Do you think we should make plans to get out of town? Consider going on a day trek to one of these nearby Melbourne spots. There are a plethora of stunning hikes in the region, and one of the best ways to see all of rural Victoria's attractions and landmarks is by strolling along the shore.
If you're going for a hike, remember to bring food, water, and sturdy footwear.
Throw on a pair of hiking boots and get ready for a day in the great outdoors. Within a few of hours' drive time, you can visit most of Victoria's top hiking trails. One can take a trek along the coast and into the rainforest in order to view a
Here are some of our favourite day hikes and strolls in and around Melbourne.
You may get some fresh air and exercise in Melbourne's many parks, gardens, rivers, and coastal bays. Walk the length of the Yarra River, explore the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, or head outside of the city to a more challenging hiking circuit if you're looking to get some fresh air and exercise. The nicest trails in Melbourne are conveniently located near the city's central business centre.
These are among the finest walks that Melbourne has to offer. From brisk walks in the city to more in-depth
Each outing could last anywhere from half a day to a full day. If you're a visitor or a Melbournian trying to spice up your lunch break or weekend, getting out on foot is the finest way to see the city.
Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne
You Yangs Regional Park
Utilizing the Flinders Peak Trail
You can't leave the dog behind. The You Yangs National Park, located near Melbourne and Geelong, welcomes leashed dogs. You and your puppy can hike 3.2 kilometres to the peak of Flinders Mount in the You Yang Mountains.
After sweating profusely up the 450 stairs (marking an altitude rise of around 200 metres), you will feel like a champion once you reach the top. Both beginning and ending points of the walk are at the Turntable Drive parking lot.
Mornington Peninsula National Park
The Bushranger's Bay Trail
Superb views of Bass Strait may be had from this cliffside walkway. The trip begins at the Cape Schanck parking lot and passes through sand dunes, farmland, and a banksia forest. As you make your way through the grassy plains, keep an eye out for kangaroos, whales, and loud birds. Take a break from your hike and enjoy the waves at the beach that bears the same name as the trail.
Steavenson Falls
Hike up to Keppel Lookout for a Bird's-Eye View.
The starting point of this hike is just adjacent to Steavenson Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the federal system.
You'll start your ascent on a rough gravel trail after passing the De La Rue viewpoint overlook and following the signs once more for Keppel Lookout. The path is steep and can be dangerous if there has been recent rain, so bring plenty of water, food, and good shoes.
On a clear day, you may see the Cathedral Ranges from the Keppel Lookout, which is located about halfway along the trek. Our ascent to Falls Road has ended, and we must now descend. When you're feeling frivolous and h
Werribee Gorge
Hikers who chose this path will be rewarded with stunning scenery, exciting rock scrambling, and, if the timing is good, a refreshing swimming hole. Starting at the parking area along the Trail that follows Point, the trail climbs the ridge's steep slope. To get a bird's eye view of the gorge's attractions, visitors should head to the Eastern Lookout.
Organ Pipes National Park
Ecology is definitely an odd science. Only 15 miles north of Melbourne, off the Calder Freeway, sits the stunning Organ Pipes Nature Reserve. The three million basalt pillars that comprise up the park were given their name because of the resemblance to organ pipes. The park encompasses an area of 121 acres.
Go for a stroll all around park's small loop. The route begins at the park's visitor centre and passes several of the park's most famous attractions, including Keilor Mountains, the Tessellated Asphalt, and the Organ Pipes.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Can you double-check that it really is 1,000 steps when you claim it is? Sherbrooke Forest's ferny vegetation is on par with that of more travelled paths in the park, but you'll find significantly less people working out here. Starting at Grants Picnic Ground (near the bird feeder), you can begin Lyrebird Walk. To reach the green trees and uncommon kookaburra, follow the occasionally steep trail and turn right at any of the curves.
Lerderderg State Park
The only thing separating you from the nearby bush is this. The genuine article in rural Victoria. Lerderderg is famous for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the 300-meter-deep canyon that cuts through the park's sandstone and slate.
This path along the river starts at a picnic area and winds its way through the landscape as it follows the river's bends. Depending on the weather and terrain, your hike may involve crossing a river or hopping from rock to rock.
Cathedral Range State Park
The Neds Gully Trail is a superb introduction to the Cathedral Ranges, which are home to a wide variety of excellent hiking opportunities. As you climb steadily higher, you'll come to Neds Ravine and Neds Saddle. Take the spur trail to the top of Gothic Peak, the park's tallest peak at 840 metres. Previous experience bushwalking is required for this.
