The Best Walks & Hikes In Melbourne And Victoria You Need To Take
In Melbourne, you really don’t have to go far for a beautiful walk! You can reach some of Victoria’s greatest hikes, coastline splendours, temperate rainforests, verdant rivers, and alpine forests in less than an hour from the city. While it’s tough to narrow down our favourites to just a few, we’ve done our best! Get ready to experience some of the most beautiful treks Melbourne and Victoria have to offer. Grab a GoGet, dust off your hiking boots, pack some trail snacks, fill up the water bottle and GoGet ‘em.
Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail, Mornington Peninsula
6km
One of Melbourne’s best day treks is near Bushranger’s Bay. Located about one and a half hours drive south of the Melbourne, this small stretch of gravelly beach with sharp rock pools (and some frightening rips) was named after two escaped prisoners. Although swimming at Bushrangers is not prohibited, it’s pretty dangerous and best avoided unless you know what you are doing in the surf! From the Cape Schanck parking lot, the Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail extends for 6km along the cliffs. With vistas of Main Creek, Cape Schanck Lighthouse, rocky, windswept beaches, and groves of shady Banksia trees, it may just have Victoria’s best coastal view! It’s a GoGet team fave. It should take you around 4 hours to complete. Make sure to keep an eye ourt for whales, chattering birds, and, if you’re really lucky, a kangaroo or two.
Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
10km
Werribee Gorge’s distance from Werribee is one of its peculiarities. You drive north-west, up towards Ballarat, as opposed to south-west, down the M1. Just an hour from Melbourne, Werribee Gorge State Park contains a network of 500 million-year-old sandstone canyons. Within the Gorge, there are several different walking paths, many of which connect to one another. On-trail and off-trail activities, lookouts, descents, ascents, river crossings, cable climbs, animal viewing, and rock-hopping are all included. Not for the weak of heart is the circuit walk. It’s a challenging 10-kilometre circuit with cable climbs and rock jumps. In the summer, it also gets extremely hot; bring plenty of water!
Start at The Quarry and move counterclockwise and you’ll reach your destination on the kinder riverbank track. This route offers the hiking trifecta of stunning views, rock climbing, and, depending on the time of year you go, a swimming hole. Begin at the Meikles Point picnic spot and parking lot. For a view of the park’s outstanding natural treasures, head to the Eastern Lookout at the gorge rim.
Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk, West Gippsland
2.2km
Most Melburnians are familiar with Triplet Falls or Erskine Falls, but few have hiked to Toorongo Falls in West Gippsland. This short circuit track is located in the woods north of Noojee, about two hours drive from the city. Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls are two of the waterfalls that are part of the Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk. The walk begins close to the campgrounds and follows the river for its whole length. It’s fairly easy and not too difficult for children. It should take roughly 90 minutes to complete the entire 2.2-kilometre course. If you’ve previously taken some of the more well-known Melbourne treks, this is a terrific alternative.
Tongue Point Walking Trail, Wilsons Promontory
9.4km
One of our favourite promenade walks. Actually, it’s one of our favourite treks in Victoria as a whole. A lick of land covered in shrubs that protrudes into Darby Bay is the point of Tongue Point, which is reached by the Tongue Point Walking Trail. You get some genuinely amazing vistas of Darby Swamp, Cotters Beach, and the Vereker Range as enormous boulders loom over your head. It’s a difficult trek to Tongue Point, 9.4 kilometres total—one way. It should take about 4.5 hours to complete. This area’s scenery is typical Prom country—weathered coastal heath. Even the animals aren’t afraid to cross the path; you frequently see echidnas and wombats doing so. Do take the quick excursion down to Fairy Cove if you have the time.
Mount Oberon Summit Walk, Wilsons Promontory
3.4km
Any walk that has ‘summit’ in the title is going to be a workout yet the Mount Oberon Summit Walk is definitely worth having sore legs the following day. Oberon is a hard yet shorter walk (about 3.4 kilometres, one way) that starts from the Telegraph Saddle parking lot. The mountain is 558 metres high and is great at sunrise. When the sun is coming in from the Eastern Prom, if you time it just right, you’ll get incredible 360-degree views. The water is turquoise and glistens. You can view Little Oberon Bay, Norman Bay, and Picnic Bay if you look west. If you’re hiking Oberon Summit at sunset (which is also a great idea), don’t forget to bring a torch as the nights get dark on the Prom.
