day trip hikes melbourne

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The best day hikes from Melbourne

Ready to stretch your legs and explore the great outdoors? These are some of the best hiking and walking trails to try near Melbourne

We love this beautiful city of ours, but sometimes it's nice to get out into nature for a stroll – or something more intense. Dust off those hiking boots, pack that scroggin, fill your Camelbak and get ready to explore some of the most gorgeous hikes within an easy drive of Melbourne.

Regional Victoria is brimming with picturesque walks great for getting your heart pumping, including temperate rainforest wonders and seaside spectacles. 

If you'd rather stay closer to come, here are some great Melbourne walks , just a stone's throw from the city.

Keen for a getaway? These are the best day trips from Melbourne.  Want to immerse yourself in nature? Discover the best waterfalls around Victoria.  

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Melbourne day hikes less than two hours away

1.  You Yangs Regional Park

Flinders Peak Walk

Bring your dog! The You Yangs National Park is a dog-friendly park located between Melbourne and Geelong. The best walk to try (for you and your pupper) is the 3.2-kilometre Flinders Peak Walk, which takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs. It’ll certainly have you puffing, with about 450 steps and an elevation rise of about 200 metres, but you’ll feel like a proper champ once you reach the top. The walk starts and finishes at the Turntable Drive car park.

Drive time from CBD: 1h Duration (return): 1h (3.2km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

2.  Mornington Peninsula National Park

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• Cape Schanck

Bushrangers Bay Trail

This coastal clifftop walk boasts picturesque vistas over Bass Strait. To begin, set off from the Cape Schanck car park through sandy outcrops, adjacent farmland and banksia forest. Keep an eye out for whales, chatty birds and maybe the occasional kangaroo as it makes its way across the grassy clearings. Top it off with a dip in the cool waves at the trail’s namesake beach.

Drive time from CBD:  1h 30m Duration (one way):  45m (2.7km) Level of difficulty:  Easy to medium

3.  Steavenson Falls

Keppel Lookout walk

You can start this walk at the Steavenson Falls car park, meaning you get to kick off your hike with a look at one of the state’s tallest (and most impressive) waterfalls. Following the signposts towards the Keppel Lookout, you’ll begin your ascent on a rough dirt track passing the De La Rue lookout. There are lots of hills and if there’s been rain, the track can be quite slippery so be prepared: bring plenty of water, snacks and wear sturdy shoes. The Keppel Lookout marks the halfway point on the hike, with views that stretch over towards the Cathedral Ranges on a clear day. Then begin your descent down back towards Falls Road. If you’ve got a little more energy in you, you can tack on a walk through the fern gully. 

Drive time from the CBD: 2h Duration (return): 3h30m (11km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

4.  Werribee Gorge

Circuit Walk

This walk features a hiking trifecta: gorgeous views, rock scrambling and, depending on what time of year you visit, a post-hike swimming hole. Start at the Meikles Point picnic area and carpark and follow the path as it snakes around the river and uphill via a rocky crest. Head towards the Eastern Lookout at the gorge rim for a panorama of the park’s best natural wonders.

Drive time from CBD:  1h Duration (circuit):  4h (10km) Level of difficulty:  Medium to hard

5.  Organ Pipes National Park

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• Parks and gardens

Organ Pipes circuit

How weird is nature? The beautiful Organ Pipes National Park can be found just off the Calder Freeway, about 20 kilometres north of Melbourne. The 121-hectare park is named after its star attraction: 2.5 million-year-old basalt columns that look strikingly like organ pipes. Take the short circuit walk around the park while you're there. Starting at the visitor centre, you can follow the trail that passes along the main features of the park, including Keilor Plains, the Tessellated Pavement and the Organ Pipes themselves. 

Drive time from CBD:   30m Duration (circuit):  30m (1.5km) Level of difficulty:   Easy to medium

6.  Dandenong Ranges National Park

• Upper Ferntree Gully

Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk

Done with the   1,000 Steps ? This Sherbrooke Forest walk offers up much of the same ferny greenery but without the hordes of fitness fanatics. Start at Grants Picnic Ground, past the bird feeding enclosure, and follow the first section of the track labelled the ‘Lyrebird Walk’. Keep on the sometimes-steep path, heading right at any turn, to see lush vegetation and the occasional kookaburra. Drive time from CBD:  1h Duration (return):  2.5h (6.6km) Level of difficulty:  Medium

7.  Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk

This is bush. Real Victorian bush. As well as some great flora and fauna, Lerderderg is characterised by a 300-metre deep gorge that has cut through the park’s sandstone and slate. This circuit walk begins in the Mackenzies Flat picnic area and mostly follows the natural course of the river. Expect plenty of rock hopping, some relics from the gold mining days and even some river crossing depending on the weather.

Drive time from CBD: 50m Duration (circuit): 4-5h (13.5km circuit) Level of difficulty: Medium

8.  Cathedral Range State Park

Neds Gully Track

There are a bunch of great walks to do around the Cathedral Ranges, but Neds Gully Track is a good place to start. It’s a steady uphill hike that takes you up to Neds Gully and Neds Saddle. From there the track veers off to Cathedral Peak, the park’s highest point at 840 metres elevation. Some bushwalking experience is recommended for this one.

Drive time from CBD: 1h 40m Duration (one way): 1h (2.2km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

9.  Mornington Peninsula National Park

Fingal Beach Walk

Those who like a lot of bang for their walking buck will rate this hike, which offers pretty breathtaking clifftop views and a secluded beach to play on. Start at Fingal Picnic Area, 2km north of Cape Schanck, and meander through the scrub forest. Take advantage of lookout spots  – not only will they give you a chance to catch your breath, but they provide jaw-dropping views over the end of the Mornington Peninsula. The path will take you down a lot (and we mean a lot) of steps to Fingal Beach, which you are likely to have entirely to yourself. You can either return the same way (which, yes, means climbing all of those steps) or, if it's low tide, walking down the beach another two kilometres or so to  Gunnamatta Beach, where a loop path will take you back to the start. Advantage of this approach: You avoid the stairs. Disadvantage: It's twice as long.

Drive time from CBD:   1h 30min Duration (return):  1.5-2h (5km) if you go only as far as Fingal Beach; 3hr (10km) if you take the loop to Gunnamatta Level of difficulty: Easy to medium

10.  Brisbane Ranges National Park

Deadman’s Loop

Don’t be put off by the name – this walk is a pleasant way to explore the Brisbane Ranges, a park that’s home to one of the state’s richest wildflower habitats. Start at the Stieglitz Courthouse and walk along Stawell Street to the creek to begin. Here you’ll find an interesting mix of rocky gullies and unusual geology that’s managed to preserve flora that’s long since disappeared from other parts of Victoria.   

Drive time from CBD: 1h 15m Duration (circuit): 1h 45m (5.4km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

11.  Macedon Ranges

Hanging Rock Summit Walk

This region north of Melbourne is stacked with natural beauty – the best of which can be seen from the top of Hanging Rock. Banish the thought of picnics and white dresses and instead focus on the beautiful rock formations that you’ll spy as you make your way up to the top of Hanging Rock’s summit. The path can be steep at points so it will get the heart pumping, but seeing these 6 million-year-old rocks up close is well worth it.

Drive time from CBD: 1h Duration (circuit): 40 mins (1.8km) Level of difficulty: Medium

12.  Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean Walk

This part of Boonwurrung country has some of the earliest European settlement in Victoria. You can explore it all (and spy some killer bay views) via this 14.5-kilometre return walk. Starting at the Point Nepean entry gate, the walk takes you on both coastal and bush tracks that run past the old Quarantine Station and some World War II military buildings. The walk is pretty flat and quite variable, so you can stop and turn around at any point along the way.

Drive time from CBD: 1h40m Duration (return): 3h (14.5km) Level of difficulty: Easy to medium

Melbourne day hikes a little further afield

13.  Wilsons Promontory National Park

Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Starting from Telegraph Saddle car park, this walk follows a windy and shaded path up Mount Oberon towards a postcard perfect view over Tidal River, the coast and local offshore islands. What this walk lacks in exciting terrain it makes up for in astonishing vistas at the summit.

Drive time from CBD:  3h Duration (return):  2h (6.8km) Level of difficulty:  Medium to hard

14.  Grampians National Park

The Pinnacle

There’s a reason   the Grampians   bring bushwalkers back time and time again. Rough and rocky on first glance, it surprises visitors with hidden waterfalls, hollow mountains and incredible natural amphitheatres. The walk towards the Pinnacle starts at the Sundial car park where hikers can climb through fun geological terrain towards a big lump of rock overlooking Fyans Valley. If you’d like to test your fitness, there’s also a harder climb to the same destination that starts at the Wonderland carpark.

Drive time from CBD:  3h Duration (return):  2h (4.2km) Level of difficulty:  Medium

15.  Great Otway National Park

Visiting this national park is a no brainer if you’re driving the Great Ocean Road , especially if you like waterfalls. The park stretches from Torquay towards Princetown, and up towards Colac, and is one of the best places in Victoria to embrace a cool temperate rainforest. Head out on one of the many coastal walking trails and you’ll discover lush forests, quiet sandy beaches and more than one koala poking its head through the gum trees.

16.  Wilsons Promontory National Park

The Big Drift

Did you know there are sand dunes only two and a bit hours south of Melbourne? Named the Big Drift, this extensive series of sand dunes is pretty hidden from the tourist track, and it’ll take you a bit of bush bashing to get there. Start at the back of the Stockyard campsite and follow the path as it snakes through bushland and open fields until you get to a final, very steep sandy hill. The sand is tough to walk up, so take your time (we suggest crawling up, it’s that steep). Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted by a seemingly endless view of sand, punctuated by the occasional green treetop and ocean view.

Drive time from CBD: 2h30m Duration: 1h (2km) Level of difficulty: Medium

17.  Alpine National Park

Mount Feathertop razorback trail

Ready for a challenge? This eye-poppingly long 22-kilometre walk is located in Victoria’s Alpine National Park and, for obvious reasons, can only be attempted in the warmer months. Start at the Diamantina Hut, just 2.5 kilometres from Hotham Village, and begin the trail that follows a ridge towards Victoria’s second highest mountain. The path is mostly above the tree line, so you’re very exposed – the benefit of this is that you get to enjoy incredible views all the way to the peak.

Drive time from CBD: 4h 30m Duration: 7h (22km) Level of difficulty: Hard

More walks closer to home

The best walks near Melbourne to try

You may have strolled the city streets and paraded around the parks, but how about something with a little more guts? These Melbourne walks are a great way to stretch the legs and get to know an unfamiliar side of town.

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The 16 best day hikes near melbourne 2024.

Tim Ashelford

Tim's the Publisher of We Are Explorers and he's been around since the early days. You're most likely to find him running trails around Sydney with mates or dialling in his lightweight hiking setup, but he can also be found falling off bikes, surfboards and climbing cliffs all over the country. Tim also writes for NSW National Parks and he's passionate about inspiring people to get outdoors.

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Learn about We Are Explorers' Editorial Standards

Jess is a Content Editor at We Are Explorers. Her bucket list is long and her weekends are full. She’s an ultralight adventurer but will always sacrifice a few grams to bring a book. Endlessly curious, Jess loves nothing more than discovering new places (real & fictional!), and pushing her limits to the max.

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It’s a bit of a myth that living in Melbourne means long drives to any decent hiking trail. In fact, there are a bunch of great walks in Melbourne itself!

We’ve done some digging and sniffed out the best one-day hikes near Melbourne to get you out of the latte-lined alleyways and onto the dirt. 

Don’t worry, we’re not taking the piss, nearly everything on this list is under 2 hours from the CBD (many of these hikes are in Melbourne), because what could be worse than spending longer in the car than on the trail?

Lace up! Whether it’s a salty breeze or nostalgic waft of a good eucalypt, it’s time to get out of the city and hike up a storm.

Explore all Melbourne adventures

Jump to section, 1. bushrangers bay and cape schanck trail.

Location: Mornington Peninsula Distance: 10km return Time from Melbourne: 85 minutes Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

This stunning coastal jaunt takes you through the bush to the rugged cliffs of Cape Schanck at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. The walk is suitable for beginners but that doesn’t mean you’re not in for a treat. From the cheeky hidden beaches at Bushrangers Bay to the possibility of kangaroo sightings and an idyllic lighthouse to mark your turnaround point, this hike is a must.

Photo: Visit Victoria

2. Point Nepean Walk

Location: Mornington Peninsula Distance: 14.5km Time from Melbourne: 90 minutes Level of difficulty:  Moderate

You can hike all the way out to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula along the Point Nepean Walk. You’ll pass ruins from World War Two bunkers and the quarantine station on the way to Fort Nepean, where you can look back towards Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay or south to King Island and… Antarctica. Not satisfied? You can link up a series of trails through Bunurong country by taking The Coastal Track all the way down to Cape Schanck (an extra 30km if you’re feeling sprightly!).