Mornington Peninsula National Park
If you're looking for a hike where you can take in breathtaking cliffs and then unwind on a private beach, look no further. You can begin your exploration of the scrub woodlands from Fingal Picnic Area, which is located about 2 miles to the north of Point Schanck.
They can rest their weary feet and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region at the lookouts near the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. If you walk to the bottom of many (many) stairs, you'll find that you have Fingal Beach all to yourself.
If the tide is low, you can either go back the way you came (up all those steps), or you may go on for another 2 km or so to Gunnamatta Beach, where you can take the loop trail back. Benefits abound if you choose this path: The stairwell is to be avoided at all costs. That it's twice as long is a major problem.
Brisbane Ranges National Park
Despite the unflattering name, this hike offers a wonderful chance to see some of the country's most diverse flora in Toowoomba Ranges Park. If you are exiting the Stieglitz Courthouse, head left into Stawell Street and keep going until you reach the creek on your left.
A number of plant species that had previously fallen extinct in Victoria have been saved thanks to the rocky gorges and other unusual geological characteristics.
Macedon Ranges
It is possible that the top of Hanging Rock provides the best panorama of the stunning landscape that can be found just north of London. Forget packing a picnic and sporting an all-white outfit so you can see the stunning cliff faces as you climb to the summit of Hanging Rock. The trail may not always be easy, but the reward of seeing
Point Nepean National Park
In addition to being home to the indigenous Boonwurrung people for thousands of years, this region may also feature some of the first European settlements in all of Victoria. This 14.5-kilometer round-trip hike provides spectacular views of the harbour and beyond. The trek begins at the Port Nepean entry gate and continues over woodland and coastal roads, past the abandoned Isolated Station and a few other remnants of World War II. This route is pretty consistent in time and elevation gain, so
Day Hikes In Melbourne That Are A Little Further Afield
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Starting from the Bell Summit parking area, this hike winds up Mount Oberon thru the forest to a lovely lookout point, where you can overlook the Tidal River, the coast, and the neighbouring offshore islands. The ascent may be boring, but the view from the top is well worth it.
Grampians National Park
Hikers flock to the Grampians, and for good reason. Although it appears stony at first appearance, tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the presence of hidden streams, hollow hills, and breathtaking natural amphitheatres.
From the Sundial parking area, hikers can traverse some fascinating geological terrain to reach the Pinnacle, a large outcropping of rock that looks out over Fyans Valley. Start your lengthier and steeper ascent to Alice from the museum's car park if you're feeling really daring.
Great Otway National Park
The descent to Beauchamp Falls can feel like it's taking you into a rabbit hole. Eventually, you'll get to one of the most stunning secret waterfalls in Victoria, and it'll all be worth it.
To get to this stunning 20-meter-tall waterfall, you need to follow the signs through some mountains ash trees, down a built staircase, and across a few rocks. Take it easy and watch your step on the way back; the rocks are slick when wet, and there are a number of inclines.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Did you know that dunes can be found just over 2.5 hours south of Australia? The Big Drift is a large group of sand dunes that are hidden from view and off the beaten route. The trail leaves the campground's back and winds through woodland and fields before terminating on a precipitous sand incline.
Careful ascent is advised due to the fragile sand. What appears to be an infinite expanse of sandy soil may be seen from above, with glimpses of lush trees and the water here and there.
Alpine National Park
Do you feel up to the task? If you're in Victoria during the summer, you may go on a terrific 22-kilometer hike in Alpine National Park.
The Diamantina Hut, the starting point for the walk up Victoria's second-highest peak, is located just 2.5 kilometres from Hotham Village. The vistas from the peak are well worth the risk despite the fact that you will spend much of your ascent beyond the forest line.
More Than Three Hours From Melbourne's Central Business District (But Still Worthwhile!)
The Pinnacle Walk & Lookout – Grampians National Park, Halls Gap
Grampians National Park Wilsons Promontory's Mt. Avalon Summit Walk, which starts at Cape Otway and concludes at Rainbow Falls, including the Pinnacle Track and Observation Deck.
The 2.1-kilometer round-trip from Sundial Car Park includes stone and river crossings, as well as ascending across geological landscapes, and takes slightly over 2 hours to accomplish. The level walk is great, but there are easier and longer ways to get to The Apex.
From Melbourne's CBD, the trip will take about three hours.
Because of the Apex walk and viewpoint, which provides stunning panoramas of Dorms Gap and the Grampians, this National Park is frequently visited by hikers and bushwalkers.