Plenty Gorge Walk, South Morang
6km
A weekend stroll with friends is made spectacularly picturesque by Plenty Gorge Park. This is the spot to go if you’re searching for a break from the urban jungle and would enjoy a place to go bushwalking and wildlife watching. You can travel through beautiful paths that lead to the forested valley and dividing river on the Plenty Gorge Walk. Echidnas, kangaroos, herons, and swans all call the wilderness home, so keep an eye out for them. It would be silly not to bring lunch to celebrate finishing your adventure since the hour-and-a-half walk begins and concludes at the Red Gum picnic area.
Ironbark Basin Walk, Great Ocean Road
8km
The Ironbark Basin Walk winds inland, passing by the Point Addis Marine National Park and Jarosite Mine, from the southernmost point of Bells Beach all the way to Point Addis. You can start at the Point Addis parking lot and walk east down the beach, or you can go backwards, depending on the tides. In either case, you get views of a broad basin that extends all the way to the sea. If you’re fortunate, you might also see a few echidnas. The 2-hour hike to Ironbark isn’t challenging. The majority of the track is packed dirt with mild inclines. Just bear a few things in mind. Dogs are not permitted on the walk to preserve the local birds at Point Addis. Keep an eye out for cliffs and landslides as well, particularly after rain as Jarosite Headland can become dangerous. Remember to keep a safe distance from edges at all times.
Kurth Kiln Walk, Gembrook & Dandenong Ranges
4km
Both the history and the natural beauty of Kurth Kiln Regional Park are extensive. What was formerly known for its charcoal-making kiln during the Second World War is now a popular spot for camping, picnicking, and nature walks. Any traveller who is heading to the magnificent Dandenong Ranges should make a pit stop here.
The Kurth Kiln Walk offers hikers a trail that is surrounded by natural vegetation and offers views of a creek. Your hour-long journey will begin and end at the historic kiln after you complete a loop that goes up and down Tomahawk Creek. You are allowed to bring your canine companion along for the walk too as long as you keep them on a leash.
Californian Redwood Forest Walk, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
1.16km
This is the walk that spurred a million Instagram photos. After the COVID lockdowns, when people were scrambling to get back out to nature, the Warburton Redwood Forest became so popular that authorities had to close it down. Although it’s now reopened, try to avoid the weekend crowds for the best experience. The popularity of the Redwoods is understandable. All around, the tree trunks reach a height of 55 metres. The woodland floor is covered in a gentle layer of needles. Everything is silent, quiet, and muted. The setting absolutely screams Instagram material. About 14 minutes outside of Warburton, you can find this grove of California redwoods, Douglas firs, and Bishop pines (1476 trees total).
This short walk will take well under an hour - minus time for instagram. If you’ve got energy to spare, check out the nearby Warby Trail which is a great option for a hike or cycle.
Flinders Peak at You Yangs National Park, Little River
3.2km
The Flinders Peak walk is a great 3.2km trek over some of the state’s most pristine bushland and topography, starting out in the scenic section of inland Victoria. This walk undoubtedly qualifies as one of the top walks near Melbourne, given that it is only a little over an hour from the city. There are a few elevation changes along the moderately paced trail, but once you see the scenery, it’s all worth it. Dogs are welcome, and everyone will enjoy it. This walk takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs, and with around 450 stairs and a 200-meter elevation climb, it’s not for the faint hearted. The Turntable Drive parking lot is where the hike begins and ends.
Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk, Healesville
1.4km
Maroondah Reservoir Park, with its remarkable 41-metre high dam wall, is only a short drive from the town of Healesville. From here, trekkers can admire the reservoir lake, formal gardens, and slopes covered in trees. Visitors are encouraged to stroll along the dam wall as part of the Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk. With its paved track, this is a simple stroll in the park. Although the route only takes 45 minutes to complete, the vistas are nonetheless gorgeous. Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk and its Edna Walling-inspired scenery are lovely all year round, regardless of the season, rain, hail, or shine. Well maybe not hail.
1000 Steps Walk, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
3km
Join Melbourne’s most energetic excercisers and head to the “1000 Steps” on Sunday mornings to bound (or slog) your way up the 3km course. The ‘1000 Steps’ climb through the Dandenong Ranges National Park and was constructed in the early 1900s. Warning: it is steep, as the name suggests. You will undoubtedly feel it in your quads the next day. The majority of the stairs are made of stone slabs or hand-cut wood. Along the trail, there are also a few tiny rest areas. These are great for wheezing, stretching, and taking in the Manna Gums around you.
