Getting out of the city and into the countryside is a fantastic idea. Going on a journey across the countryside is a great way to get your heart racing. But that doesn't mean you can't find some amazing hikes without going too far out of your way.
Fortunately, there are a plethora of day-trip worthy trails within a day's drive of Melbourne.
Reaching the summit of a mountain or finishing a long hike to a beautiful beach might make you feel like you've arrived at the pinnacle of human achievement.
The diverse landscapes and exciting cities of Australia make it a popular tourist destination at any time of year.
We've worked with the Tourism Ministry to make it so that this year you can take your vacation, car ride, or weekend adventure without having to worry about getting a special permit.
While the city's hip bars, tasty bakeries, and active live music scene are all fantastic, Melbourne has so much more to offer. Fantastic pathways for trekking can be found just outside the municipal limits. We've compiled a list of some of the best Melbourne-area hiking spots for you to check out.
FAQs About Mountains In Melbourne
Mount Bogong
Mount Bogong, located in the Alpine National Park and part of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, is the highest mountain in Victoria, Australia, at 1,986 metres (6,516 ft) above sea level.
The Big River separates the massif of the mountain from the Bogong High Plains to the south. From the nearby town of Mount Beauty to its summit, Mount Bogong rises more than 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), thus making it one of the highest peaks in Australia, not only in terms of its elevation above sea level but also in terms of actual base-to-summit prominence.
Mount Bogong is a popular backcountry skiing mountain through winter but only has snow for the mid-winter-spring months. It is around 30 kilometres (19 mi) by road and walking track or 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) direct to Mount Beauty.
Falls Creek and Mount Hotham ski resorts are also nearby. Camping is relatively safe below the treeline, but the summit ridgeline is very exposed.
Emergency shelter is also available at Bivouac Hut on the Staircase Spur, at Cleve Cole, above Camp Creek on the broad ridge to the south of the summit, and Michell's Hut on the Eskdale Spur.
Victoria's High Country has some of Australia's most beautiful alpine scenery. From magical winter scenes of white-capped mountains, grey-blue snow gums and rolling snow plains to summer vistas of green meadows, rushing rivers and gentle lakes, here are some of the best vantage points from which to take in the views.
- Mount Buller
- Mt Stirling
- Power's Lookout
- Danny's Lookout - Mt Hotham
- Mount McKay
- The Horn at Mt Buffalo
- Tawonga Gap
- Precipice Lookout at Dinner Plain
The city itself is situated in a region of alpine forests known as the High Country. The city and metropolitan areas of Melbourne also span along the lower stretches of the Yarra River. Towards eastern Melbourne is the low-lying mountain ranges known as Dandenong Ranges, 35 km east.
Victoria is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. No matter where the whales take us, the beautiful snowy peaks are always within sight. The mountains are directly south of us, on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. On a nice clear day, you'll be treated with views of Mt.
The distance between Melbourne and the Blue Mountains is 677 km.
This Season, Try These 5 Epic Mountain Walks Near Melbourne
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
Only 65 km west of Melbourne, the Werribee Canyon Circuit Walk will take you the better part of a day but will leave you with plenty of time to spare. It's a great trail for hikers looking to mix in some excitement with their workout.
This 8.5 kilometre loop has several convenient break areas, so it shouldn't take more than four hours to complete at a sane pace. The terrain varies from sand to coarse gravel, and at some parts you'll need to traverse cliffs by climbing fixed ropes or on all fours.
It doesn't matter which way you approach the course, but remember that it's prone to flooding, so it's best to avoid heavy rain if at all possible.
Ironbark Basin Walk
There is a rising trend of the Products An eight-kilometer inland trek, Basin Walk links Bells Beach & Point Addis and offers beach access, ocean views, and a quiet forest.
A Great Otway Forest Reserve is the setting for this intermediate climb, which features views of some of the park's most well-known features. The local flora and fauna, including lizards, birds, and perhaps even echidnas, may be encountered along the way. There are three spectacular lookouts just at Point Ethiopian end, each with panoramic ocean vistas.
