Kooyoora State Park, Protected area in Victoria, Australia.
Kooyoora State Park is a protected area in Victoria covering about 11,350 hectares, defined by massive granite outcrops, box-ironbark forests, and native grasslands. The landscape supports many wildlife species, including reptiles and birds adapted to the hilly terrain and rocky habitats throughout the park.
The park was formally established for protection in 1985, but its landscape had earlier significance when it served as a hideout for Captain Melville during Victoria's gold rush in the 1850s. The natural caves that form this refuge remain today as reminders of that era.
The Dja Dja Wurrung people knew this land as Guyura, meaning mountain of light, a name that reflects the spiritual connections they held to this place. Visitors can sense this cultural significance in the landscape today, where the rock formations and forests maintain the sacred character of the area.
The park sits about 220 kilometers northwest of Melbourne and offers walking tracks, camping sites, and picnic areas for visitors of different ability levels. The facilities also include Catto Lodge with its stone fireplace, providing a place to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Melville Caves, formed by massive granite boulders, rise to about 349 meters and offer a natural vantage point across the surrounding land. This rock formation is known for providing historical refuge and today draws walkers seeking elevated viewing spots.
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