Keppel Lookout & Steavenson Falls, Marysville State Forest
15.5km
This three and a half hour hike is one of the more challenging hikes on this list. Start from the Steavenson Falls parking lot, allowing you to begin your trip with a view of one of the tallest (and most impressive) waterfalls in the state. You’ll start your ascent on a rocky gravel trail after passing the De La Rue overlook if you follow the signs to the Keppel Lookout. There are several hills, and if it has recently rained, the trail may be rather slick. Pack plenty of water, food, and strong shoes to be ready for anything. The hike’s halfway point, the Keppel Lookout offers vistas that, on a clear day, extend over to the Cathedral Ranges. Then start descending in the direction of Falls Road. You can add a trek down the fern gully if you have a little extra energy.
Organ Pipes Circuit, Organ Pipes National Park
3km
20 kilometres north of Melbourne, just off the Calder Freeway, is the stunning Organ Pipes National Park. The 121-hectare park is named after the 2.5 million-year-old basalt columns that remarkably resemble organ pipes and are its main draw. If you want to visit the magnificent stone columns that give this park its name, park your car on top of an ancient volcano and stroll towards the river valley. Overlooking scenic Jackson Creek, The Organ Pipes are suspended from a cliff. Please be aware that the trail slopes downhill extremely steeply. Despite being smooth, the bitumen path is steep and may not be suited for everyone, yet this walk is popular for families and children. While you’re there, take the quick loop around the park. You can take the walk that passes by the park’s key attractions, such as Keilor Plains, the Tessellated Pavement, and the Organ Pipes itself, beginning at the visitor centre.
Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park
6.6km
Much of the same ferny flora may be seen on this Sherbrooke Forest trek as the 1000 Steps, although there aren’t as many fitness fanatics. The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk, which is a 6.6 kilometre roundtrip, is the ideal trail to take in the biodiversity of the forest. You’ll pass tall Mountain Ash trees, Stringybark trees, ferns that cover wide gullies, and picturesque grassy areas ideal for picnics. The diverse animal species that can be discovered in the woodland areas will delight nature lovers. These include, among others, possums, wombats, wallabies, and echidnas. Begin at Grants Picnic Ground, proceed beyond the bird feeding cage, and take the first path marked “Lyrebird Walk.”
Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk, Lerderderg State Park
8km
It takes an average of 3 hours to accomplish this hike, and it is an accomplishment as it’s a challenging trail. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year round. At 142.5 km2 Lerderderg State Park, which is just over an hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. One of the most fascinating parts of this vast park is the canyon, and the Lerderderg Gorge circuit walk gets you there.
Take your time exploring the Lerderderg River stretch and any mine shafts you may find along the way (but be careful around them!). The East Walk offers most of the hike’s highlights. Lerderderg is distinguished by a 300-meter-deep gorge that has been carved through the park’s sandstone and slate, in addition to some amazing flora and animals. The majority of this circle walk, which starts in the picnic area at Mackenzies Flat, follows the river’s natural route. Expect lots of rock-hopping, some remnants from the gold-mining era, and, depending on the weather, possibly even some river crossing.
Neds Gully Track, Cathedral Range State Park
2.2km
Neds Gully Track is a terrific spot to start out of all the fantastic walks in the Cathedral Ranges. Head up towards Neds Gully and Neds Saddle. The park’s highest peak, Cathedral Peak, at an elevation of 840 metres, can be reached from there via a route that splits off if you’re feeling energetic. For this one, previous bushwalking experience is advised! On the higher slopes, drier trees replace the wet wooded gullies as you continue your gradual ascent. The 2.2-kilometre, one-hour trip begins in the Ned’s Gully Camping Area and ascends steeply through Neds Gully to Neds Saddle.
Fingal Beach Walk, Mornington Peninsula National Park
7.2km
This hike offers incredible clifftop views and a private beach to play on. Walk through the scrub forest beginning at Fingal Picnic Area, 2 km north of Cape Schanck. Take advantage of viewing points as not only do they offer you breathtaking views of Mornington Peninsula’s tip, they’re a great opportunity to catch your breath. The walk will lead you down many, many stairs to Fingal Beach, which you probably won’t share with anybody else. If it’s low tide, you can either walk another two kilometres or so down the beach to Gunnamatta Beach, where a loop route will take you back to the beginning, or you can go back the same way (which, yes, involves climbing all of those many, many steps).
