You Yangs

Regional Park

The name 'You Yang' comes from the Aboriginal words 'Wurdi Youang' or 'Ude Youang' meaning 'big mountain in the middle of a plain'. Aboriginal people enlarged natural hollows in the rocks to form wells that held water even in dry seasons. Explorer Matthew Flinders was the first European to visit the You Yangs. On 1st May 1802, he and three of his men climbed to the highest point. He named it 'Station Peak' but this was later changed to Flinders Peak in his honour.

A variety of plant species can be found. Tall eucalypts such as Manna Gums, Yellow Gums and River Red Gums give way to a sparse undergrowth of native shrubs and ground covers. Patches of wattles and Drooping Sheoaks can also be seen. The vegetation of the You Yangs has seen considerable change since the arrival of Europeans. As the native vegetation was cleared for farming and timber, plantations of Sugar Gum and Brown Mallet were established to supply local communities with firewood, posts and poles.

On 14th January 1985, a wildfire burnt more than 80% of the park. The vegetation is now slowly recovering, although its composition is changing. Unfortunately Boneseed, a noxious weed, is thriving since the fire and is choking out large areas of native vegetation.

The You Yangs also has two designated mountain biking areas that contain over 50 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability. More info...