The 2.1-kilometer round-trip from Sundial Car Park includes stone and river crossings, as well as ascending across geological landscapes, and takes slightly over 2 hours to accomplish. There are more strenuous and time-consuming ways to reach The Apex, but this easy approach is perfect for families and individuals of all ages who want to take a stroll through the woods without having to work up much of a sweat.
Cape Otway to Rainbow Falls Walk – Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway
Visit the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse, constructed in 1848, and finish your journey in Bass Strait. Cliffs, dunes, Station Beach, and the waterfall itself must all be crossed en route to Rainbow Falls.
Although swimming is not recommended due to the lack of lifeguards, the beach has traditionally been enjoyed for its refreshing atmosphere. Great Otway Nature Reserve guests have access to a
Mt Oberon Summit Walk - Wilsons Promontory National Park, Wilsons Promontory
Any traveler's Instagram page would benefit from the climb up Mount Oberon in Australia's scenic Wilsons Promontory, which offers breathtaking views of Australia's southernmost tip.
Despite the fact that the scenery isn't as stunning as some of the others on our list, the view of the coast and faraway islands from the peak is really stunning. Hikers begin their ascent from the Telegraph Saddle parking area and follow a path that is surrounded by trees. During any season, the wind and cold at the trail's peak might be a concern.
Conclusion
One can trek along the Yarra River or into the rainforest to get some fresh air and exercise. The nicest trails are located near the city's central business centre. Each outing could last anywhere from half a day to a full day. You Yangs National Park, located near Melbourne and Geelong, welcomes leashed dogs. Take a break from your hike and enjoy the waves at the beach called Bushranger's Bay.
Hike up to Keppel Lookout for a Bird's-Eye View of Steavenson Falls. Organ Pipes Nature Reserve is located 15 miles north of Melbourne. The three million basalt pillars that comprise up the park were given their name because of the resemblance to organ pipes. Sherbrooke Forest's ferny vegetation is on par with that of more travelled paths in the park. The top of Hanging Rock provides the best panorama of the stunning landscape that can be found just north of London.
A number of plant species that had previously fallen extinct in Victoria have been saved thanks to the rocky gorges and other unusual geological characteristics. Beauchamp Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Victoria. The Big Drift is a group of sand dunes that are hidden from view and off the beaten route. Careful ascent is advised due to the fragile sand on this section of the Big Drift trail. The Diamantina Hut is the starting point for the walk up Victoria's second-highest peak.
The 2.1-kilometer round-trip from Sundial Car Park includes stone and river crossings. The Apex walk and viewpoint provides stunning panoramas of Dorms Gap and the Grampians. Mt Oberon Summit Walk in Wilsons Promontory National Park offers breathtaking views of Australia's southernmost tip. The view of the coast and faraway islands from Mount Oberon is really stunning. Hikers begin their ascent from the Telegraph Saddle parking area and follow a path that is surrounded by trees.
Content Summary:
- Do you think we should make plans to get out of town?
- Consider going on a day trek to one of these nearby Melbourne spots.
- There are a plethora of stunning hikes in the region, and one of the best ways to see all of rural Victoria's attractions and landmarks is by strolling along the shore.
- If you're going for a hike, remember to bring food, water, and sturdy footwear.
- Throw on a pair of hiking boots and get ready for a day in the great outdoors.
- Within a few hours' drive time, you can visit most of Victoria's top hiking trails.
- One can take a trek along the coast and into the rainforest in order to view a Here are some of our favourite day hikes and strolls in and around Melbourne.
- You may get some fresh air and exercise in Melbourne's many parks, gardens, rivers, and coastal bays.
- Walk the length of the Yarra River, explore the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, or head outside of the city to a more challenging hiking circuit if you're looking to get some fresh air and exercise.
- The nicest trails in Melbourne are conveniently located near the city's central business centre.
- These are among the finest walks that Melbourne has to offer.
- From brisk walks in the city to more in-depth Each outing could last anywhere from half a day to a full day.
- If you're a visitor or a Melbournian trying to spice up your lunch break or weekend, getting out on foot is the finest way to see the city.
- The You Yangs National Park, located near Melbourne and Geelong, welcomes leashed dogs.
- You and your puppy can hike 3.2 kilometres to the peak of Flinders Mount in the You Yang Mountains.
- After sweating profusely up the 450 stairs (marking an altitude rise of around 200 metres), you will feel like a champion once you reach the top.
- Both beginning and ending points of the walk are at the Turntable Drive parking lot.
- The Bushranger's Bay Trail Superb views of Bass Strait may be had from this cliffside walkway.
