Organ Pipes National Park

Organ Pipes National Park created by Melbourne Waterway Walks

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Summary

Spectacular volcanic rock formations make this a fascinating walk along Jacksons Creek. The small national park is a family-friendly destination with shaded picnic areas and abundant birdlife.

Description

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Organ Pipes National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people.

While this is an easy walk, it begins with a steep descent from the car park to creek level. The first section of the walk is on a sealed path, while the rest is on gravel or well-made dirt tracks that are relatively flat. The steep incline back to the carpark will get the heart-rate up and is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Organ Pipes is popular with families and suitable for children.

For about 20 million years, widespread volcanic activity covered south-western Victoria in successive layers of lava, creating the third-largest lava plain in the world.

Jacksons Creek has carved a valley through the Keilor Plains, revealing volcanic rock formations. This walk takes you to Rosette Rock and Tessellated Pavement before the 20-meter high basalt columns that give the national park its name.

Beyond the organ pipes, follow the bends of Jacksons Creek through pleasant, shaded woodland. You might notice nesting boxes attached to eucalypt trees designed for gliders, possums and bats.

At the information centre, learn about the area's indigenous history, geology, the severe degradation of the landscape and the environmental restoration efforts undertaken since the 1970s by the Friends of Organ Pipes National Park.

All wildlife in this national park is protected and dogs and fires are prohibited. Please take all your rubbish home with you.

This map was supported by Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways incentives program.

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Points of Interest

1. Get your bearings at the information centre and lookout

Learn about the indigenous history, geology and environmental restoration of the area. Public toilet available.

2. Scoria cone picnic area

Located on top of an old volcano, this picnic area has some shade provided by she-oak trees. Additional tables located near the organ pipes offer better shade and creek views.

3. Steep path

Head down into the Jacksons Creek valley on the sealed path.

4. Rosette Rock

Take the first path to the left to view the radial volcanic rock overhanging the bank of Jacksons Creek.

5. Tessellated Path

Climb over hexagonal basalt rocks or take a seat to enjoy this peaceful corner of the park.

6. Explore the banks of Jacksons Creek

The cool and shady creek bed is a great place for children to explore nature.

7. Keep an eye out for wildlife

Although close to urbanised suburbia, the national park feels like another world away. Kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife might be spotted here.

8. Woodland habitat

Revegetated woodland between the path and the creek is a habitat for abundant birdlife. We saw superb fairy-wrens, red-browed finches, dusky woodswallows and a crimson rosella.

9. Jacksons Creek

Following the path, there are plenty of places to get close to the water's edge. If you're early, and lucky, you might see a platypus.

10. The organ pipes (Photo Ranju Thakuri)

The towering basalt columns can be seen from a viewing platform or various spots along the creek bank.

11. Woodland path

Continue past the organ pipes for some lovely woodland habitat. You might notice nesting boxes attached to eucalypt trees designed for gliders, possums and bats.

12. Jacksons Creek intercepts the path

Make use of the seat by the creek before heading back.

13. Shady picnic area

Bring your lunch and enjoy this picnic area amongst native grasses and eucalypts. A beautiful place to enjoy the views of the creek and basalt columns. Public toilets available.