The You Yangs

Rising abruptly from the plains between Melbourne and Geelong, the You Yangs are a cluster of granite peaks - a landmark visible for miles across the flat basalt country. A walk climbs Flinders Peak, the highest, for a panorama that on a clear day takes in the city, the bay and the Brisbane Ranges. Below, the park is laced with walking and mountain-bike trails through granite and grassy woodland rich in koalas and kangaroos, and a great earthwork by the artist Andrew Rogers is best seen from above. Close to both cities, it is a favourite for a morning's walk or ride.