- The trip begins at the Cape Schanck parking lot and passes through sand dunes, farmland, and a banksia forest.
- As you make your way through the grassy plains, keep an eye out for kangaroos, whales, and loud birds.
- Take a break from your hike and enjoy the waves at the beach that bears the same name as the trail.
- The starting point of this hike is just adjacent to Steavenson Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the federal system.
- You'll start your ascent on a rough gravel trail after passing the De La Rue viewpoint overlook and following the signs once more for Keppel Lookout.
- The path is steep and can be dangerous if there has been recent rain, so bring plenty of water, food, and good shoes.
- On a clear day, you may see the Cathedral Ranges from the Keppel Lookout, which is located about halfway along the trek.
- Our ascent to Falls Road has ended, and we must now descend.
- When you're feeling frivolous, the Werribee Gorge Hikers who chose this path will be rewarded with stunning scenery, exciting rock scrambling, and, if the timing is good, a refreshing swimming hole.
- Starting at the parking area along the Trail that follows Point, the trail climbs the ridge's steep slope.
- To get a bird's eye view of the gorge's attractions, visitors should head to the Eastern Lookout.
- Ecology is definitely an odd science.
- Only 15 miles north of Melbourne, off the Calder Freeway, sits the stunning Organ Pipes Nature Reserve.
- The three million basalt pillars that comprise up the park were given their name because of the resemblance to organ pipes.
- The park encompasses an area of 121 acres.
- Go for a stroll all around the park's small loop.
- The route begins at the park's visitor centre and passes several of the park's most famous attractions, including Keilor Mountains, the Tessellated Asphalt, and the Organ Pipes.
- Sherbrooke Forest's ferny vegetation is on par with that of more travelled paths in the park, but you'll find significantly less people working out here.
- Starting at Grants Picnic Ground (near the bird feeder), you can begin Lyrebird Walk.
- To reach the green trees and uncommon kookaburra, follow the occasionally steep trail and turn right at any of the curves.
- The only thing separating you from the nearby bush is this.
- The genuine article in rural Victoria.
- Lerderderg is famous for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the 300-meter-deep canyon that cuts through the park's sandstone and slate.
- This path along the river starts at a picnic area and winds its way through the landscape as it follows the river's bends.
- Depending on the weather and terrain, your hike may involve crossing a river or hopping from rock to rock.
- The Neds Gully Trail is a superb introduction to the Cathedral Ranges, which are home to a wide variety of excellent hiking opportunities.
- As you climb steadily higher, you'll come to Neds Ravine and Neds Saddle.
- Take the spur trail to the top of Gothic Peak, the park's tallest peak at 840 metres.
- Previous experience bushwalking is required for this.
- If you're looking for a hike where you can take in breathtaking cliffs and then unwind on a private beach, look no further.
- If you walk to the bottom of many (many) stairs, you'll find that you have Fingal Beach all to yourself.
- If the tide is low, you can either go back the way you came (up all those steps), or you may go on for another 2 km or so to Gunnamatta Beach, where you can take the loop trail back.
- Benefits abound if you choose this path: The stairwell is to be avoided at all costs.
- That it's twice as long is a major problem.
- Despite the unflattering name, this hike offers a wonderful chance to see some of the country's most diverse flora in Toowoomba Ranges Park.
- If you are exiting the Stieglitz Courthouse, head left into Stawell Street and keep going until you reach the creek on your left.
- A number of plant species that had previously fallen extinct in Victoria have been saved thanks to the rocky gorges and other unusual geological characteristics.
- Macedon Ranges It is possible that the top of Hanging Rock provides the best panorama of the stunning landscape that can be found just north of London.
- Forget packing a picnic and sporting an all-white outfit so you can see the stunning cliff faces as you climb to the summit of Hanging Rock.
- The trail may not always be easy, but the reward of seeing Point Nepean National Park In addition to being home to the indigenous Boonwurrung people for thousands of years, this region may also feature some of the first European settlements in all of Victoria.
- This 14.5-kilometer round-trip hike provides spectacular views of the harbour and beyond.
- The trek begins at the Port Nepean entry gate and continues over woodland and coastal roads, past the abandoned Isolated Station and a few other remnants of World War II.
- The ascent may be boring, but the view from the top is well worth it.
- From the Sundial parking area, hikers can traverse some fascinating geological terrain to reach the Pinnacle, a large outcropping of rock that looks out over Fyans Valley.
- Start your lengthier and steeper ascent to Alice from the museum's car park if you're feeling really daring.
- The descent to Beauchamp Falls can feel like it's taking you into a rabbit hole.