Extending from the Ironbark Basin Walk is the Koorie Cultural Walk, which also highlights significant moments in the area's past. The Wathaurong people have lived in this region for hundreds of years, and this two-kilometer hike will provide you intriguing insight into their way of life.
Bushrangers Bay Walking Track
Just minutes from Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula's Cape Schanck, you'll find the picturesque Bushrangers Bay. Moreover, a stroll all along Redbacks Bay Walking Track allows one to take in the region's natural beauty from a distance.
The tall basalt cliffs and kilometres of wind-blown coastal shrubbery attest to the extreme weather abuse this area has suffered. There is a well-defined path that runs along the crests of the cliffs and leads directly to the water's edge, making the actual 2.6-kilometer trek very easy.
The temptation to cool off in the water is great, but keep in mind that it is not a monitored area as well as the waves are extremely dangerous. If you want to go swimming, you should finish the hike as soon as possible so that you can take advantage of low tide.
Cathedral Range Southern Circuit
The Cathedral Ranges, and particularly the Southern Circuit, are known for their extreme rockyness and breathtaking beauty. If you're looking for a difficult adventure with stunning views of the nature preserve and surrounding landscape, this is the place to be.
There are numerous exposed hillside shelves, tough caverns, and steep rocks on this trip that is about two hours from Melbourne. Even while this 11-kilometer circle has a reputation for being difficult, the area's breathtaking scenery is sure to win you over.
Highlights include Wells Cave, the Bighorn, and Sugarloaf Peak, from where you have 360-degree views of the entire valley.
Hikers with more experience should usually go elsewhere. All trail closures in the region will be posted on the Parks Victoria website, so be sure to check there before you head out.
You Yangs Peak Circuit
The You Yangs Mountains Circuit is one of the more challenging hikes on just this list because it calls for not just strong legs as well as the ability to find one's way around in unfamiliar territory. To the contrary, this 12.8-kilometer, four-hour climb is a must-visit for those looking for an interesting hiking trip within driving distance of Melbourne.
Hikers can have spectacular views of Go Yangs National Park as well as the surrounding countryside after climbing the 450 stairs from the Turntable parking lot to the summit of Flinders Peak.
From here on out, venturing off the beaten path becomes in difficulty on the ascent to the summit.
Rock scrambling and potentially even unroped climbing are in store for anyone looking for a genuine test in nature.
However, if things grow too much, there are alternatives to avoid the more difficult steps.
- Approximately 50 km of trails may be found across two distinct mountain riding zones in Go Yangs Regional Park. Throughout the mature coppice plantations which constitute the Kurrajong Agricultural area, a network of pathways and three-loop circuits extends for a total of 20 kilometres. The northern Rail yard Area of the park is where things start to get hard, but it's also where you'll discover a wide variety of single trails spanning from simple to difficult, with some boasting steep technical sections through rocky landscapes.
- Competitions in a Wide Range of Disciplines, Including Pump Track, Downhill, All-Mountain, and Cross-Country Track
- Seven greens, eight blues, six blacks, two double blacks, challenging.
- Placed 25 km north-east of Victoria and 30 km west of Werribee, these amenities are convenient for both cities.
Hikes In Melbourne
Hanging Rock
- A distance of 2 kilometres (partial circuit)
- Difficulty: Medium
Hanging Rock, historically known as Mount Diogenes, is located 70 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. In the vicinity of the trailhead, you can find Hanging Rock, an boulder that seems to be suspended between two others. It's possible, if you maintain your eyes open, that you'll see some amazing animals.
Sherbrooke Falls Trail
- The distance is 1,2 kilometres long (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy
Sherbrooke Falls is a beautiful hike that can be reached in under an hour from Melbourne's CBD. This trail inside the Dandenong Ranges is a great introduction to the outdoors for novice hikers. A quiet waterfall, Sherbrooke Falls can be found at the end of a short, easy hike past some thick ferns. Just going there for the day is like taking a vacation from work.