@scotty.runacres

3. Flinders Peak Walk

Location: You Yangs Regional Park Distance: 3km return Time from Melbourne: 1 hour Level of difficulty:  Easy to Moderate

Rising 450 steps above the surrounding landscape, this hike will take you to the highest point of the You Yangs Regional Park .

Near the top you’ll be able to look down at the Bunjil Geoglyph from a lookout. Geoglyphs are rock sculptures designed to be viewed from above (like the Nazca Lines), this one depicts Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Wathaurong people, who takes the form of a Wedge-tailed Eagle. 

If that’s not enough to get you in the car there are also BBQs and the whole park is dog-friendly if you keep pup on their lead. You beudy!

@jessleenehme

4. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

Location: Upper Ferntree Gully, Dandenong Ranges Distance: 3km return Time from Melbourne: 40 minutes Level of difficulty:  Moderate

I know, I know, the 1000 steps is a pretty well-known hike in Melbourne, but with oodles of ferns, heaps of #vert and a tiny commute it’s a shoe-in. It’s about 1.5km to the top of the steps, which have been adopted as a memorial to the 625 soldiers who perished on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in World War Two.

Now all of those stairs are being used to give keen city-slickers a mean nature workout, so pack your activewear and get those glutes firing.

5. Sherbrooke Falls Trail

Location: Dandenong Ranges Distance: 2.4km Time from Melbourne: 50 minutes Level of difficulty:  Moderate

Starting from the Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground, the Sherbrooke Falls Trail is a peaceful alternative to the Insta-famous 1000 steps. Walk beneath towering ferns and the stunning Mountain Ash trees on your way to the tranquil goodness of Sherbrooke Falls.

6. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk

Location: Werribee Gorge State Park Distance: 10km Time from Melbourne: 1 hour Level of difficulty:  Moderate

Resisting the obvious pun here, the Werribee Gorge Circuit hike is impressive . From Meikles Point picnic area you’ll follow the river and scramble over rocks, there’s even a 50m cable-assisted section for when the rock gets too steep. Then it’s time to climb up to the rim.

The Eastern View lookout will give you a stellar photo of the whole park before you’re off again towards the quarry. Don’t forget your bathers for a post-hike swim! 

7. Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit via Sugarloaf Peak

Location: Nanadhong (Cathedral Ranges) Distance: 10.6km Time from Melbourne: 2 hours Level of difficulty:  Difficult

Jacqui reckons that Barralbarayi ( Sugarloaf Peak) might be one of the toughest hikes near Melbourne, lucky it’s one of the best then! The hike features a cave squeeze, adrenaline-inducing rock scrambles and epic views along Victoria’s distinctive razorback ridgelines. Navigation is tricky and it’s a big day so pack your grippiest shoes, check the weather and stash heaps of food and water. Not a hat person? You are now – grab your dorkiest one, who’s gonna see ya out there?

Photo by  Jacqui Wakefield

8. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk

Location: Lerderderg State Park Distance: 13.5km Time from Melbourne: 1 hour Level of difficulty:  Moderate to Difficult

Another epic gorge within an hour of the CBD! Sorry, but the Lerderderg Gorge Circuit walk is gorgeous, it’s lusher than the exposed Werribee Gorge and packed with peaceful pools to ponder. Don’t be fooled though, like Werribee this area has been mined, so do your best to stay on track to avoid falling down a mineshaft!

9. Organ Pipes Trail

Location: Organ Pipes National Park Distance: 3km Time from Melbourne: 30 minutes Level of difficulty:  Easy

This is so epic. In the time it takes to mainline an episode of Friends you could be parking the car ON TOP OF an old volcano before traipsing through a valley featuring (take it away Parks Victoria) ‘one of the world’s largest ancient volcanic lava flows, stretching 350km from the edge of Melbourne to the western border of Victoria.’

The striking basalt columns of the Organ Pipes are the main attraction, but the Tessellated Pavement and Rosette Rock (with spokes like a wheel) give this walk major bang for your buck. Located on Traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People.

10. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Location: Macedon Ranges Distance: 3.8km loop Time from Melbourne: 1 hour Level of difficulty:  Moderate

Once you read the definition of a mamelon (stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place) you won’t be particularly surprised that it’s the French word for nipple. Hanging Rock , along with its friend Camels Hump, are two beaut viewpoints just north of Melbourne that climb these cheeky formations.

Learn about their weird geology on the Hanging Rock Summit Walk before hooking in for a picnic at the opulent picnic area.

View from Camels Hump | @mattiejgould

11. Merri Creek Trail

Location: Melbourne North Distance: 19km one way Time from Melbourne: It’s in Melbourne! Level of difficulty: Easy

This cute trail follows Merri Creek through Melbourne’s suburbs. As you wind along the trail you’ll pass bubbling waterfalls, native wetlands (much of it thanks to replanting efforts) and even cross a pretty neat cable suspension bridge.

This pamphlet has everything you need to know about the walk, including public transport info, BBQ spots and the location of CERES, a community environmental hub (with a dope café, of course).

12. The Yarra Trail

Location: North East Melbourne Distance: 38km one way Time from Melbourne: It’s in Melbourne! Level of difficulty:  Easy

There are a LOT of ways to slice the Yarra Trail , a route so iconic that there’s a shmancy brand named after it. The path roughly follows a dreaming route for the Wurundjeri people based around Bunwurrung , or the Yarra Yarra River. As it winds further from the CBD through the Melbourne suburbs, concrete gives way to dirt and premium views of the city give way to cheeky billabongs and lazy gums.

Heads up, this is a shared trail with cyclists so keep your wits about you as you mosey down the path.

13. Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk

Location: Toorongo Falls Reserve Distance: 2.2km return Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 50 minutes Level of difficulty: Easy

This tranquil little stroll in Gippsland squeezes a lot into its short distance. As you walk beneath ferns and over moss-covered boulders you’ll come to viewing spots for Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls . There’s a campsite nearby and even places to swim in the warmer months. Day trip or weekend away? That’s up to you.

Photo by Lorenzo Santucci

14. Ironbark Basin – Bells Beach to Point Addis

Location: Point Addis Distance: 10.5km loop Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 30 minutes Level of difficulty:  Moderate

The Ironbark Basin Walk is a beautiful section of the Surf Coast Walk that runs for 44km from Torquay to Aireys Inlet. You’ll hike along cliff tops and through coastal scrub, taking in views of the famous surf beach where the Rip Curl Surf Pro is held, before making your way to Point Addis and down onto the beach to complete the loop. Make sure you go at low tide if you’re doing the beach loop!

15. Cape Woolamai Circuit

Location: Millowl (Phillip Island) Distance: 8.5km loop Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 45 minutes Level of difficulty: Moderate

Combine all of the hikes on Millowl (Phillip Island) with the full Cape Woolamai Circuit . Cape Woolamai is the highest point on the island and offers stellar views back across the isolated headland. While you’re walking alongside the steep cliffs, look out for nesting short-tailed shearwaters – the birds make their burrows on the island and migrate to Alaska in April. This walk is located on the Traditional Land of the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people.

16. George Bass Coastal Walk

Location: Bass Coast Distance: 7km one way Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 40 minutes Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This clifftop trail meanders for two hours along the coastline while looking out over the Bass Strait. The Boonwurrung people lived in this area for thousands of years and middens in the coastal dunes offer a small reminder of the region’s history. The George Bass Coastal Walk is named after Bass, who sailed from Sydney Cove in an 8.7 metre whaling boat to dismiss the idea that Tasmania was connected to the mainland.

Melbourne Day Hikes FAQs

How long is the organ pipes walk.

The Organ Pipes walk is 3km long and should take around 30 minutes to complete.

What is the most difficult hike Melbourne?

As Victoria’s highest peak it’s no surprise that Mt Bogong is often referred to as the toughest and most difficult hike from Melbourne. The staircase spur alone takes up to nine hours to scale!

Are there hikes in Melbourne?

There are plenty of great walks and hikes within Melbourne. We’ve compiled a neat guide to places you can walk combined with a bunch of great Melbourne adventures which you may find useful. Also, don’t forget that you can walk on Melbourne bike paths !

What is the longest walking trail in Melbourne?

The longest walking trail in Melbourne is Federation Track West . Load up those podcasts, grab your walking shoes, and get going!

Feature image thanks to @ben.savage

Want more outdoor adventures near Melbourne?

• Best Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne, Victoria
• Best Camping Spots Near Melbourne
• Free Camping Sites Near Melbourne
• 9 Day Trips From Melbourne

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our  Editorial Standards .

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13 incredible hikes in Melbourne

Chris Singh

Travel Journalist

23 February 2024

Feel like hiking around Melbourne? While clinging close to the CBD might offer you plenty of classic Melbourne walks, you’ll need to venture outside of the city to find those hard-won hiking trails.

There are numerous picturesque hikes near Melbourne , from the Yarra Bend Loop to Neds Gully Track, all varying in difficulty, terrain and distance. So next time you’re feeling like you need to bathe yourself in nature, leave Melbourne’s storied restaurants , cafes, bars  and museums  behind and head on out to these 13 glorious hiking trails.

Easy hikes in Melbourne

  If you’re after some easy hikes in Melbourne then take note of the below options, all featuring relatively smooth trails that are wheelchair accessible, have very few obstacles or elevation gains, and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

1. Yarra Bend Loop, Fairfield

Time from Melbourne CBD:  15 minutes  

Starting from the Studley Park Boathouse, the Yarra Bend Loop is an easy 9.5 kilometres and should take you around two hours to complete. This trail is a popular hike for families and couples with the added benefit of being within 15 minutes of the CBD.

The loop spans Yarra Bend Park , Studley Park and Dights Falls with plenty of natural landscapes to admire along the way. The parks also have numerous other signposted trails that are much shorter, but given it is an easy drive from the city, most visitors don’t mind hiking the longer loop and making a day of it.

The historic Studley Park boathouse is set on the Yarra River. (Image: Parks Victoria)

Distance : 9.5 kilometres Getting there : Take the 15-minute drive to Studley Park Boathouse Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking and toilets are available at the boathouse

2. Steavenson Falls, Marysville

Time From Melbourne CBD:  1.5 hours

One of the best Melbourne hikes for beginners is this inspiring jaunt up to one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. The roaring magic of the impressive 84-metre waterfall is a pot of gold at the end of a very short, easy hike that’s framed by majestic eucalyptus trees.

Steavenson Falls holds the title of Victoria’s highest waterfall. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You’ll find this path just outside of the town of Marysville, which is northeast of Melbourne. The path is very well-maintained, winding up the side of the hill to a top viewing platform for stunning views of the cascading falls.

Distance : 700 metres Getting there : Take the 1.5-hour drive to Steavenson Falls car park Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available near the car park

3. Organ Pipes National Park, Calder Park

Time from Melbourne CBD:  30 minutes

Organ Pipes National Park  is another super easy hike near Melbourne CBD, home to unique rock formations including the namesake Organ Pipes; it’s endlessly photogenic.

Organ Pipes National Park gets its namesake from this unique rock formation. (Image: Parks Victoria)

It should only take you just over an hour to complete the three-kilometre loop, taking you through a river valley that screams serenity and sucks you out of Melbourne’s endless hustle.

Tessellated Pavement, a mosaic-like basalt outcrop, is one of the star attractions. (Image: Parks Victoria)

This one is a great way to reset the mind and refocus your energy, given it cradles you in nature and has too many visual distractions for you to even think about the city. Given its proximity to the CBD, this is a popular choice for a family outing should the whole crew want to take advantage of nature close to Melbourne.

Distance : Three kilometres Getting there : Take the 30-minute drive out to Organ Pipes car park Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking and toilets are available near the car park

4. 1000 Steps Walk, Ferntree Gully

Time from Melbourne CBD:  40 minutes

Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk, 1000 Steps , takes place in the cinematic Dandenong Ranges National Park. The park, which has numerous other trails including the magical Sherbrooke Falls, is known as one of Australia’s most beautiful sights so this is very much considered a rite of passage for locals.

Venture out on the 1000 Steps Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

It’s part of the larger Kokoda Track Memorial Walk so you can easily continue down that path if you so wish. However, 1000 Steps is the most accessible and the best part of the trail, offering an easy, life-affirming walk that’s only slightly moderate so would be suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is dedicated to Australian troops who fought during WWII in Papua New Guinea. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The trail is a popular spot for bird watching, with both bushlands and wetlands bringing in an abundance of rare species. Make sure you learn about the walk’s close association with the Australian Military Force with a series of signs retelling an important part of local history.