- Eventually, you'll get to one of the most stunning secret waterfalls in Victoria, and it'll all be worth it.
- To get to this stunning 20-meter-tall waterfall, you need to follow the signs through some mountain ash trees, down a built staircase, and across a few rocks.
- Take it easy and watch your step on the way back; the rocks are slick when wet, and there are a number of inclines.
- The Big Drift is a large group of sand dunes that are hidden from view and off the beaten route.
- The trail leaves the campground's back and winds through woodland and fields before terminating on a precipitous sand incline.
- Careful ascent is advised due to the fragile sand.
- What appears to be an infinite expanse of sandy soil may be seen from above, with glimpses of lush trees and the water here and there.
- If you're in Victoria during the summer, you may go on a terrific 22-kilometer hike in Alpine National Park.
- The Diamantina Hut, the starting point for the walk up Victoria's second-highest peak, is located just 2.5 kilometres from Hotham Village.
- The vistas from the peak are well worth the risk despite the fact that you will spend much of your ascent beyond the forest line.
- More Than Three Hours From Melbourne's Central Business District (But Still Worthwhile!)
- The 2.1-kilometer round-trip from Sundial Car Park includes stone and river crossings, as well as ascending across geological landscapes, and takes slightly over 2 hours to accomplish.
- The level walk is great, but there are easier and longer ways to get to The Apex.
- From Melbourne's CBD, the trip will take about three hours.
- Because of the Apex walk and viewpoint, which provides stunning panoramas of Dorms Gap and the Grampians, this National Park is frequently visited by hikers and bushwalkers.
- The 2.1-kilometer round-trip from Sundial Car Park includes stone and river crossings, as well as ascending across geological landscapes, and takes slightly over 2 hours to accomplish.
- There are more strenuous and time-consuming ways to reach The Apex, but this easy approach is perfect for families and individuals of all ages who want to take a stroll through the woods without having to work up much of a sweat.
- Cape Otway to Rainbow Falls Walk – Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway Visit the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse, constructed in 1848, and finish your journey in Bass Strait.
- Cliffs, dunes, Station Beach, and the waterfall itself must all be crossed en route to Rainbow Falls.
- Although swimming is not recommended due to the lack of lifeguards, the beach has traditionally been enjoyed for its refreshing atmosphere.
- Great Otway Nature Reserve guests have access to a Mt Oberon Summit Walk - Wilsons Promontory National Park, Wilsons Promontory Any traveler's Instagram page would benefit from the climb up Mount Oberon in Australia's scenic Wilsons Promontory, which offers breathtaking views of Australia's southernmost tip.
- Despite the fact that the scenery isn't as stunning as some of the others on our list, the view of the coast and faraway islands from the peak is really stunning.
- Hikers begin their ascent from the Telegraph Saddle parking area and follow a path that is surrounded by trees.
- During any season, the wind and cold at the trail's peak might be a concern.
FAQs About Melbourne
Reach the peak of Victoria on the Mount Bogong Circuit. This hike is the toughest of this selection, being the longest at over 20 kilometres and with probably the steepest and most drawn-out climb up Staircase Spur.
Fortunately, it’s called “Staircase” Spur for a reason, and there are some relatively flat sections to break up the torture. When you eventually do make it to the summit of Mount Bogong, the views make every step and every laboured breath worthwhile.
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least the state). Enjoy the above-the-tree-line views for another 600 metres, following the snow poles, to the intersection with Eskdale Spur, where you’ll begin one of the toughest descents I’ve ever faced. Your knees will be stuffed by the time you return to the car, so bring trekking poles if you have dodgy knees.
Surrounded by ocean and mountain views, Victoria is one of Canada's most scenic cities. Hiking trails in and around the city take advantage of the area's natural beauty and allow for quick escapes to mountaintops, waterfalls, and even historic sites. Some of the trails are in Victoria; others are up to 1.5 hours away.
Hiking is a great way to stay fit, and it is generally a very safe option, but remember that while hiking, you could end up hours away from help. Here are some tips to stay safe in the Australian Bush. The Blue Mountains West of Sydney is notorious for people going off unprepared.
No. However, you will need some good sneakers and are welcome to wear hiking boots if you have them. Good shoes will make the experience a lot more enjoyable. I also recommend bringing a windbreaker or light rain jacket in summer and a warm waterproof jacket in the winter.
Hit the road bright and early. Each trip is generally on the road driving for two hours. It’s a beautiful and scenic drive, plays some great tunes and will make a couple of coffee and toilet stops along the way to make the journey as comfortable as possible.