Deadman’s Loop, Brisbane Ranges National Park
9.5km
Don’t be put off by the name; the Brisbane Ranges National Park is in Victoria not Queensland! It’s a beautiful park that’s home to one of the state’s greatest wildflower environments, and this walk, the Deadman’s Loop, is a delightful way to explore it. This tough track is located about 80 kilometres to the west of Melbourne. The little town of Steiglitz is where the trail starts and concludes. Beginning at the Stieglitz Courthouse, proceed along Stawell Street to the creek. A unique combination of rocky gullies and geology may be found here, which has managed to retain flora that has long ago vanished from other parts of Victoria.
Hanging Rock Summit Walk, Macedon Ranges
1.8km
The best views of this area’s natural splendour can be had from the peak of Hanging Rock, which is located north of Melbourne. Make the climb up to Hanging Rock and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views in all directions. Although the journey can be strenuous at times and make the heart race, it is definitely worth it to witness these 6 million-year-old rocks up close. Although the hike is relatively short, give yourself an hour to investigate the rock formations and take in the scenery. Even though the nearby cafe is excellent, why not bring your own picnic? The nearby parklands are ideal for it. There are amenities including free gas BBQs, shelters, clean restrooms, and a small playground. Be aware that there is a $10 per car entrance fee to the reserve.
Point Nepean Walk, Point Nepean National Park
14.5km
Some of Victoria’s early European settlements may be found in this region of Boonwurrung country. This 14.5-kilometre round-trip walk will allow you to see it all (as well as some amazing bay vistas). The Point Nepean Walk leads you directly to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula. You can access Point Nepean National Park and the famed Point Nepean’s tip through the Wilson’s Folly Track at London Bridge. The walk, which begins at the Point Nepean entry gate, leads you via bush and beach paths as it passes the former Quarantine Station and a few World War II military structures. Visit the historic Quarantine Station, look around the old gun emplacements and fortifications, Moonah woods, and take in the Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay vistas at the Heads.
Point Nepean Coastal Walk, Mornington Peninsula
30km
Not one for the faint hearted! The Point Nepean Coastal Walk is a fantastic opportunity to discover the extreme beauty of the Mornington Peninsula. It’s bordered by Port Philip Bay on one side and Bass Straight on the other. The 30-kilometre-long Coastal Walk on the Mornington Peninsula’s southern side, which runs between Cape Schanck and the Point Nepean National Park, offers breathtaking vistas. The walk includes numerous smaller stretches of the Ocean Beach walking paths, some of which go over gravel pathways and others along sandy beaches. From the rocky ocean coast at Cape Schanck through the lush coastal vegetation along the way and then to the renowned sandy surf beaches between Rye and Sorrento, the landscape varies dramatically. If desired, a number of the parts can be done as shorter walks separately.
Although you can complete this walk in either direction, the westward route from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean offers more breathtaking vistas because you can see the entire Bass Strait coast in this direction. History enthusiasts can explore the historic gun positions and Shepherd Hut, one of Victoria’s oldest limestone structures. Down here, the weather can be quite erratic because south-westerlies are constantly blowing in from Antarctica and can really howl off Bass Strait, so be prepared before you head out.
The Pinnacle Walk & Lookout, Grampians National Park
4.2km
There’s a good reason why bushwalkers keep coming back to the Grampians. One of the best attractions of the entire Grampians region is the well-known Pinnacle trek and lookout. Halls Gap and the numerous peaks of the Grampians can be seen in breathtaking detail by hikers. You’ll see hidden waterfalls, hollow mountains, and amazing natural amphitheatres along the way. Starting at the Sundial parking lot, hikers can ascend through interesting geological terrain to a large lump of granite that provides views of Fyans Valley as they make their way to the Pinnacle. It will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the 4.2-kilometre walk both ways. It does include some rock-hopping and water crossings, so wearing strong, sturdy shoes is a must. There is also a steeper climb that begins at the Wonderland parking lot that will get you to the same place if you want to put your fitness to the test.
Not in Melbourne? Check out our favourite hikes in Sydney & NSW and best walking trails in and around Brisbane and QLD.
GoGet out there and explore
Melbourne and Victoria are brimming with gorgeous hikes and trails, and GoGet cars are ready and waiting to take you there!
If you’re a GoGet member, then there’s nothing standing in your way. Book a car today and stretch those legs on one of these great hikes. No Membership? No problem! We’ve got the perfect plan for you!