The scenic bushwalk is steeped in history. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Distance : Three-kilometre return Getting there : Take the 40-minute drive to Ferntree Gully Picnic Area Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking, picnic areas, toilets and a cafe are all available near the starting point

5. Red Hill Rail Trail, Red Hill

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Whether you start at Merricks Station Reserve or Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the Red Hill Rail Trail is easily one of the best hikes just outside of Melbourne and should only take you around two hours to complete.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the path follows a former railway line taking you through an incredible part of the Mornington Peninsula  hinterland. You’ll stroll through various orchards, a few vineyards and plenty of farmland, featuring many points of interest without stalling you with any steep climbs. It’s perfect for a family outing or a meditative day outside of Melbourne.

Distance : 9.5 kilometres Getting there : Take the 1 hour and 15 minutes drive to Merricks Station Reserve Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking and toilets are available at the reserve

Moderate hikes in Melbourne

If you’re after some more challenging hikes in Melbourne then take note of the below options, some of which feature steep climbs and treacherous areas that need to be navigated with caution. Some parts of these trails may be wheelchair accessible, but most will have limited accessibility considering there may be obstacles and elevation gains. They are suitable for people of all ages if they have intermediate fitness levels.

6. Hanging Rock Summit Walk, Newham

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour

Numerous trails lead from the Hanging Rock Reserve car park, and they are all various distances. Most are quite easy and appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, with trails defined by the six-million-year-old formations of the Macedon Ranges.

The ease and maintenance of the trails means you’ll find many families taking the stroll as well, making this one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne. Not only does the Hanging Rock Summit Walk offer a unique hiking experience, but it’s also one of the most relaxing: a perfect set-up to practice mindfulness while hiking.

Aim for the top of Hanging Rock’s summit, which is slightly steeper and requires a higher level of fitness. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful vistas in the state.

Distance : Varies Getting there : Take the one-hour drive to Hanging Rock Reserve Park Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking and toilets are available at the reserve

7. Sherbrooke Falls Trail, Ferntree Gully

Time from Melbourne CBD: 40 minutes

If 1000 Steps is too busy, a great alternative would be to venture a bit deeper into the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track and conquer the slightly more challenging Sherbrooke Falls Trail.

From O’Donohue Picnic Ground, you will take a short hike beneath the towering canopy for about 2.4 kilometres as you venture deeper into the picturesque area. Given that 1000 Steps is much better recognised (it’s Insta-famous after all), you’re more likely to find a bit of that peace and tranquillity on this track.

Distance : Three-kilometre return Getting there : Take the 40-minute drive to Ferntree Gully Picnic Area Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking, picnic areas, toilets and a cafe

8. Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail, Mornington Peninsula

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1.5 hours

As one of the best hiking trails on the Mornington Peninsula, this epic 10-kilometre journey takes you through inspiring, postcard-perfect views of Bushrangers Bay while following the well-marked Cape Schanck Trail.

The walk traces the picturesque coastline of the Mornington Peninsula.  (Image: Visit Victoria)

The coastal walk tracks plenty of bushland while leading to the rugged cliffs of the picturesque southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. During the trek, you’ll likely spot many kangaroos going about their business. Stop at some of the hidden gem beaches  of Bushrangers Bay on your way up to the lighthouse which marks your turnaround point. The walk is part of the much larger Mornington Peninsula National Park.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse offers jaw-dropping views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Distance : 10-kilometre return Getting there : Take the 1.5-hour drive down to Cape Schanack and you’ll spot the starting point by the Boneo Road car park Accessibility : Much of the hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

9. Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula

Time from Melbourne CBD:  1.5 hours

The Flinders Blowhole is one of the most stunning hikes outside of Melbourne, and it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’ll only take around an hour to make the loop, passing by incredible rock formations and dramatic cliffs before reaching the namesake Flinders Blowhole. Watching the waves crash through a narrow opening is impressive at any time of day, backed by stunning views of the ocean.

This easy-to-moderate hike is found just outside of the town of Flinders, which holds plenty of cafes, shops and galleries that you can explore before or after your coastal adventure.

Distance : 2.5 kilometres Getting there : Take the 1.5-hour drive down to Blowhole car park Accessibility : The hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Parking and toilets are available at the starting point

10. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Bacchus Marsh

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, like the more challenging Lerderderg Gorge Circuit, starts from either the Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car parks near Bacchus Marsh. The hike should take you around 4.5 hours to complete and is most popular for its mid-hike swimming hole, so make sure to bring your swimmers.

You’ll mostly be passing through incredible rocky woodlands as you trek to the gorge rim, offering endless photo opportunities or just bringing you out of your head and into nature with unforgettable scenery.

Distance : 10-kilometre return Getting there : Take the one-hour drive down to either the Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car parks Accessibility : Only part of the trail is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are available at either starting point

11. Flinders Peak Walk, You Yangs National Park

Located in You Yangs Regional Park, the Flinders Peak Walk  is a moderately difficult hike just over an hour outside of Melbourne CBD. It’s easily one of the most popular for intermediate and expert hikers, offering a broad view of Melbourne’s skyline as well as Geelong  and Port Phillip Bay.

You’ll pass some massive boulders along the way to the peak and should have plenty of company with kangaroos and koalas in the park.

Conquer the moderately difficult Flinders Peak Walk. (Image: Parks Victoria)

The well-signposted trail is surrounded by some of the most beautiful parts of the regional park so this is a popular day trip for nature lovers and picnickers.

Rewarding views await at the summit. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Distance : 3.2-kilometre return Getting there : Take the 1 hour and 15 minutes drive down to Turntable car park Accessibility : Much of the hike is wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

Hard hikes in Melbourne

Some of the most challenging hikes in Victoria can be found under two hours outside of Melbourne. Below, we’ve listed two of those arduous paths, which may feature treacherous areas and steep climbs. They are only appropriate for experienced bushwalkers and hikers and may not be suitable for people without a sufficient level of fitness.  

12. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit, Bacchus Marsh

Be warned, this is one of the hardest hiking trails in the state and an incredibly popular path for more experienced hikers. This 13-kilometre loop trail is found near Bacchus Marsh with an elevation gain of around 386 metres, following the Lerderderg River downstream with inspiring views.

The popular trail can be very steep in some areas and isn’t quite as well signposted as some of the other popular hikes in Victoria. Dogs aren’t allowed as such, but you’ll spot plenty of other people enjoying the impressive scenery year-round.

Note that some sections of this challenging hike may be mildly washed out if water levels are high so you could encounter some river crossings along the way.

Distance : 13-kilometre return Getting there : Take the one-hour drive to either Myers or Quarry Picnic Area car park Accessibility : This trail is not wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at either starting point

13. Neds Gully Track, Cathedral Ranges

Time from Melbourne CBD: 1 hour and 40 minutes

You’ll want to be equipped with a sufficient level of fitness and some bushwalking experience before tackling Neds Gully Track. This steady uphill hike is located just under two hours outside of Melbourne and is known as the most exciting of the many trails that zip around the Cathedral Ranges.

You’re heading on up to a peak that’s around 840 metres above sea level. It’s very well-marked and straightforward, but once you reach those drier woodlands the track gets much steeper and more arduous. Safety is paramount so make sure you are well prepared for a hike and take your time – the wildlife is very active in this area, so you’ll spot many kangaroos and koalas. Your reward: some of the best views in Victoria.

Take Neds Gully Track in the Cathedral Ranges. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Distance : 4.5-kilometre return Getting Here : Drive one hour and 40 minutes to Neds Gully Camping Area Accessibility : This trail would not be wheelchair accessible Facilities : Picnic areas, toilets and parking are all available at the starting point

How to prepare for a hike in Melbourne

If you’re wondering how to pack for a hike in Melbourne, then you’ll first need to consider what kind of distance you’re looking at. Packing for a two-kilometre hike and a 10-kilometre hike are slightly different.

First and foremost, you’re going to need comfortable shoes or hiking boots with strong grip. Some of these hikes can be slippery, especially the harder ones. Not having the right footwear is a recipe for disaster.

Check the difficulty grade of a hike before setting out. (Image: Visit Victoria)

For all of the hikes listed above, it’s a good idea to bring sun protection as well as plenty of water. If you’re tackling those harder hikes like Neds Gully Trail, then it’s advisable to bring trekking poles. And while most of them are well-maintained with significant signage, it’s always a good idea to bring a map and a compass for navigation on longer trails. Always pack a first aid kit just in case.

Pack supplies suited to the length of your hike. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You’ll also want to consider the weather. The best time for hiking in Melbourne is generally during the cooler months like March, April and May (autumn) or September, October and November (spring). This means the trails will be less crowded and it won’t be as hot.

Wildflowers bloom in You Yangs Regional Park in spring and early summer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Finally, should you bring your dog? There are many dog-friendly hikes in Melbourne but do pay attention to any specific park and trail regulations. Regional parks are usually okay with dogs as long as they are on a leash, but National parks in Victoria generally do not permit dogs.

Dogs are welcome at Lerderderg State Park. (Image: Parks Victoria)

Chris Singh is an experienced travel and arts writer who has been exploring the world since the age of nine. While his soul lies in Tokyo, his mind is always travelling, from the fractured beauty of New York City to the life-affirming majesty of The Dolomites. He loves writing about hotels with a strong sense of place but lately has been most interested in the ever-evolving wellness sector.

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wow I’m going to see the penguin parade next month. I really enjoy bush walking. thank you wilma

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The 20 Best Day Hikes From Melbourne

April 10, 2021 14 min read

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The 20 Best Day Hikes From Melbourne, Victoria

Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social

If you’re eager for a low-prep outdoor adventure, then visiting one of Melbourne and greater Victoria’s hiking and walking trails is definitely one of the best ways to do it.

While summer is primetime for hiking, there’s also no better way to warm up and get your heart pumping during the colder months. With an abundance of picturesque trails, unique wildlife, and local wonders, we’ve rounded up a list of the best hikes in Victoria – sorting them by the closest to furthest from the CBD allowing you to jump ahead to a particular hike. PS: our favourite is the Lake Elizabeth Walk, just wait to read why.

PPS: Remember, before jumping in the car, make sure to wear a pair of sturdy shoes and pack plenty of water and snacks.

Less than one hour from Melbourne CBD

1. Organ Pipes Trail / Circuit – Keilor North

2. Bourke's Lookout via Fire Trail Hike - Mount Dandenong

3. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk – Werribee

4. Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk – Kallista

5. Flinders Peak Walk – You Yangs (Dog Friendly)

6. Hanging Rock Summit Walk - Macedon Ranges

7. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk - Lerderderg

8. Sherbrooke Falls via Ridge, Moore & Lloyd’s Track - Mount Dandenong

Less than two hours from Melbourne CBD

9. Bushrangers Bay Trail - Cape Schanck

10. Echo Flat Walk - Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Bushwalks

11. Fingal Beach Walk - Cape Schanck

12. Point Nepean Walk - Portsea

13. Keppel Lookout Steavenson Falls (Victoria's highest waterfall) – Marysville

14. Lake Elizabeth Walk - Great Otway National Park (Dog Friendly)

15. Ned’s Gully Track –High Country Victoria

16. Beauchamp Falls Walk – Beech Forest

17. The Big Drift - Wilsons Promontory

More than three hours from Melbourne CBD (but still worth it!)

18. The Pinnacle Walk & Lookout – Grampians National Park

19. Cape Otway to Rainbow Falls Walk –Cape Otway

20. Mt Oberon Summit Walk - Wilsons Promontory

Melbourne day hikes less than one hour away

Organ pipes trail – organ pipes national park, keilor north.

You wouldn’t expect to find a national park just off the Calder Freeway 20kms from Melbourne, but this 121-hectare park has a natural attraction that is definitely worth visiting – the 2.5 million-year-old basalt columns that resemble organ pipes, hence the name!

Starting at the visitor centre (that includes toilets and shady spots for picnics), the short but steep trail passes several features of the park including Jacksons Creek, Keilor Plains, Rosette Rock and Tessellated Pavement as well as the main attraction the Organ Pipes. This hike is suitable for families and children, with a wonderful array of features on offer.

Duration (circuit): 30m (1.5km) Level of difficulty: Easy to medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 30m

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Bourke's Lookout via Glasgow Track aka Fire Trail Hike - Dandenong Ranges National Park, Mount Dandenong

If you’re looking for a difficult, blood-pumping hike and, like us, want to skip the busy 1000 steps, then this 2.3km moderate-difficult out and back trail is it! Also known as the Fire Trail Hike, it’s one of the toughest hikes in the Dandenong’s and famous for bushwalkers training for the famous Kokoda track. Picture this – the first 45min a steep, straight up incline plus rock scrambling - yet the reward of spectacular views at Burkes Lookout at the top. A big tip for first-timers tackling this trail is to make it a circuit hike (4km), and on the way down taking the Zig Zag track to alleviate your knees and ankles – and yes there’s also wildlife and beautiful scenery, but we can’t stress enough how much this strenuous trail doubles as a punishing cardio workout. With limited parking on Osprey Road (off Ridge Road) you can also opt to start this trail from Doongala Homestead that includes picnic tables and toilets, making it an ideal starting point.

