Protected Areas in Victoria, Australia
Parks Victoria looks after over 4 million hectares of public land. Some of these areas are reserved to protect plants and animals whereas others are reserved more for recreation and public enjoyment.
National Parks
Areas of nationwide significance because of their outstanding natural environments, features, scenic landscapes, and diverse land types. They protect natural and cultural features and usually offer visitor facilities. They have limited areas for intensive recreation or development. In Victoria national parks are managed under the National Parks Act 1975. The oldest national parks in Victoria are Wilsons Promontory and Mount Buffalo. Both were reserved in 1898.
State Parks
These are managed for the same purposes and under the same act as national parks. They are generally smaller than national parks and make up an area of land containing natural environments and features, scenic landscapes and one or more land types that represent the major land types of the State.
Wilderness Parks
Managed for conservation and self reliant recreation. Wilderness parks are generally large areas with landforms and native plant and animal communities relatively unaltered or unaffected by the influence of the European settlement of Australia.
Regional Parks
Areas of land containing indigenous or non- indigenous vegetation readily accessible from urban centres or major tourist routes. They offer diverse recreational opportunities for large numbers of people.
Marine National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries and Coastal Parks
Protect marine and coastal environments, safeguarding marine habitats for important plants and animals and conserving natural, cultural and aesthetic values.
Metropolitan Parks
Managed for intensive recreation and conservation where appropriate.
 The Australian Alps National Parks
Stretching from Canberra through the Brindabella Range to the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and along the Great Divide through eastern Victoria, Australia's alpine and subalpine environments are unique and special.
The Australian Alps National Parks are:
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- Brindabella National Park
- Bimberi Nature Reserve
- Namadgi National Park
- Scabby Range Nature Reserve
- Kosciuszko National Park
- Alpine National Park
- Mount Buffalo National Park
- Snowy River National Park
- Avon Wilderness
- Baw Baw National Park
Sources: Australian Government - Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities - Parks Victoria - The Australian Alps National Parks
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