Organ Pipes National Park is a small but geologically significant protected area located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Melbourne’s CBD.

The park’s main attraction and namesake are the distinctive basalt columns known as the Organ Pipes. These remarkable geological formations were created by the cooling and cracking of molten lava approximately 2.5 to 2.8 million years ago during the Pleistocene epoch. As the lava cooled and contracted, it formed vertical cracks, resulting in the hexagonal columns we see today.

The Organ Pipes are part of the Newer Volcanics Province, a vast volcanic plain that covers much of western Victoria. The lava flow that created these formations originated from Mt. Holden, located about 30 kilometres northwest of the park. As the lava flowed down the ancestral valleys of Deep Creek (also known as Maribyrnong River), it filled the existing river valley and created a new, flat surface.

Over millions of years, Deep Creek gradually eroded through the basalt layer, exposing the underlying sedimentary rocks and creating the current valley. This erosion process revealed the spectacular Organ Pipes formation, which stands approximately 20 meters high.

The park, established in 1972, covers an area of 121 hectares and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these rare geological features up close. In addition to the Organ Pipes, the park features other interesting rock formations, including the Rosette Rock and the Tessellated Pavement.

Visitors can explore the park via a network of walking trails, including a steep path that leads down to the valley floor for a close-up view of the Organ Pipes. The park also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 60 species of native birds recorded in the area.

Organ Pipes National Park plays a crucial role in preserving a small remnant of the native grassland and grassy woodland ecosystems that once covered much of the volcanic plains around Melbourne. Ongoing revegetation efforts aim to restore the park’s native vegetation, which had been severely degraded by farming and grazing activities prior to the park’s establishment.

Despite its proximity to Melbourne, Organ Pipes National Park offers a tranquil escape into nature and provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Victoria’s geological history. The park’s accessibility, unique formations, and ongoing conservation efforts make it an important educational resource and a valuable natural asset for the region.

Getting there:

  • From Melbourne: The park is easily accessible, with a driving time of about 30 minutes from the city centre, making it a popular destination for day trips and nature enthusiasts.