Duration (return): 2-3h (2.3km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk – Werribee Gorge State Park, Werribee

This moderate 10km walk starts at Meikles Point Picnic area and follows the Werribee River to the north west providing hikers with gorgeous views, rock scrambling and a waterhole to cool off in. With a mix of terrain and some steep sections near the start and end of the walk, the hike takes roughly 3.5 hours to complete, with the highlight being the panoramic views over the gorge (head to the Eastern Lookout at the gorge rim). For those looking for shorter walks, there are 3, 4 and 5km trails, but if taking the circuit make sure you come prepared and allow plenty of time and daylight.

Duration (return): 3.5-5h (10km) Level of difficulty: Moderate Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

Image: Instagram/click.saidrose

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Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk – Dandenong Ranges National Park, Kallista

Skip the overrated 1000 steps and take on the 7km Eastern Sherbrooke Forest circuit. Starting at Grants Picnic Ground (follow the Lyrebird Walk, onto Neumann Rd, over Hardy Creek then onto Welch Track), the moderate trail provides plenty of greenery minus the crowds. Surrounded by lush vegetation the walk takes you through stringybark and mountain ash woods with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Whilst not covered here, if you’re looking for other dog-friendly hikes in this region, then grab your pupper and visit either the Mathias (3.5km one way) or Dandenong Ranges Tourist Tracks (17km one-way) which are both scenic and sure to be loved by you and your dog.

Duration (return): 2.5h (7km circuit) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

Flinders Peak Walk – You Yangs Regional Park, Little River (Dog Friendly)

A hike for dog owners – that’s right - the You Yangs National Park is a dog-friendly park located in Little River, between Melbourne and Geelong, only an hour away from Melbourne’s CBD – and a favourite of Auski’s intern Wasabi the labrador. The most popular walk is the 3.2km Flinders Peak Walk, beginning at Turntable carpark, taking you up to the highest point of the You Yangs providing you with uninterrupted 360-degree views. This blood-pumping walk does come with a warning – there are 450 steps standing in your way to the summit which doesn’t sound too difficult, but it will definitely have you puffing and stopping for a break (a couple of times!). The moderate trail is busy on weekends (with quite a few dogs) and warm days, but is accessible all year round, with the carpark equipped with facilities making it perfect for a lunchbreak afterwards.

Duration (return): 1h (3.2km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

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Hanging Rock Trail / Summit Walk - Macedon Regional Park, Macedon Ranges

Rumoured to have been the hangout of bushranger 'Mad Dog' Morgan and made famous by the classic Australian novel and movie Picnic at Hanging Rock , the 1.9km out and back trail ascends Hanging Rock summit providing a bird's-eye view over the surrounding Macedon and Cobaw ranges. The region is filled with natural beauty; abundant wildflowers and wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and a vast array of birdlife. Starting at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre, the short walk will get the blood pumping with some steep sections which can be slippery on wet days. The main attractions of the hike are the 6-million-year-old rocks and granite boulders and the infamous mound of massive granite tors (the free-standing rock outcrop that rises abruptly from the summit). If you’re after a more challenging full-day hike in the region there is an 18.8km Macedon Ranges Walking Trail which will keep you going for 5 hours.

Duration (circuit): 45mins – 1hr mins (1.9km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk - Lerderderg State Park, Lerderderg

Within easy reach from Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat, Lerderderg State Park offers hiking in ‘real bushland’. Beginning at Mackenzies Flat picnic area, the circuit walk follows the Lerderderg river and features forest, grasslands, old mining camps and the steep-sided 300-metre deep Lerderderg Gorge. Wildlife in the state park is abundant, with the opportunity to spot echidnas, wombats, koalas, wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles and cockatoos. Along the trail there is plenty of rock-hopping and some river crossings (if the river is flowing), and after four to five hours walking your feet will be feeling it, so kick your shoes off and cool down in the river which is the perfect way to end your day.

Duration (circuit): 4-5h (13.5km circuit) Level of difficulty: Moderate Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

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Sherbrooke Falls via Ridge, Moore & Lloyd’s Track - Dandenong Ranges National Park, Mount Dandenong

Whilst you can opt for the easy one hour walk to Sherbrooke Falls, the longer 6.1km circuit is a lot better; still a family-friendly trail through lush forests. The circuit does come with a few points to note; some parts of the trail go alongside the road, there is a steep incline at Moore’s Break which can be quite challenging, but the rest of the shady trail is quite easy. Be prepared dependent on weather (muddy following rain, chilly in winter) and it’s best to tackle this trail earlier on to avoid the crowds on weekends particularly around the falls. Plan for a picturesque picnic (best to pack and leave it in your car) to finish your walk as you won’t want to leave.

Duration (return): 2-2.5h (6.1km circuit) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h

Melbourne day hikes less than two hours away

Bushrangers bay trail / walking track - mornington peninsula national park, cape schanck.

A coastal clifftop walk that overlooks the beautiful Bass Strait, the Bushrangers Bay Trail departs from Cape Schanck car park and ends at a breathtaking beach. The trail has a few elevations and stairs, so whilst it may be a moderate challenge at times, it is definitely worth the effort. The trail passes through beautiful Banksia groves and sandy outcrops and you may spot native wildlife including kangaroos, whales in winter as well as an abundance of birdlife. Whilst you can opt for concluding the walk with a dip in the cool water, it’s not recommended due to the beach being unpatrolled and often dangerous with strong rips and large waves.

Duration (one way): 35-45mins (2.7km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h 30m

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Echo Flat Walk - Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Bushwalks

Lake Mountain provides some of the best bushwalking locations near Melbourne. With various trails mapped out for you to enjoy, it is an excellent way to explore Victoria’s alpine landscape. The hikes range from an easy 250m to 8km of well-maintained trails, with some destinations providing spectacular views and spots for a relaxing picnic.

Echo Flat Walk is an easy interpretative walk along the ski trails - this walk starts at Lake Mountain Village. Follow Echo Flat trail and you will soon enter the Snow Gum. At the top of the hill, you’ll arrive at the Snow Gauge. From here you can look out across the headwaters of the Taggerty River and the Echo Flat heath land and moss beds. Once you arrive at the Camp, return on Snow Gum and Home Trails.

Echo Flat Walk

Duration (circuit): 1hr (4km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from CBD: 2hrs

Fingal Beach Walk - Mornington Peninsula National Park, Cape Schanck

Another stunning clifftop walk with a secluded beach, Fingal Beach Walk starts at the Fingal Picnic Area approx. 2km north of Cape Schanck. The picnic area has toilet and BBQ facilities making it a great way to end your hike. Highlights of the trail include winding through scrubland, viewing incredible basalt cliffs, exploring the low tide of Fingal Beach, along with plenty of spectacular lookout spots. Heads up, access to the beach is via a steep staircase so be prepared to climb all the way back up for your return.

Duration (return): 1.5-2h(5km) to Fingal Beach Level of difficulty: Easy to medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h 30min

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Point Nepean Walk – Point Nepean National Park, Portsea

The 542 hectares Point Nepean National Park is one of the best places to walk and explore with not only a range of trails of varying distance, but also plenty to see on this epic coastal walk. The full 14.5km return walk is pretty flat and will take between 2-4 hours depending on your speed and the time you spend exploring the old historic Quarantine Station and World War II military defences. The coastal and bush tracks will take you to the tip of famous Point Nepean providing you with panoramic views of Bass Strait, across to Queenscliff and Port Phillip Bay. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).

Duration (return): 3h (14.5km) Level of difficulty: Easy to medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 1h40m

Keppel Lookout Walk & Steavenson Falls (Victoria's highest waterfall) – High Country Victoria, Marysville

One of the most favourite walks of the Auski team, the challenging hike to Steavenson Falls to see Victoria’s highest waterfall (an 84m drop) is definitely worth tackling. If you’re not up for a hike, you can still visit and view the falls which are only 350m from the carpark. Starting the trek at Steavenson Falls carpark on Falls Rd, you’ll get to view the impressive waterfall before climbing up through mountain ash and stringybark forest to view the four best lookouts across the Cathedral Range State Park, the falls as well as Marysville. This hike is steep in places and fairly uneven and can be weather dependent (slippery and muddy following rain), and it’s best to stock up on water and snacks before heading out on this trail.

Duration (return): 3-4 h(11km loop) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard; very steep, formed track Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 2h

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Lake Elizabeth Walk – Great Otway National Park, Forrest (Dog Friendly)

Found deep in the Otways, Lake Elizabeth is one of the stand-out favourites on this list, especially from our intern Wasabi the labrador. Another dog-friendly (on-lead) hike, the trail ends at one of Victoria-s hidden gems where you can spot wild platypus playing and zooming across the mirror-like surface of the water in a picturesque setting that is out of this world. With options of the lake-only trail or 4km circuit of the lake, the trail is sheltered by eucalypt trees and lush ferns, with the valley echoing from the sounds of Superb Fairy-wrens, Bowerbirds and Eastern Yellow Robins. This is also a popular spot for mountain biking but beware heading down to the camping grounds/carpark - the gravel drive down into the valley to the parking area is quite steep, slippery and always wet (due to the lush environment) so be prepared to get stressed driving in and out (you’ll constantly feel like you’re going to slide off the road and plummet to the valley below). If you can brave the drive in, there is no comparison to the lakes beauty with its calm waters punctuated by trunks of dead trees, and the opportunity to spot the shy and elusive platypus. While the best viewing times are dusk and dawn, the road in and out is nerve-wracking in the middle of the day, so it’s best to aim for late afternoon.

Duration (return): 1h (1.5km) lake only, 2h (4km) circuit Level of difficulty: Easy - Moderate Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 2h 30m

Ned’s Gully Track – Cathedral Range State Park, Taggerty, High Country Victoria

Ned’s Gully Track a great first trail to take if you have never visited the Cathedral Range State Park – a 2.2km steady uphill hike starting from Ned’s Gully Camping Area up to Ned’s Gully and Ned’s Saddle before changing course towards Cathedral peak which is the highest point in the region at 840 metres elevation. The track meanders through dry woodlands and forested gullies with an abundance of wildlife and habitats on view. Whilst the track is easy to follow, there is uneven ground and the trail is best suited to frequent hikers and those with bushwalking experience. For adventurous and fit hikers, the track splits at Ned’s Saddle providing a range of more challenging trails. Be prepared with appropriate clothing (the weather can change quickly), sturdy shoes and as always sufficient water.

Duration (one way): 1h (2.2km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 2h

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Beauchamp Falls Walk – Great Otway National Park, Beech Forrest

A list of Victoria’s best hiking tracks wouldn’t be complete without Beauchamp falls; a 3km walk ending with one of the best-hidden waterfalls that cascades for 20 metres. Starting at the picnic area, the sometimes-strenuous walk takes you through mountain ash forests dotted with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns before arriving at the viewing platform (there’s no access to the falls). The track can be slippery in parts, especially when wet or on the steep sections of the walk. If you’re after an easier walk, the nearby Hopetoun Falls is just down the road past Beauchamp falls and offers another beautiful waterfall.

Duration (return): 1h (3km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 2h 30m

The Big Drift - Wilsons Promontory

If you’re up for a different kind of walk that will provide you with photos many will think can’t possibly be in Victoria, then the Big Drift walk is the one for you. The other-worldly landscape is an extensive series of ever-changing inland sand dunes that is off the tourist track. Starting from the Stockyard campsite follow the signposts to the northern flank of Big Drift. The walk meanders through bushland and fields before arriving at a steep sandy hill that is quite tough to conquer (it’s easier to crawl up than walk). Once you get to the top, the endless sand dunes are visible and you’re free to explore the peaceful golden landscape. For those looking for the perfect picture, visiting at sunrise or sunset when the sand dunes are rose gold in colour provides you with the most ethereal and stunning scene. It’s quite easy to get lost in the Big Drift so remember the way you came, and that there’s no access to the beach – you’re here for the sand dunes after all.

Duration: 1h (2km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from CBD: 2h30m

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Melbourne day hikes more than three hours away (but worth it!)

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The Pinnacle Walk & Lookout – Grampians National Park, Halls Gap

The Pinnacle walk and lookout is one of the highlights of the Grampians, and there’s a reason this National Park brings hikers and bushwalkers back frequently when you’re rewarded with stunning views of Halls Gap and the peaks of the Grampians. Starting from Sundial Car Park, the 2.1km walk up includes rock-hopping, water crossings and climbing through geological terrain (will be loved by kids!) and takes a bit over 2 hours for return. Whilst there are several longer and more difficult trails to reach The Pinnacle, this easy trail is good for beginners, first-timers, families or those after a pleasant bushwalk without sweating up a storm.

