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Melville Caves Lookout: A Bushranger's Vantage Point

Discover breathtaking views and bushranger history at Melville Caves Lookout in Kooyoora State Park, a unique natural attraction in Victoria's Goldfields region.

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Explore the rugged beauty of Melville Caves Lookout in Kooyoora State Park, named after the notorious bushranger Captain Melville. Discover unique granite formations, breathtaking views, and a glimpse into Victoria's gold rush history.

A brief summary to Melville Caves Lookout

  • Melville Caves Rd, Brenanah, Victoria, 3517, AU

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as the walking tracks can be steep and uneven in places.
  • Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no food or drink facilities at the lookout.
  • Be aware of snakes, which are more active in the warmer months.
  • Check the Parks Victoria website for current fire danger warnings before visiting, especially during summer.
  • Take your rubbish with you, as there are no bins provided.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Melville Caves Lookout is located within Kooyoora State Park, approximately 22 km west of Inglewood, Victoria. From Inglewood, head west via Kingower. After 15 km, turn right at the sign for Kangderaar Vineyard and Melville Caves. Follow this road for another 3 km, then turn right again to stay on Melville Caves Road. Continue along Melville Caves Road, passing the Melville Caves Picnic Area and Campground. The road will lead to the Melville Caves Lookout car park. Parking is free. Note that Melville Caves Road is a dirt track for the last few kilometers. Be aware that the road is narrow and winding in sections.

  • Walking

    From the Melville Caves Picnic Area, cross Melville Caves Road to find the trailhead. Follow the signed 'Lookout and Caves' track. The track is approximately 750m return and involves a steep climb with uneven ground. Supervise children closely due to the presence of cliffs. The walk to the lookout takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There is no cost for accessing the walking track.

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Discover more about Melville Caves Lookout

Melville Caves Lookout, situated within Kooyoora State Park near Brenanah, Victoria, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The site is named after Captain Melville, a notorious bushranger who purportedly used the caves as a hideout and vantage point in the mid-19th century. From this elevated position, Melville could survey the surrounding plains, watching for approaching law enforcement or lucrative targets such as gold-bearing coaches. While the name suggests caves, the site is actually a collection of massive granite boulders that form a series of fissures and rock shelters. These impressive formations are the result of weathered granite splitting over time, creating cave-like openings. Prior to European settlement, the Jaara Jaara Aboriginal people sought shelter among these rocks and relied on the area's natural springs. Scarred trees around the site are evidence of the Jaara people removing bark for shields and bowls. Today, visitors can explore the area via a network of walking tracks that wind through the granite formations. The walk to the lookout from the upper car park takes approximately 20 minutes, passing by a monument indicating the names and directions of visible landmarks. From the lookout, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Box-Ironbark Forests and appreciate the strategic advantage the site offered to Captain Melville. The main cave has two levels and a staircase to help visitors navigate safely. Kooyoora State Park offers more than just the Melville Caves Lookout. Visitors can enjoy picnics, camping, rock climbing, and nature study. Several walking tracks cater to different fitness levels, including the Melville Caves Walking Track, Long Rock Walking Track, and Eastern Walking Track. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including majestic eagles and various native animals.

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