant.com/the-pacific-war-show-filming-locations-explained/
  44. https://geelongindy.com.au/news/22-10-2019/you-yangs-goes-global-in-doco/
  45. https://www.monumentaustralia.org/display/96636-bunjil-geoglyph
  46. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/bunjil-geoglyph-day-visitor-area
  47. https://www.andrewrogers.org/land-art-series/australia
  48. https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/national-parks-and-reserves/you-yangs-regional-park
  49. https://anzlitlovers.com/2021/09/11/my-forests-travels-with-trees-2021-by-janine-burke/
  50. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/australia/victoria/you-yangs-regional-park/walking
  51. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/victoria/flinders-peak-walk
  52. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/you-yangs-regional-park/things-to-do/flinders-peak
  53. https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/northern-range-circuit/
  54. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/you-yangs-regional-park/things-to-do/mountain-bike-riding-in-you-yangs-regional-park
  55. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/you-yangs-horse-riding-area-trail-head
  56. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/sugar-gum-horse-trail
  57. https://www.parkrun.com.au/youyangs/
  58. https://www.facebook.com/YYMBI/
  59. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/gravel-pit-tor-rock-climbing-site
  60. https://www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/australia/the-you-yangs
  61. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/big-rock-picnic-area
  62. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2022/02/10/00/50/vision-for-the-future-of-the-you-yangs-released
  63. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/you-yangs-and-serendip-upgrades
  64. https://www.koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/learn-about-koalas/koala-research/
  65. https://www.koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/target-300000-koala-trees-by-2030/
  66. https://www.koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/events/
  67. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/koala-conservation-day-weeding-and-wildlife-walk-tickets-1649201067789
  68. https://www.fieldmastersystems.com.au/case-study/goat-control-in-you-yangs-state-park
  69. https://portphillipwesternport.rcs.vic.gov.au/prospectus/peaks-to-plains/
  70. https://vnpa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VNPA-Submisson-to-the-Future-investment-in-the-You-Yangs-and-Serendip-Sanctuary.pdf
  71. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2025/04/02/00/25/plans-released-for-%2411m-you-yangs-and-serendip-revitalisation
  72. https://engage.vic.gov.au/future-investment-you-yangs-and-serendip-sanctuary
  73. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/fire-management
  74. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/common/Public/Documents/8dad2ea4476cb49-lettertoministerd%27ambrosio-concernsrelatingtoserendipsanctuaryandyouyangsnationalpark.pdf
  75. https://echidnawalkabout.com.au/you-yangs-koala-research-report-2018/
  76. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/dog-friendly-parks
  77. https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-you-yangs/
  78. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/conservation-and-science/conserving-our-parks/feral-animals
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