Duration (return): 2h (4.2km) Level of difficulty: Medium Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 3h

Cape Otway to Rainbow Falls Walk – Great Otway National Park, Cape Otway

A stunning walk that starts at the famous Cape Otway Lighthouse built in 1848 that overlooks Bass Strait, this scenic walk passes along cliff faces, through sand dunes, along Station Beach and to the beautiful Rainbow Falls. The beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming, but worth stopping by on your way back and to refresh those feet. For those up for shorter walks, there is a range of trails in the area, all providing access to the beauty of the Great Otway National Park.

Duration (circuit): 3-3/5hr (11.5km) Level of difficulty: Moderate Drive time from CBD: 3h 10m

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Mt Oberon Summit Walk - Wilsons Promontory National Park, Wilsons Promontory

Experience the picturesque Wilsons Promontory with the Mount Oberon summit walk that will provide you with stunning views of the southernmost point of Australia's mainland and is perfect for any Instagram feed. Starting from Telegraph Saddle carpark, the trail takes you along a shady track to the summit, and although the terrain isn’t as striking as others on this list, the panoramic views over the coast and offshore islands at the summit are worth it. All year round this walk, and especially the summit, can be quite windy and cool so pack appropriately.

Duration (return): 2h (6.8km) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard Drive time from Melbourne CBD: 3h 10m

What are you waiting for? Grab a mate or your dog or your headphones and head out solo, and get out and tackle one of these amazing hikes! If you’re getting out there make sure to share your pics with us on Facebook or Instagram (@auskiaustralia)!

Know another great hike we've missed? Get in touch and let us know!

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Things to do in Melbourne with kids

25 Best Day Hikes from Melbourne for families

Pack the car and head out of town with the kids for some nature play at one of these great day hikes near Melbourne. They are all fewer than 2 hours away so you can still be back for dinner!

Remember: always be prepared when hiking! Bring plenty of water and snacks for everybody and wear sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sturdy shoes – hiking boots or runners are best.  

I’ve listed day hikes Melbourne has on offer that are easy for little legs as well as some more challenging trails that are only suitable for older children who are experienced hikers. And always check that a particular hike is open before you set out! So if you find yourself googling “walking trails near me,” look no further.

If you’d rather hiking trails near Melbourne, here are some of the best short walks in Melbourne for families and the best Melbourne bushwalks for families .

Best Day Hiking Melbourne

 1. bayside coastal trail , brighton – beaumaris.

If you want hikes in Melbourne with views of Port Phillip Bay and lots to learn, the Bayside Coastal Trail is an excellent experience! This is a long trail, stretching along beautiful coastline for 17km from Brighton to Beaumaris, but I recommend you choose to break it into smaller portions if you’re hiking with children.

The 17km stretch encompasses 4 trails; the Art Trail, Indigenous Trail, Environment Trail and History Trail. You can follow all or just one of the trails, all of which have detailed signage explaining each point.

Start at Head St, near the Elwood Life Saving Club, and finish at Charman Road.

Bayside Coastal Trail , Head St, Brighton

Trail length: 17km

Difficulty: Easy

2. Banksia Park to Heide Sculpture park, Bulleen

There are a few Melbourne hikes that incorporate a good dose of visual art, and this is one!

Head from Banksia Park in Bulleen through bushland and along the Yarra River to the stunning gardens and sculpture park at Heide Museum of Modern Art.

Banksia Park to Heide Sculpture Park , Banksia Park, Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

Trail length: 5km one way

3. Bay Trail, Elwood to Sandringham

The Bay trail offers scenic hiking around Melbourne; Head from Elwood to Sandringham along the beach and take in the views as well as some of the Bayside Coastal trail. You’ll also pass the Brighton Beach Boxes.

Bay Trail, Elwood Beach, Moran Reserve, Elwood

Trail length: 16km

4. Main Yarra Trail , Templestowe – Southbank

This walk takes you along the Yarra River through Melbourne’s north eastern suburbs to Southbank.  It’s generally a flat path in good condition, and you can expect to be passed by cyclists.

You’ll be treated to a changing view as you pass lush parklands then draw closer to walk around Melbourne CBD to Southbank.  Look out for wildlife, you may even spot a platypus.

Main Yarra Trail , Westerfolds Park Cct, Templestowe

Trail Length: 33km

5. Bushrangers Bay Trail , Mornington Peninsula National Park

This walking track near Melbourne offers incredible views, and spans from the Cape Shanck car park and ends at Bushrangers Bay (named after two escaped convicts). It travels through sandy outcrops, past farmland and banksia forest.  You’ll hear abundant birdlife, kangaroos and perhaps even spot a whale.

When you arrive at Bushrangers bay, you’ll see a spire named Elephant Rock, and soft white sand on the wild windswept beach.

Take a quick detour at the start of the walk to see the Cape Schanck lighthouse, on the southernmost tip of the peninsula, built in 1859.

N.B. The beach at Bushrangers Bay isn’t patrolled and not recommended for swimming.

Bushrangers Bay Trail , 1359 Boneo Rd, Cape Schanck

Trail length: 6km one way

Difficulty:  Easy – Medium

6. Flinders Peak Walk , You Yangs Regional Park

The You Yangs is perfect for hiking near Melbourne’s western suburbs and makes for a fabulous day out for the whole family – you can even bring your dog!

The Flinders Peak Walk starts off at the Turntable Drive car park, and takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs, with an elevation rise of around 200 metres and 450 steps to climb. You’ll likely spot plenty of kangaroos in the You Yangs, and mountain bikers too.

There are lots of clearings with tables and little camp BBQs throughout the park. You’ll need to take all your own gear (including wood, kindling, marshmallow toasting forks and sticks , and a lighter), but it makes a lovely day out to cook some food, roast marshmallows and settle in for a few hours. Note that you’ll need to check the fire danger rating before planning a BBQ.

Flinders Peak Walk , You Yangs Regional Park, Turntable Dr, Little River

Trail length: 3.2km loop

Difficulty: Medium – Hard

7.   Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk , Dandenong Ranges National Park

If you want walking tracks near Melbourne with ferny greenery but without the hoards of fitness enthusiasts sighted at the 1000 Steps, try the Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk .

It starts at Grants Picnic Ground, and you’ll need to follow the section of track labelled the Lyrebird Walk. Take a right at any turn and you’ll travel in a loop back to Grants Picnic Ground, passing through varying vegetation where you may see lyrebirds, wombats, swamp wallaby, echidna, possums and powerful owls. The trail has some steep sections but is usually on management vehicle tracks.

Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk , Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista

Trail length: 6.6km loop

Difficulty: Easy – Medium

8. Sherbrooke Falls Trail , Dandenong Ranges National Park

This is a relatively good track as far as easy walks near Melbourne go, with a few uneven bits, that will take you through rainforest past very old and very tall Sassafras and Mountain Ash, with tree ferns below. You can hear, and sometimes spot, Superb Lyrebird, and you might also get a glimpse of wombats, swamp wallabies, ring tailed possums and brush tailed possums.

This trail is especially enjoyable after rain, when Sherbrooke Creek is gushing along over rocky outcrops.

The trail starts and finishes at Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O’Donohue Picnic Ground.

Sherbrooke Falls Trail , Dandenong Ranges National Park, Sherbrooke Lodge Rd, Sherbrooke

Trail length: 2.4km return

9. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk , Werribee Gorge State Park

There are several bushwalks near Melbourne at Werribee Gorge (which is actually a good distance away from Werribee in Bacchus Marsh). The 10km Werribee Gorge Circuit walk will take you around the rim of the gorge.

It starts from either the Quarry or Meikles Point Picnic Area, which are accessed from Myers Road. By starting at the quarry and heading anti clockwise, you’ll end the trail at the gentler riverside track.

There are definitely tricky sections along this trail such as steep inclines, rock hopping, uneven ground with steps, and a 50m section of cable handrail to assist you to cross a particularly tricky section of rock, but you’ll be rewarded for it.  The terrain is interesting, the views are fabulous, you can do some wildlife spotting, and weather dependent, there are spots to have a post-walk swim.

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk , Werribee Gorge State Park, Myers Road, Pentland Hills

Trail length: 10km

10. Organ Pipes Circuit , Organ Pipes National Park

Organ Pipes National Park is a beautiful spot to hike in Melbourne, with Jackson Creek running along the base of the ancient volcanic basalt columns, providing opportunities for water play and tranquil picnic spots.

The full Organ PIpes trail will take you past the three areas of geological significance in the park; the basalt columns (that look like organ pipes – hence the park’s name), rosette rock and the tessellated pavement.

It’s a reasonably good quality track throughout the park, but there are definitely some hilly areas to be prepared for!

Organ Pipes Circuit, Organ Pipes National Park , Organ Pipes Rd, Off Calder Fwy, Keilor North

Tail length: 3km

11. 1000 Steps – Kokoda Memorial Walk , Dandenong Ranges National Park

If you want a peaceful walk where you’re unlikely to pass another human being, this is NOT the walk for you. This is one of the most popular hikes Melbourne locals, visitors and fitness enthusiasts enjoy.

The steep 1000 step climb will give you a taste of the trek that the Australian Soldiers did on the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea during WWII, and you’ll pass 14 memorial plaques.

You’ll see tree ferns, manna gum and blackwoods in between the start point at the Ferntree Gully Rangers Office and the finish at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground. Check out this track and see why it’s one of the best hikes Melbourne has to offer.

Kokoda Memorial Walk , Dandenong Ranges National Park, Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Ferny Creek

Distance: 5km

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Hiking Trails In Regional Victoria

12. two bays walking trail , dromana – cape schanck.

This trail winds from Dromana and Cape Schanck, between Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.

As well as beautiful Melbourne hiking views, you might be lucky enough to see wallabies, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, birdlife including kookaburras and snakes.

Look out for the blue wren symbols along the track to make sure you’re on course. Much of the trail is gravel pathways, and there are some steep sections.

Two Bays Walking Trail , 553 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana

Trail length: 26km

13. Neds Gully Track , Cathedral Range State Park

This isn’t a long walk, but it’s not for inexperienced walkers – it’s a steep track that travels from Neds Gully camping area to Neds Saddle, making it one of the trickier day walks near Melbourne.

From Neds Saddle you can choose a different track if desired, and head to Cathedral Peak (the highest elevation in the park), Little Cathedral, Neds Peak and The Farmyard. The Neds Gully Track can be walked as part of the Cathedral Park Northern Circuit.

Neds Gully Track , Cathedral Range State Park, Taggerty

Trail length:  2.2km one way

Difficulty:  Medium – Hard

14. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk , Lerderderg State Park

If you want to feel a long way from anywhere – this is one of the best walks Melbourne and surrounds cn offer!  You’ll feel far more remote than you actually are at the Lerderberg State Park, with wildlife, rugged bushland and Lerderberg River in a deep gorge cut through the parks sandstone and slate.

This walk starts at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area and follows the course of the river for a good portion of it.  You’ll need to do some rock hopping and possibly even river crossing.

Look out in the park and you might spot relics from the gold mining days.

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Walk , Lerderderg State Park, Lerderderg Gorge Rd, Darley

Trail Length: 13.5km

Difficulty: Medium

15. Fingal Beach Walk , Mornington Peninsula National Park

Trail Length:  5km to Fingal Beach or 10km loop to Gunnamatta

If you love views the beach, there are plenty of options for hiking around Melbourne. Set off on the Fingal Beach Walk from the Fingal Picnic Area, through the scrub, and multiple lookout spots to have a snack and appreciate the breathtaking views.

You’ll go down lots and lots of steps onto Fingal Beach, which you’ll often have all to yourself. It’s not a good swimming beach, but there are interesting rockpools to inspect.

You’ll either need to backtrack up the steps and along the same path, or if you’d prefer not to climb the stairs; during low tide, you can continue along the beach to Gunnamatta beach and around a loop path to the start.

Fingal Beach Walk , Fingal Picnic Area access road, Cape Shanck Road, Cape Shanck

16. Hanging Rock Summit Walk , Macedon Ranges

The top of Hanging Rock gives spectacular views across the Macedon Ranges and Cobaw Ranges north of Melbourne. And it makes the walk, which is steep in parts, well worth it.

The ancient rock formations, created by lava 6 million years ago, are worth your attention too; with overhanging boulders, tunnels and cave formations.

And last, but certainly not least, you’ll feel the sense of intrigue and mystery of the area that likely inspired the Australian Classic Picnic at Hanging Rock , making it a truly memorable experience hiking Victoria.

Hanging Rock Summit Walk , South Rock Road, Newham

Trail Length: 1.8km

17. Point Nepean Walk , Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean Walk is one of the hiking tracks near Melbourne where you can have a swim as well!

This trail begins at the Point Nepean entry gate and travels along both bush and coastal tracks.  You’ll go past the old Quarantine Station and WWII Military Buildings. Read the signage at any beaches you come across, some are accessible and may even be suitable for a dip.

There are also shorter walks if you don’t want to travel the 14.5km, or you can turn back at any point. 

