Organ Pipes National Park

Organ Pipes National Park is a 121-hectare protected area on Jacksons Creek in Keilor North, northwest of Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1972, it preserves a dramatic valley formed by volcanic lava flows about one million years ago. The park is notable for its 20-metre-high basalt columns known as the Organ Pipes, along with other geological features, restored native grasslands, and walking trails that showcase the region's volcanic and natural heritage close to the city.

Visitors can expect a steep-sided valley along Jacksons Creek with dramatic volcanic rock formations. The main attraction is the Organ Pipes, a 20-metre cliff of hexagonal basalt columns. Short walking tracks lead to lookouts and features including the Tessellated Pavement, Rosette Rock and Jacksons Creek. The landscape is open grassland and revegetated native vegetation with picnic areas, a visitor information centre, and opportunities for walking, photography and nature observation.

The valley was formed by lava flows from volcanic eruptions about one million years ago that flowed along Jacksons Creek, cooling to form basalt columns. The area was used for farming after European settlement and was severely degraded. Declared a National Park in 1972, it became the focus of a major community revegetation program led by the Friends of Organ Pipes, restoring native grasslands and vegetation.

The park lies on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, for whom Jacksons Creek and the surrounding volcanic plains hold cultural significance. The park is valued today for environmental education, conservation of volcanic landscapes and native grasslands, and community conservation efforts.