Victoria’s parks are preparing for a busy summer as the Junior Rangers program opens bookings for a new round of free, ranger-guided activities designed for primary school-aged children and their families. The program has become a familiar part of school holidays, inviting young explorers to learn about wildlife, plants, and the many small creatures that shape the state’s natural environments.
Parks Victoria rangers will lead sessions across coastal sanctuaries, lakes, rainforests and wetlands, giving families a chance to spend time outdoors while hearing directly from the people who care for these places. The emphasis this year remains on curiosity and simple enjoyment of nature, whether spotting birds, peering into rockpools, or following a forest trail.
The program features a wide spread of activities. Children keen on walking can join Wild Bush Walkers at Lake Tyers State Park on 22 December, or at Lake Eildon National Park on 27 and 28 December. Rangers will guide families along local tracks, explain what goes into planning a safe bushwalk and introduce the plant and animal life found along the way.
Rockpool Ramble at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary on 23 and 24 December gives young participants a chance to learn about the creatures that cling to the edges of Victoria’s coastline. Rangers will introduce the starfish, crabs, anemones and other marine species that live between the tides, each adapted to survive shifting conditions.
Families visiting Devilbend Natural Features Reserve on 29 December have three options across the day. Away with the Birds will run twice, giving children a chance to learn how to identify local species and use binoculars before heading out on a short walk. Minibeast Discovery offers a closer look at insects and aquatic critters that often go unnoticed but play an essential role in the environment.
Minibeast Discovery also reaches the Mitchell River Silt Jetties on 30 December, where rangers will help children explore the watery edges of the Gippsland Lakes. On the same day, Serendip Sanctuary hosts a Nature Treasure Hunt aimed at encouraging kids to explore and notice the smaller details of the park, while the Dandenong Ranges National Park will hold Rainforest Secrets at Grants Picnic Ground, inviting families to learn why rainforests remain one of the oldest ecosystems on earth.
The Junior Rangers program continues to attract families looking for a simple, low-cost way to engage with Victoria’s parks. The mix of activities offers something for children at different stages of curiosity, and the presence of rangers provides a steady hand for parents who want to introduce kids to nature in a safe and structured setting.
Bookings for all activities are now open and places tend to fill quickly as families plan their school holiday calendars. The hope is that these short sessions spark an interest that lasts beyond summer, encouraging children to return to their local parks long after the holidays end.
For more information click here.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