Point Nepean Walk , Point Nepean National Park, Defence Rd

Trail Length: 14.5km

18. Deadman’s Loop , Brisbane Ranges National Park

This walk starts at the Stieglitz Courthouse, and you continue along Stawell St. You’ll see interesting rock formations along the way.

This area has one of Victoria’s richest wildflower habitats, and the best time to see the flowers in their full glory is Spring – one of the richest nature walks near Melbourne!

Deadman’s Loop , Stieglitz Historic Park, Brisbane Ranges National Park

Trail Length: 5.4km

19. Keppel Lookout Walk , Marysville

The Keppel Lookout Walk is one of the more challenging bush walks near Melbourne, but the rewards are great! Starting out at the Steavenson Falls car park, you’ll see the falls very close to the start of the walk.  They’re one of Victoria’s tallest waterfalls, at 122m, and have been a popular attraction since the 1860s.

Follow the signs towards Keppel Lookout (which you’ll reach approximately half way through the walk).  You’ll be treated to glorious views of Marysville, Cathedral Range State Park and the falls during this walk, but you will need to be prepared with sturdy shoes, food and water as the track has steep and rough sections. It can also be slippery after rain.

You’ll pass 4 lookouts in total on the loop, perfect for a pit stop.  Don’t forget to look out for lyrebirds as they’re common in this area.

Keppel Lookout Walk , Falls Road, Marysville

Related:  Best Waterfalls for a day trip from Melbourne

Trail length: 11km loop

20. Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail , Macedon Regional Park

Looking for easy trails? This walk starts at the Days Picnic Ground and passes diverse vegetation as it travels around the Sanatorium Lake, constructed to provide water to a nearby tuberculosis sanatorium (later destroyed by fire). This trail links to the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail, a much longer 29km hike.

There is plentiful bird life around and you might spot kangaroos, wallabies and wombats too.

Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail , Days Picnic Ground, Lions Head Rd

Trail length: 2.8km

21. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

This Melbourne hike is for more experienced hikers, and covers various terrains as you travel past lookouts, across rivers and you can even go on a cable if you’d like.

The trail starts at the Mount Macedon Hotel, and you’ll hike to Memorial Cross on Mount Macedon, Camels Hump and Mount Towrong, before looping back to the starting point.

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail , Mount Macedon Hotel, 694 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon

Trail length: 18.8km

22. George Bass Coastal Walk , San Remo – Kilcunda

Start at Punch Bowl car park in San Remo and walk the clifftop path above Bass Strait to the Bass Highway in Kilcunda (opposite the hall at Peppermint Road).

This is one of the most stunning bushwalks near Melbourne, as you follow the route of George Bass’ coastal discovery voyage over 200 years ago, and as well as rugged coastline, you’ll see some secluded beaches.  If you fancy a longer walk, this trail links to the Bass Coast Rail Trail, which goes from the Punch Bowl to Wonthaggi.

George Bass Coastal Walk , Punch Bowl car park, Punch Bowl Rd, San Remo

Trail length: 7km one way

23. La La Falls Walk , Warburton Valley

Another great walking track near Melbourne where you can see a waterfall; this trail travels alongside Four Mile Creek through rainforest and you’ll arrive at La La Falls. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds along the way.

La La Falls Walk , 25 Iruka Rd, Warburton

Related: Best Waterfalls in Victoria for your next Waterfall Hike

Trail length: 3.2km

24. Ironbark Basin Walk, Great Ocean Road

Head from the south western end of Bells Beach to Point Addis on the Ironbark Basin Walk. You’ll get views over the bushed inland basin that runs down to the coast, and possibly some echidna and reptile sightings. There’s also lots of native birdlife in the area.

Especially after rain, you need to take special care around the cliffs and landslips. This is particularly pertinent around Jarosite Headland.

Ironbark Basin Walk, 172-230 Bells Beach Rd, Bells Beach

Trail length: 10.5km

25. Cape Woolamai Walks , Phillip Island

There are three different tracks:

Pinnacles Walk, 4km trail length, follow the green markers

Old Granite Quarry Walk, 6km trail length, follow the blue markers

Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk, 6.6km trail length, follow the black markers

These walks at Phillip Island’s southerly (and highest) point take you along the top of sheer cliffs.

You’ll see plenty of bird life and surfers in action on Woolamai Surf Beach below.

Cape Woolamai Walks , Woolamai Beach Road, Phillip Island

More short walks in Melbourne for kids

Bike trails in melbourne with kids, best waterfall hikes in victoria, where to find the best farm stays in victoria, for more nature play join parks victoria’s junior rangers program.

I hope this post has helped or inspired you! Get my awesome weekly newsletter in your inbox every week to find out more ways for your family to have fun together!

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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21 best day hikes near Melbourne: lace up your boots

Looking for the best day hikes near Melbourne? There are plenty of places to head to, if you want to get out of the city and into nature. Lace up your hiking boots and get exploring.

Melbourne is a great place to live in and visit, but sometimes you just gotta get out of the city… and stretch your legs.

Fortunately the best day hikes near Melbourne are a short drive from the city. Some are even accessible by public transport. Very easy to head to, to get your head in nature.

There are also some great treks within the city , as an added boon.

Victoria is a fairly dog-friendly state, so I’ve included notes on which parks and tracks you can bring your pooch to .

If permitted, remember to keep your best fur-iend on leash and pick up their waste, for the health of the natural environment and critters that call it home.

Keen hiker and a bit of a bookworm? For more, check out these books about walking .

Disclosure: This guide to the best day hikes near Melbourne may contain affiliate links. If you click through for additional information or make a purchase, it may result in a small commission, at no extra cost to you. See my privacy policy if you require more information. Thank you for supporting a small content creator.

This post forms part of my guide to Victoria. Discover the best places to visit in the state and inspiring eco retreats . And here’s a great week long itinerary for Melbourne .

Need a set of wheels to reach your day hike destination?

Best day hikes near Melbourne

I’ve broken up the best day hikes near Melbourne into those west, north, east and south of the city .

And as a bonus, I’ve also included some day hikes in the city itself, which you can hit if you’re unable to travel.

Best day hikes from Melbourne: west of the city

Let’s start with day hikes located west of Melbourne, around the Bellarine Peninsula.

You Yangs Regional Park

Distance from Melbourne: around 1 hour, 10 minutes from the city centre Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The is one of the best day hikes in Melbourne, making it very popular indeed.

The You Yangs as they’re known, are an easy drive along the M1, with a turn off before Geelong.

Once there, you’ll find a range of different hikes to choose from, suitable for many different levels of fitness.

I highly recommend the East and West walk , which will take you around one of the mountains.

Keep an eye out for a piece of art featuring Bunjil, the creator being in local Indigenous lore.

For views of Geelong and beyond, climb to the top of Flinders Peak.

There are plenty of facilities, including picnic tables, so bring a spread to enjoy after your hike.

Dog-friendly? Yes, you can take your pooch with you, when hiking the You Yangs.

Werribee Gorge Circuit

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour Difficulty: Medium

Another one of the best day hikes near Melbourne is a short drive from the city centre.

While it’s a popular walk , it’s also quite challenging; there’s some rock scrambling involved. There can be a bit of a wait for this on weekends and public holidays, plus it’s hard to see people coming from the opposite direction.

I highly recommend wearing shoes with grip, so proper hiking boots (I swear by my Teva’s ). Don’t be like the people I once saw attempting this walk in Converse sneakers.

Dog-friendly? Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave Fido at home for this one.

Lerderderg State Park

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour Difficulty: Challenging

Lerderderg State Park is another great day hiking destination west of Melbourne.

If it’s your first time out there, get your bearings on the 8 kilometre long Lerderderg Gorge Circuit .

Keep in mind, this trail involves river crossings. So perhaps not entirely advisable to head here in winter, or after heavy rainfall.

Regardless of when you do it, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the gorge on the way up and down.

Dog-friendly? Unfortunately dogs are not permitted in the park.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Distance from Melbourne: around 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy to challenging, depending on which route you take

There are a few different walks in this park.

If you’re new to hiking, I recommend the Anakie Gorge Walk . It’s 8 kilometres and takes around two hours to complete.

For a full day of walking, challenge yourself with the Brisbane Ranges Circuit Walk . This 17.9 kilometre trail should take around four hours to finish.

Dog-friendly? As this is a national park, dogs are not permitted.

Best day hikes from Melbourne: north of the city

Mount Macedon

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Mount Macedon is a great area to head to, if you’re keen to try some of the best day hikes near Melbourne.

There are several different walks to choose from. Walk to the summit of the highest peak in Macedon Regional Park, Camel’s Hump . Trek to Sanatorium Lake .

Or jump on the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail , a full day walk which takes around 5 hours to complete.

Mount Macedon is also a top destination for autumn leaves in Victoria .

Dog-friendly? Yup! You can take your best fur friend hiking with you on Mt Macedon.

Hanging Rock

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour drive Difficulty: Moderate

Victoria’s Hanging Rock is famous due to Joan Lindsay’s Picnic at Hanging Rock , one of the best Australian books .

The main trail here is the trek to the summit . It’s not a hard walk, but it takes around an hour to do properly, leaving yourself time to take in the views from the top.

It’s a great place to bring the kids – they’ll be fascinated by the craggy rock formation. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns afterward.

Perhaps rather than climb Hanging Rock, you may want to take a llama for a walk around it ?

Dog-friendly? Dogs are permitted on-leash around some areas. However, you can’t ascend the rock with your pooch.

Black Hill Reserve

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 10 minutes driving Difficulty: Moderate

This reserve is located in 260 acres of bushland. It’s best known for its granite rock formations, including the ‘Monolith’, one of the largest in Victoria.

There are several walking tracks to choose from. On your first visit, you may want to jump on the Circuit Track , which is a 3.9km trail with only a few inclines.

The Ridge Track is only 2.7km but has steeper sections. However, the pay off is some lovely views.

Head to the reserve in spring to see gorgeous wildflowers in bloom.

Discover more things to do in Kyneton .

Dog-friendly? Yes! You can bring your doggo. Just make sure they stay on leash, as a lot of wildlife call this reserve home.

Organ Pipes National Park

Distance from Melbourne: 35 minutes Difficulty: Moderate

This unique park is located on the edge of one of the world’s largest volcanic lava flows. If you’re after a short day hike near Melbourne, it’s a great place to head to.

It takes around half an hour to trek to the ‘ Organ Pipes ‘ the park is named after.

These columns were formed when huge quantities of molten lava were ejected from volcanoes a short distance away, then flowed over the plains.

You can also take a wander through woodland to take in the geological landscape of the state’s ancient volcanic terrain.

This national park makes a great stop on your way in or out of Melbourne; perhaps on a weekend getaway ?

Dog-friendly? As this is a national park, pets are prohibited.

Cathedral Range State Park

Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours driving Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After an adventurous day hike near Melbourne? Trek out to Cathedral Range State Park , north-east of the city. It’s one of the best places to visit in Australia .

Take to the Friends Nature Trail for a gentle walk or get the blood pumping on the 5.3 km Razorback Trail or circuit routes.

It’s also possible to pitch a tent at The Farmyard camping area, for sunrise views.

Dog-friendly? No doggies allowed.

Best day hikes from Melbourne: east of the city

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Distance from Melbourne: around an hour driving. You can also get here by train – alight at Belgrave. Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Choose from an array of top day hikes near Melbourne at this one park.

The most popular trail is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk , which consists of 1000 steps. It’s basically a very steep war memorial, modelled after the real Kokoda Trail located in Papua New Guinea.

Sherbrooke Falls Loop is another good walk, trailing past gigantic Mountain Ash trees and ferns.

For a slightly more challenging walk, tackle the Lyrebird Track . You may even see some of these elusive creatures, if you’re lucky.

Discover other things to do in the Dandenong Ranges .

Dog-friendly? Being a national park, you can’t bring your pooch with you.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This lovely coastal park has quite a few trails you can attempt on a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula.

I recommend jumping on the Two Bays Walking Track . This moderately challenging hike takes around three hours to complete.

You’ll head towards Cape Schanck Lighthouse , check out the sights there and on the way, then turn around and head back to Bushrangers Bay Picnic Area .

Dog-friendly? Unfortunately this walk is located in a national park. You know the drill by now!

Best day hikes from Melbourne: south of the city

Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 40 minute drive Difficulty: Moderate

This walk is located on Victoria’s gorgeous Phillip Island .

The 8.3 kilometre trek generally takes around two hours to complete. Highlights include wildlife, such as migratory birds, wallabies, possums, koalas and perhaps even Australian fur seals.

You should attempt this walk during low tide, as part of it trails along beach.

Between October and April is the best time to walk – Phillip Island has famously fickle weather.

Dog-friendly? Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

French Island

Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 14 minute drive plus the ferry ride. You can also catch a train from Melbourne to Stony Point, swapping at Frankston and jump on the ferry from there. Difficulty: Easy

Take a loop around a relatively unchallenging trail on an off-grid island.