Organ Pipes National Park Trail
- Extending for a total of 3.1 kilometres in length (return)
- Difficulty: Medium
If you're looking for a day trip full of adventure and magnificent Australian scenery, look no further than Organ Pipes National Park. You can reach the stunning Organ Pipe formations, which legend has it were constructed by a lava flow, in just a few minutes on foot.
The trail's principal draw is a collection of basalt columns known as the Organ Pipes, although the nearby Keilor Plains as well as its wattle blooms are beautiful as well. You'll have to climb a fair bit to get to the top of the Piping.
Motor vehicle access to a National Forest is restricted to the hours of 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.
The Beeches Trail
- Inches: 4Km (return)
- Difficulty: Medium
Approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Melbourne, you'll find the Beeches Trail, a popular hiking trail in the area. In the undulating hills of Marysville, you'll find this 4-kilometer loop that leads you through a verdant rainforest filled with lichen trees and a meandering river.
Observing a Platypus is a real possibility. This Melbourne trail is great for hikers of all experience levels.
Two Bays Walking Trail
- Size: 26.5 kilometres (one way)
- Difficulty: Medium
If you're searching for a long hike, you might want to take on Two Bays Walking Trail. From Changes that enhance things to Cape Schank, you'll be treated to beautiful scenery at every turn.
In order to reach the end of the course without becoming injured, you will need to spend at least nights in a hotel. Getting there on foot isn't mandatory.
1,000 Steps
- Length: 5km
- Difficulty: Medium
The 1,000 Steps hike at Ferntree Gully is located less than a hour away to a east of town. This trail was named for the Australian servicemen who gave their lives defending the island of New Guinea during World War II. Expect to spend roughly 2 hours on the this trail's rugged 5 kilometres if you are in good shape.
The trail's steep rise is ideal for adventurers who wish to test their mettle and experience the exhaustion that Australian soldiers felt on the Kokoda Track.
Pound Bend River Walk
- Measures a total of 3.5 kilometres in length (return)
- Difficulty: Easy
One of the best ways to go and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city is to take a walk along the Yarra River's Pound Bend. Hiking along this serene trail, you'd never believe you're only a ½ drive from the city's centre. There are places to swim and have picnics, as well as a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
Plenty Gorge Park
- Measures 6 kilometres in length (return)
- Difficulty: Easy
Plenty River Park is a gorgeous natural area that's only an hour's drive north of the city. Hiking the 6 kilometres from the Yellow Gum Nature Preserve is the best way to spend some few hours on a day off. Hikers can wash off in a variety of picturesque lakes along the trail, and the area is home to a diverse array of birds.
- Extensive Network of Mountain Biking Trails in the Gorge (Plenty)
- Twenty-five kilometres of singletrack inside the Plenty Gorge region, including trails that are not particularly well-defined.
- Cross-Country Running and All-Mountain Biking
- In terms of difficulty, the following values are required: 25 times green, 54 times blue, 15 times black, and 6 times double black.
- Located in the north-east, Plenty Gorge is a comfortable 28 kilometres from the heart of Melbourne.
Parks For Mountain Biking (Mtb) In Melbourne And Victoria
There could be a variety of great places to go mountain biking in Victoria. Whether you're like downhill, only those, or cross-country riding, there's a terrific bmx park or length of trails where you can try off your skills.
You may ride a mountain bike on the same trail that was included in Melbourne's Tournament Park in 2006. Lysterfield. We've compiled a list of the best mountain biking trails in Victoria, including the 35 best options.
Mountain Bike Parks In Melbourne Include:
Mountain Bike Trails In Arthurs Seat
The route options are plentiful, and they cater to hikers of varying abilities. Three types of mountain biking: downhill, all-mountain, & cross-country Multiply this green by 4, then blue by 5, as well as the black by 5 for a more challenging solution.
Trails For Mountain Biking In Lysterfield Park
24 kilometres of purpose-built mountain biking trails suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. A few examples include the Commonwealth Games track from 2006, a skills park, as well as a jumping facility.
All-mountain riding, a skills park, a jumping & pumping track, and cross-country running.
