The geological marvels of Organ Pipes National Park

Did you know that right next to the Melbourne Airport there were rock formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago? Nestled in the heart of a serene valley, Victoria's smallest national park offers a magnificent landscape to its visitors. Icing on the cake, this peaceful oasis is less than an hour drive from the CBD. Take a step back in time to discover the geological marvels of Organ Pipes National Park!

A step back in time less than an hour from Melbourne CBD

Summary

Visiting Organ Pipes National Park
More than just the Organ Pipes!
Getting there

Visiting Organ Pipes National Park

It's hard to believe when you arrive at Organ Pipes National Park that the Melbourne Airport is just five kilometres away. Dozens of millions of passengers pass through it each year, but the valley at the bottom of which these volcanic rocks are located could not be more peaceful! Its gentle relief is dotted with majestic eucalyptus trees, whose green foliage contrasts with the blue of the sky. If I had to choose a place to define the word ‘bucolic’, it would be this one!

The Organ Pipes were formed by volcanic activity more than a million years ago. When the lava flows from ancient eruptions cooled and contracted, it fractured into hexagonal columns, creating the stunning natural structures we see today. Over the millennia that followed, Jacksons Creek has cut a deep valley through the land, slowly revealing this remarkable basalt formation.

They are very easily accessible from the park's Visitor Centre. The descent to the bottom of the valley is steep, but presents no difficulty and takes about ten minutes. During my visit, on a weekday in the middle of winter, I was practically alone to enjoy the sight. The water level in the river was quite high, and the basalt columns reflected on the surface. It was simply stunning!

More than just the Organ Pipes!

The Organ Pipes are not the only geological formations in the park. A path that runs along Jacksons Creek will allow you to discover two others, starting with Rosette Rock. An ancient lava flow is also at its origin. It probably cooled in a spherical cave, forming this radial array of columns resembling the petals of a flower or spokes of a giant wheel.

A little further away is the Tessellated Pavement, a basalt outcrop with a mosaic-like appearance. It formed very similarly to the Organ Pipes. The main difference is that instead of the vertical faces of the columns being visible, here you can see them from above. If you climb on it, you will be walking on the surface of an ancient lava flow!

This national park is the smallest of Victoria, and despite its beauty and tranquillity, you probably won't stay more than an hour. A good way to spend the rest of your day is to continue to Werribee Gorge, about 45 minutes' drive away.

See also: discover the wild beauty of Werribee Gorge

Getting there

There’s no public transport serving Organ Pipes National Park. The only way to get there is by car, taking the M79 (Calder Freeway) towards Bendigo. Allow around 45 minutes from the CBD. Entering the park is actually quite dangerous. Arriving from Melbourne, you will need to cross both lanes of oncoming traffic, so be very careful.

Organ Pipes National Park is open daily all year round, from 8.30am to 4.30pm (6pm during daylight saving). Entrance is free. You can download the Visitor Guide including a map of the park by clicking here.

Have you ever seen the geological marvels of Organ Pipes National Park? Send me a message to let me know what you thought of it!