Along this path you’ll pass wetlands, mangroves and small forest. You will probably also see plenty of wildlife, such as birds and echidnas.

This is one of the quieter trails I’ve been on – in fact I saw no one when I walked it myself.

Find out what else you can get up to on French Island .

Dog-friendly? Unfortunately French Island is a national park and so dogs aren’t allowed.

Best day hikes from Melbourne: in the city

Got no wheels or just don’t want to travel to far? Here are some top day hikes located in Melbourne.

Capital City Trail

Difficulty: Easy

This 29 kilometre trail starts in the city centre (in Southbank) and follows the Yarra River (Birrarung) past the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens and the MCG.

There are some other lesser-known sights along the way, such as Herring Island, Burnley Gardens and Dights Falls, Melbourne’s only ‘waterfall’. Here are some other destinations with waterfalls in Victoria .

It should take you around four hours to complete this walk. I thoroughly recommend stopping for a picnic in a garden or on the riverbank, along the way.

Dog-friendly? Yes, you can bring your dog. Just make sure you keep them on a leash.

Yarra Bend Park Loop

Did you know Melbourne is technically classified as a forest?

This two hour walk takes you through some of the city’s loveliest natural spaces, right near the Yarra River (Birrarung).

Dog-friendly? Good boys and girls are fine to bring along, on leash of course.

Merri Creek Trail

This is a lovely trail that merrily follows the Merri Creek.

Starting in Fitzroy North, it cuts through the city’s northern suburbs, finishing in Fawkner.

You’ll see some birdlife along the way and perhaps some grasslands.

The walk takes around 3 hours to complete, but is point to point. You’ll need someone to pick you up, or you can catch public transport back towards the inner city.

For more, check out my guide to Melbourne’s best neighbourhoods , particularly Moonee Ponds .

Dog-friendly? Yes and as with any city walk, they must be on lead.

St Kilda Solar System Trail

Here’s a day hike in Melbourne with a bit of a twist.

You may think you’re simply walking along the City of Port Phillip foreshore, but you’re actually travelling along a to-size replica of our solar system. Very cool! See the map (1.2 MB, PDF) .

The trail starts with the sun and ends with Pluto. Not technically a planet, but still a part of our solar system!

Built to scale, every centimetre you walk is 10,000kms. Along this trail, Pluto is 5.9kms from the sun. You do the maths on this one.

This is one of the more unusual things to do in Melbourne and definitely worth checking out.

Dog-friendly? Yes, you can bring your dog along with you.

Warburton Redwood Forest Walk

This walk is located near Warburton , a small village east of Melbourne.

Californian Redwoods were planted here around 100 years ago. They’re about 50 metres tall; not as high as they can grow, but still pretty epic in their young age.

Hop on an easy 20 minute walk through the trees, taking in their splendour.

For more, check out my guide to the Yarra Valley .

Dog-friendly? No, as it’s located within the Yarra Ranges National Park .

Best day hikes near Melbourne: in conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of places to take a hike, that are not far at all from Melbourne. Some are even in Melbourne, so you barely have to travel.

Wherever you go, I hope you have a lovely trek and enjoy Victoria’s gorgeous scenery.

Responsible travel in Australia

Keen to tread lightly in Australia? Here are some tips:

• Catch public transport where possible . If you’re driving, gather a group and car pool together. Or better yet – consider hiring an electric car!
• Avoid plastic bottles: Australia’s tap water is safe to drink in most cities and large country towns. Invest in a reusable water bottle, preferably one with a filter like a GRAYL bottle ( read my review ).
• Choose accommodation with a green rating . Some places will list their green credentials on their website, or you can filter through the Travel Sustainable option on Booking.com
• Use ocean friendly toiletries . Please look after our beautiful beaches!
• Leave no trace . Take your rubbish with you, swap out plastics for reusable items
• Keep your distance from wildlife. Admire them from afar, but respect their space. And never feed them!
• Be careful where you tread. Stick to marked paths, don’t go off track. You can end up damaging fragile flora or fungi. If there are signs saying not to climb over a fence and walk around a specific area, it’s usually for a good reason.

For more, check out these responsible travel tips and my guide to zero waste travel .

Australia travel essentials

Travelling to Australia and wondering what to bring on a dike hike near Melbourne? Here are some suggestions:

• A hat , preferably wide-brimmed for extra coverage and a pair of sunnies (sunglasses), with UV protection
• Reusable toiletries bag with toothbrush and toothpaste , cream deodorant, sunscreen , menstrual cup (perfect for hiking when Aunty Flow arrives unannounced)
• Power bank , so you don’t run out of charge on the road
• A decent pair of hiking boots
• Small backpack . I also recommend a hydration bladder , so you can stay, well, hydrated and avoid using plastic water bottles.

After more inspiration for Victoria and beyond? No problem:

• Where to see the Aurora Australis in Victoria
• What to pack for Australia
• Australia’s best road trips: 20 great options
• Fun things to do in Melbourne in summer

Have you been on any day hikes near Melbourne? Any favourites?

Planning a day hike from Melbourne? Pin this post 📌

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This looks like such a nice place for a hike! It has been a long time since I had a hike! Thank you for sharing , I love Melbourne!

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14 Victorian day hikes that are simply too epic to be ignored

8 of the best hikes in australia, 1. cape woolamai walk, 2. the you yangs loop/flinders peak track, 3. burrowa-pine mountain and rocky knob track, 4. keppel lookout trail, 101 of the best travel experiences in the world right now, 5. werribee gorge state park circuit, 6. hanging rock, 7. bushrangers bay trail, 8. forest ecotourism walking trail, 9. o’shannassy aqueduct trail, 25 of the most iconic australian road trips to drive in your lifetime, 10. george bass coastal walk, 11. thurra river dunes walk, 12. daylesford lake and falls, 13. eastern sherbrooke forest walk, 14. the coastal walk, absolutely everything you ever wanted to know about …, 10 amazing australian getaway spots you need to visit …, we ranked the 10 most out-of-this-world adventures you ….

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SEE VICTORIA LIKE NEVER BEFORE. MELBOURNE’S BEST HIKING DAY TOURS FROM $189.

Welcome to Hike & Seek tours, we’re glad you found us. We’ve uncovered the best day hikes Victoria has on offer, all within a few hour’s drive of Melbourne. At Hike & Seek we like to do things differently. Think of our hiking tours like a road trip with friends, led by laid back locals who have a deep love and respect for the environment.

Once on the road, enjoy great coffee, the best local cafes, breathtaking scenery, guided hikes, and plenty of stops to capture the natural beauty along the way. For a unique Melbourne day trip, minus the busy buses and tight schedules, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable hiking adventure.

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Each day tour includes at least one guided hike led by a friendly, knowledgeable and laid-back local. These hikes require a reasonable level of fitness but you by no means need to be an extreme hiker to do them. Our groups are small and you’ll share the adventure with up to 8 other nature lovers.

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Best Day Hikes From Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

As a lover of nature and hikes; since I moved to Melbourne, Victoria Australia I have been scouting day hikes in Melbourne. If you are on the same page and looking for some reliable and updated information on day hikes in Melbourne, read on.

There are 681 national parks in Australia. Out of that, Victoria has 45 of them, New South Wales has 235 (probably why I feel there were more abundant parks in Sydney than in Melbourne) but the state with the most national parks is Queensland leading the way with 237 national parks whereas Western Australia has 101, South Australia and Tasmania each has 19, the Northern Territory got 24, and the Australian Capital Territory has just one.

Below are the first 3 walks/hikes that can be done via tram/public transport, the next 7 can be easily done around the city and then the rest requires private transport. Most of the hikes listed in this article are well graded and easy to moderate hikes in Melbourne, Victoria, if occasionally muddy or snowy in winter. Intersecting forest trails can be a bit of a maze in places, make sure you know where you’re going! I am also giving you some tips so make sure to read all the way through.

Now without further ado, let’s begin

• Best Day Hikes From Melbourne

1. Plenty Gorge Hike

2. lilydale to warburton, 3. capital city trail, best day walks in melbourne, 1. albert park lake walk, 2. st kilda to princess pier walk, 3. tan walk , 4. yarra river walks, 5. dights falls loop trail, 6. merri creek trail, 7. yarra bend park walk, best day hikes from melbourne (needs private transport), 1. werribee gorge circuit, 2. mt donna buang summit via mt victoria, 3. yarra ranges national park, 4. macedon ranges, 5. cathedral ranges state park, 6. grampians national park, 7. you yangs national park, 8. dandenong ranges, 9. port campbell national park, 10. great otway national park, 11. mount buffalo national park, 12. french island national park, 13. bushranger bay & cape schack hike, 14. alpine national park, 15. wilsons promontory national park.

• Let me know in the comments:

It takes about 85 mins on 86 tram from Melbourne city to get to Plenty Gorge. This is where you can also spot a bunch of Kangaroos in their natural habitat or eat out of surrounding home bins! The path is mostly fine gravel and is considered an easy grade. Along the way check out the walking track that leads to the Morang Wetlands and the Hawkstowe Picnic Area. This hike is 21KM in total and could take up to 5-6 hours to finish.

Bring a camera, water, hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, and start early if you want to complete the whole trail but be mindful of your time especially if you are returning via tram. If you forgot lunch, there are some eateries like Nandos near the tram stop. There are 7 moderate trails in Plenty Gorge Park and they are, the Yellow Gum circuit, Blue Lake circuit, Marshland Track, Plenty Gorge Medium loop, Plenty River Gorge Park Loop, and Plenty River Loop via Blue Lake, Plenty Gorge Insonamic trail.

This iconic 38KM trail starts at the conveniently located Lilydale Railway Station and ends in the Warburton township. It is a favorite of walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. The path is flat and fine gravel with some sections sealed. It is an easy grade walk and can be done almost any month as there are no seasonal closures. I must add here you got to start early morning if you want to complete the whole 38KM in 1 day and as this trail is no loop, rather a point A to B trail; if you wish to stop just simply return the same way back. We started late but walked up to the Srilankan temple near Mount Evelyn and returned but I would like to finish this trail in one day this summer.

The Capital City Trail is a 29.6KM shared-use path that circles the Melbourne city center, and features the Yarra river, and some inner eastern and northern suburbs. We started walking from the starting point Docklands under the Bolte Bridge, next to the Yarra River and took about 3 hours to complete. It then follows the Moonee Ponds Creek North to Flemington Bridge and then you must cross the bridge over Flemington Road and travel alongside the Upfield railway line until just beyond Royal Park station.

Along the route, there are a few coffee places to refuel and parks to relax. Yarra Bend Park can be used as the halfway indicator traveling in either direction and although there is nothing difficult or dangerous along the route there are stairs at Gipps Street / Collins Bridge (there is also a ramp there). If you are driving, Melbourne Zoo offers paid parking that can be a reasonable rate, and start from there. The path is well-signed, however, there are a few areas where intersections may lack signage – having google maps handy solves it.

This is one of the local’s favorite places for jogging, running, or walking. It is a 4.8km track going around the lap that’s mostly flat, but it can get some strong winds off Port Phillip Bay and is normally 1.5 meters deep but has dropped to an average of one meter. If you keep an eye on your run/ there are distance markers every 500 meters and water fountains every km making it a great spot to run/walk or do some interval training. Offers a nice view of Melbourne city also.

For the change of scenery check out this beach walk from St Kilda to Princess Pier. This 5.9 KM refreshing beach walk is guaranteed to lift your moods and make you hungry afterward for that pizza nearby! Strolling in leisure took about 60 mins and then swimming/sunbathing all day. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Start the walk from Brighton where the beach houses are and make it all the way to princess pier. Pretty good exercise for the day.

This is the local’s way to say Botanical garden walk. It is a 3.8KM walk, jog or run whatever you want to do. Approx takes around 20-30 minutes to run the track and  35-45 minutes  to walk it. The Tan has a relatively flat path, with the exception of a small hill known as Heart Break Hill which starts at Anderson Street if traveling clockwise around the course.

The iconic Yarra River is 242 KM long from its source on Mt Baw Baw in the Yarra Ranges National Park, north-east of Melbourne, all the way to Port Phillip Bay. In this section, I am mentioning the Main Yarra Trail which follows the Yarra River for 35 KM through Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs to join the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail in Templestowe. The trail runs through Yarra Bend Park, Warrigal Park, Birrarung Park, and Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. It is a shared path for cyclists, joggers, and dog walkers alike.

Another walk that follows the Yarra River is the Dights Falls Loop trail. This easy, near 5KM walk, starts from Kanes Bridge near Studley Park Boathouse and follows the Yarra River until you arrive at the spectacular waterfalls – Dights Falls Lookout. As an alternative, you can also start from Trenerry Crescent which is an equally scenic route, connecting to the Main Yarra Trail. Keep an eye out for an impressive mural that pays respect to traditional Wurundjeri stories that were painted in collaboration with the local Indigenous people and Melbourne-based artist Tom Civil. Note: Swimming and camping are not advised by the managing authority.