It's as hard as multiplying "green" by "three," "blue" by "ten," "black" by "two," and "double black" by "two."
Facilities are located in a convenient location in Melbourne's south-east, about 43 kilometres from the city centre.
Quarry Park Mountain Bike Trails
This park offers something for everyone, including trails, a skill park, as well as a pump track. Some of the available routes are Downhill, All Mountains, Skills Playground, and Pump Track. Multiplying Green by 2 and Blue by 2 equals Difficulty.
Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area
It's a fantastic mountain bike trip down a path that falls 233 metres so over span of two km of the spur, to put it briefly. Kinglake Central, which would be 58 km north-east of Melbourne's central business district, is where you'll find the installations. There is the option to drive back and forth on the route.
Smiths Gully Mountain Bike Trails
The trails are a huge network of single-track and cyclable loops. The terrain is characterised by extremely steep inclines, making off-roading the norm with the occasional all-mountain trail tossed in for good measure.
The Hill Mountain Bike Park
Spread across four acres, this riding arena is open to riders of all levels and ages. There are a total of three full laps, three distinct skill sections, dirt jumps, with three distinct pump zones. Multiple categories are represented, such as Singletrack, Mud Jumps, Pump Tracks, or Skills Tracks. Multiply the green by 4, the blue by 7, and that's how challenging it is. Located in Newtown, not far from Geelong's beachfront (about 4.5 km away).
Central Region:
Walmer State Forest Mountain Bike Trails
A total of 60 kilometres of single track across a variety of forest types and terrain features, including a few technical challenges.
Black Hill Mountain Bike Park
This park is serviced by a shuttle and features a number of tough downhill slopes plus longer medium long distance trails.
Downhill, All Mountains, Mountain Biking, Pump Tracks, a Skill Park, and a Jump Park are just some of the options. Green 1, Blues 2, Black 2, Triple Black 4. Black Hill is a suburb north of Ballarat that is home to several useful services.
Wombat State Forest Mountain Bike Trails
The trail is 17 kilometres long and is always in perfect condition.
The Wombat State Forest, which is located 9 miles south of Woodend, features a variety of services and amenities.
North Central Region:
Buxton Mountain Bike Park
The track is a total of 23 kilometres long and consists of gentle uphills and exhilarating downhills. To rate the complexity, greens = 1, blues = 6, & black = 2.
Located in the Black Range State Forest, only two kilometres from downtown Buxton. All trails will be closed beginning the Tuesday after the Queen's Husband's birthday in June and lasting through the beginning of a September/October school vacation.
La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park
There are 34 kilometres on mountain bike trails in this brand new, state-of-the-art park, all of which provide stunning views and unique geological features. Two types of races will be held: cross country and all-mountain.
A total of 8 tries are needed for the blue option, 5 for the green one, and 3 for the black one. The park-rich La Larr Bu Gauwa is located about two kilometres east of Harcourt. Parking again for park is provided by the Township of Harcourt.
Mount Tarrengower Mountain Bike Trails
To sum up, the 570-meter-high downhill gravity riding pathways on Mount Tarrengower are not for faint of heart.
There are Downhill, XC, and All-Mountain courses available. These comfortable accommodations are merely a half hour drive from Melbourne and a mere 2.5 km from the centre of Maldon. This area is sometimes referred as as "Maldon MTB." Shuttle service is available on a routine basis.
Lake Mountain Mountain Bike Trails
There are 30 km of easy ski trails and 20 km of dedicated single-track. There are the standard 28 kilometres that separate Lake Mountain from Marysville (with a shuttle available).
The Lake Mountain resort community offers bicycle rentals, including mountain bikes. You can take a bus from Lakes Mountain to Winchester and return. The trails are off-limits to the general public throughout the winter.
Some Pointers Before You Go
Don't forget the basics of trekking. The following should not be forgotten before putting on your running shoes and heading out:
Leave an account of your whereabouts, when you expect to leave, and how long you expect to be gone.
Always pack more goods than you believe you'll need in the event of an emergency.
Put on appropriate clothing and carry any equipment you'll need for the job at hand.
In order to properly prepare, you should be well-versed in the route you intend to follow.
Always keep the first aid kit in your vehicle.
In case you're planning a trip into the bush and are thinking of taking one of these routes. There are a tonne of great trails in the Melbourne area, and we've only scratched the surface here. You should pack your bags, lace up your shoes, and leave right away.
Conclusion
Getting out of the city and into the countryside is a great way to get your heart racing, and there are a plethora of day-trip worthy trails within a day's drive of Melbourne. The diverse landscapes and exciting cities of Australia make it a popular tourist destination at any time of year, and Melbourne has so much more to offer. We've compiled a list of some of the best Melbourne-area hiking spots for you to check out, including five Epic Mountain Walks Near Melbourne.
The Werribee Canyon Circuit Walk is a great trail for hikers looking to mix in some excitement with their workout. The 8.5 kilometre loop has several convenient break areas, and the terrain varies from sand to coarse gravel. It is prone to flooding, so it is best to avoid heavy rain if at all possible. The Ironbark Basin Walk is an eight-kilometer inland trek that links Bells Beach & Point Addis and offers beach access, ocean views, and a quiet forest. The Koorie Cultural Walk highlights significant moments in the area's past, and the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track allows one to take in the region's natural beauty from a distance. The temptation to cool off in the water is great, but keep in mind that it is not a monitored area.
Content Summary:
- Getting out of the city and into the countryside is a fantastic idea.
- Going on a journey across the countryside is a great way to get your heart racing.
- But that doesn't mean you can't find some amazing hikes without going too far out of your way.
- Fortunately, there are a plethora of day-trip worthy trails within a day's drive of Melbourne.
- Reaching the summit of a mountain or finishing a long hike to a beautiful beach might make you feel like you've arrived at the pinnacle of human achievement.
- The diverse landscapes and exciting cities of Australia make it a popular tourist destination at any time of year.
- We've worked with the Tourism Ministry to make it so that this year you can take your vacation, car ride, or weekend adventure without having to worry about getting a special permit.
- While the city's hip bars, tasty bakeries, and active live music scene are all fantastic, Melbourne has so much more to offer.
- Fantastic pathways for trekking can be found just outside the municipal limits.
- We've compiled a list of some of the best Melbourne-area hiking spots for you to check out.
- Only 65 km west of Melbourne, the Werribee Canyon Circuit Walk will take you the better part of a day but will leave you with plenty of time to spare.
- It's a great trail for hikers looking to mix in some excitement with their workout.
- This 8.5 kilometre loop has several convenient break areas, so it shouldn't take more than four hours to complete at a sane pace.
- The terrain varies from sand to coarse gravel, and at some parts you'll need to traverse cliffs by climbing fixed ropes or on all fours.
- It doesn't matter which way you approach the course, but remember that it's prone to flooding, so it's best to avoid heavy rain if at all possible.
- There is a rising trend of the Products An eight-kilometer inland trek, Basin Walk links Bells Beach & Point Addis and offers beach access, ocean views, and a quiet forest.
- A Great Otway Forest Reserve is the setting for this intermediate climb, which features views of some of the park's most well-known features.
- The local flora and fauna, including lizards, birds, and perhaps even echidnas, may be encountered along the way.
- There are three spectacular lookouts just at Point Ethiopian end, each with panoramic ocean vistas.
- Extending from the Ironbark Basin Walk is the Koorie Cultural Walk, which also highlights significant moments in the area's past.
- The Wathaurong people have lived in this region for hundreds of years, and this two-kilometer hike will provide you intriguing insight into their way of life.
- Just minutes from Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula's Cape Schanck, you'll find the picturesque Bushrangers Bay.
- Moreover, a stroll all along Redbacks Bay Walking Track allows one to take in the region's natural beauty from a distance.
- The tall basalt cliffs and kilometres of wind-blown coastal shrubbery attest to the extreme weather abuse this area has suffered.
- There is a well-defined path that runs along the crests of the cliffs and leads directly to the water's edge, making the actual 2.6-kilometer trek very easy.