If you want to continue exploring after the Dights Falls, follow the path that commences at Dights Falls near where Merri Creek enters the Yarra River, and then take a winding route, a quick pit stop at Ramsden Street Reserve for an awe-inspiring view of the Melbourne city skyline and mainly following the creek all the way to the Western Ring Road Trail in Thomastown. This 21KM trail boasts both awesome views of the city as well as native bushland that immerses you in the best that Melbourne’s nature has to offer. For an elevated view of the Merri creek with a backdrop of the city, follow the Main Yarra Trail to arrive at Snakes Lookout.

Another walk that features the Yarra River is Yarra Bend Park which is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park located just 4km northeast of the city on Wurundjeri land. It is a 9.5KM heavily trafficked loop trail and has Melbourne’s largest natural bushland still intact. Recommend the Bushland Circuit Trail which is one of the many walks around Yarra Bend Park. This quick and easy trail just 950-meters in length is perfect for a laid-back stroll when you’re wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This scenic trail starts left of Kanes Bridge in Kew, Victoria, and while there, visit the historic Studley Park Boathouse for ice cream or set up the perfect picnic lunch in the sun.

Another local’s favorite day hikes in Melbourne is Werribee Gorge Circuit. A few weeks ago I went there for a hike and enjoyed it, especially the mini bouldering rope access around the huge rock next to the water. It was great to be walking and hiking around here; you can extend the walk with the longer circuit or return via the loop to the car park.

Mt Donna Buang (1250m) is a moderate non-technical walk located close to Warburton in the Yarra Valley. If you hiking during winter as I did, there will potentially be snow. You will require hiking shoes, and you’ll likely require Gaiters too (depending on conditions). Not much scenery, but it is a vigorous exercise that will make you feel like you earned every bite of your lunch!

It was the first national park I went to when I moved to Melbourne and I absolutely enjoy going back and again and recommend it. Some hikes here can easily be done in a day whereas some take a bit of planning such as starting early so you can hike the whole length of the trail but of course, nobody’s stopping you return halfway.

Some recommended trails in Yarra Valley are Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 steps), Lilydale to Warburton, Mt. Dom Dom loop, Monda track, Sherbrooke Falls Trails, Cumberland walk, La La Falls walk, Phantom Falls, Keppel Falls, Beeches Rainforest Walk, Cement Creek Redwood Forest, Maroondah Reservoir Park, Maroondah Dam, and Blue Lotus Water Garden. Stopping over at one of the Healesville wineries afterward is a great way to end the day.

Less than one hour from Melbourne, you can visit the Macedon Range walking trail and experience a famous natural landmark with world-class nurseries and private gardens in Australia. Camels Hump, Camel’s hump and Sanatorium lake, Mount Towrong short loop and the long loop, and Hoods and Clyde Loop via Mount Macedon & memorial are some of the best days hikes in Macedon Ranges.

Cathedral Ranges State Park is another most visited day hike in Melbourne and offers a few more tough trails than the Yarra ones. It is home to a rocky ridgeline that offers several impressive viewpoints and some fun, challenging walking.

Recommend day hikes are the Southern circuit hike and the Northern circuit hike. Ridgeline Circuit (long day or overnight hike) Jawbone Peaks return hike and Little Cathedral return hike.

Some other day hikes in Melbourne can be done in Grampians National Park. This is the place where there is abundant wildlife, Aboriginal rock art, and Mackenzie Falls. Even the scenic drive there and bushwalking both make for a great day out.

Although it is about an hour’s drive away like most of the day hikes mentioned in this post, You Yangs national park remains of the best that Melbourne has to offer in terms of day hikes in Melbourne. There are a number of trails you can choose from, I recommend Flinders Peak and Big rock.

Dandenong ranges are home to lush rainforests, waterfalls, bubbling creeks, and some of the world’s tallest trees. With mountains around it, it also gives you that feeling of being far away from the city.

My recommendations here are Sherbrooke Forest, Grants Picnic Area, Ada Tree, walking tracks along Monbulk Road which provides good vantage points, and Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, the Dandenongs’ much-photographed boathouse. Read more on Yarra Valley .

If you are after some waterfalls day hikes in Melbourne, head to Stevenson falls via Keppel lookout trail, Mason falls, Murrinindi Cascades, Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, Lake Mountain summit loop, Toorongo, and amphitheater fall, and Snobs Creek falls.

If you are looking to mix day hikes in Melbourne with some coastal views, Port Cambell National Park could be your safe bet. Recommend the Gibsons steps, the grotto, Razorback, Bay of Islands, London Bridge, The Arch and Loch, and Gorge.

Some part of this region is considered the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and the must-see here would be obviously Twelve Apostles, Anglesea, Lorne Beach, Kennett river, Colac, and Mount Gellibrand.

This is perfect if you are looking to hike through the lush rainforest, triplet falls, and rugged coastline. This national park covers the Great ocean road, Erskine falls, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Hopetoun falls, and Melba Gully, and also recommends Teddy’s lookout.

This part of Victoria offers a scenic view of mountainous terrain. Following hikes can be done in a day the Cathedral (2km, 1 hour), The Gorge, The Monolith and Haunted Gorge (8km, 3 hours), The Horn (1km, 45 minutes), Eagle Point, and Mount Dunn (12km, 4 hours), Dicksons Falls and Back Wall (13km, 4-5 hours) and Chalwell Galleries (1.2km, 30 minutes).

French Island is a true paradise and home to the world’s densest (and healthiest!) populations of koalas, more than 360 species of bird including the king quail, and unspoiled natural bushland or beaches. There are day, half-day, and shorter walks and rides starting at Tankerton foreshore Reserve. Note: This little island is accessible only by a short passenger ferry ride. An ideal place to enjoy the hikes with peace, serenity, and unspoiled landscape.

For this hike, you would need a car. Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck is a 13km, grade 3 return hike. The hike covers a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs and beautiful views all around. Watch out for the wild waves that often crash onto jagged rocks guarding the entrance to the bay.

From Bushrangers Bay follow the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track to the Cape Schanck car park to see some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. Swimming is not recommended at this site as the beach is unpatrolled and often hazardous due to strong rips and large waves.

This region offers the best spot for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. 4 hours of drive away so if you want to make a day trip, start super early. Mount Howitt via Vallejo Gantner Hut and Room With A View Track can be done in a day hike if started early.

3 hours drive away from Melbourne but a perfect place to enjoy some nature. I have written a whole another blog post, check out the best Wilsons Prom Walks and things you can do in Wilson Prom .

TIPS: * Pack light * DO NOT WEAR TIGHT CLOTHES. If you’re wearing skinny jeans, it will make your steps restrictive * Wear appropriate clothes (If hiking during winter, wear clothes to handle the cold (snow/rain/wind) * Layered clothing in all seasons. Windproof/weatherproof pants are strongly recommended * Gloves and scarf maybe * Food (mix of protein/ carbs/sugar) * First aid kit * Toilet paper for emergencies as it might be a while before you are anywhere near the toilets. Probably not needed, just more for emergencies * I STRONGLY recommend using water bottles, not Hydration bladders/bags in this case if it is cold. If Hydration bladders freeze up, they sometimes leak.

TYPES OF EQUIPMENT: No technical equipment is required. * Walking sticks may help * Gaiters * Comfy hiking shoes and warm socks * Crampons / Microspikes if it’s going to be snowy * If you have a walkie-talkie, use it. Mobile reception is VERY sketchy on the mountain * If you have a yellow brick or a SPOT, bring it (would be cool to be able to track the trip live). * Headlamp/torches if you have them * PLB if you have one, you probably won’t need it

Let me know in the comments :

• If you know any other day hikes from Melbourne I can add them here.
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• ← Best walks in Dandenong ranges
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18 thoughts on “ best day hikes from melbourne, victoria, australia ”.

I’m planning to travel to Melbourne after the pandemic and this list is good for my trip there.

These all sound like amazing hikes. I love getting out and exploring nature, especially when I’m in a new place. There’s always so much to see.

These sound like lovely hikes to take when you’re in the Melbourne area. I’ve always loved to get out and explore the beauty of nature when I’m traveling to new places. You never know what you’ll see!

I have always wanted to visit Australia, and this just adds to my desire! It looks breathtaking and the wildlife is incredible.

This is such a detailed article and your pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for this roundup!

Wow — really great parks and places to visit! The thing I miss about the most about Australia is getting to walk and hike to almost everywhere!

I am looking forward to traveling again, after having my second shot of the vaccination, and Australia is on my bucket list – I am just not sure where. Thanks for letting me know about Melbourne. Blessings!

I’ve been living here in Victoria for almost 2 years and I haven’t tried these destinations for hikes. But thanks for sharing this guide! Maybe I’ll do this during spring season 🙂

Hey Blair, hope you’ll manage to get out there and enjoy all these nature VIC has to offer:)

I’m also a big nature and hike lover. I would definitely love to experience this one.

I love your photos! And your dress! You have a lot of wonderful experiences. I would love to be in such places, just not sure about the hiking part. I am not physically ready for that 😀

whoa. these amazing places to visit. I always love to see the beauty nature places. Wish someday visit melbourne.

Wow! These are amazing photos, thanks for sharing them. I never knew how beautiful Melbourne, and that beach…stunning!

Yarra Ranges National Park is one of the places I really want to see. After the pandemic, I really want to go here. Maybe soon?

I love hiking and these hiking trails seem amazing. Hope to one day have the experience personally, instead of reading about it online.

I would love to do any of these hikes.Australia is so beautiful, hopefully I will make it there next year sometime. I will bookmark this for later.

What an amazing resource! I love that you included numerous hikes and not just a few. Lots to choose from! When we are allowed back into Australia I can’t wait to hike some of these trails.

A great article. Very informative with lots of walk at different levels to choose from. I will try some of them next time I am in Melbourne.

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15 Of The Best Walks In Melbourne And Victoria You Need To Take

By James Shackell 30th Oct 2023

You don’t have to travel far in Melbourne/Naarm for a good walk. That’s part of the city’s charm. No matter where you sit in the urban sprawl, you’re generally no more than 60 minutes from misty alpine forest, giant Tree Ferns, tannin-stained rivers and some of the best walks in Melbourne and Victoria.

It’s hard to pick just a handful of Melbourne’s best walks—but Urban List has pulled together the city's (and beyond) must-hit tracks. Some are further away than others, but we’ve tried to draw the line at four hours from the CBD. Some are quieter than others, too. The 1000 Steps might be wall-to-wall active-wear on Saturday mornings, but you should have the Den of Nargun Circuit Walk more or less to yourself—strap on some comfy shoes and grab the trail mix. These are the best walks near Melbourne.

Point Nepean Walk

Mornington peninsula.

Image credit: Visit Vic | Supplied

It’s really a shame that so many day-trippers stop at Sorrento or Rosebud. With Bass Straight on one side and Port Philip Bay on the other, Point Nepean Coastal Walk  is a great way to explore the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula.

En route to the Rip lookout—which marks the halfway point of the round-trip—you’ll pass Cheviot Beach, a number of gun turrets and the crumbling remains of Fort Nepean . The track itself winds along the coast, up through twisted Moonah woodlands, but it’s pretty easy going most of the way. History buffs can check out the old gun placements and Shepherd Hut, one of the oldest limestone buildings in Victoria. Conditions can get pretty wild down here: the south-westerlies get blown all the way from Antarctica, and they can really howl off Bass Strait.

Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk

West gippsland.

Most Melburnians have heard of Triplet Falls or Erskine Falls, but you won’t find many who have hiked Toorongo Falls in West Gippsland. You’ll find this little circuit trail about two hours out of town, in the wilderness north of Noojee. You can easily do this as a day trip, but we highly recommend an overnight stay at  Toorongo Falls Campground .

Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk  actually includes two waterfalls: Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls. The trail starts near the campground and runs alongside the river. It’s pretty easygoing. Even kids shouldn’t have too much trouble. The total length is around 2.2 kilometres and the whole thing should take about 90 minutes. Definitely, a great option if you’ve already done some of the more popular Melbourne walks. 

Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail

Mornington pensinsula.

Bushranger’s Bay has always been one of Melbourne’s favourite day hikes, and it’s only an hour’s drive south of the city. The bay itself was named after two escaped convicts. It’s a narrow strip of gravelly sand, surrounded by dark basalt cliffs, with jagged rock pools and some pretty scary rip currents (swimming at Bushrangers isn’t illegal, but it can be super dangerous. Best to avoid). 

The Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail runs for 6 kilometres along the cliffs, all the way from Cape Schanck car park. It’s arguably got the best coastal views in all of Victoria: you’ll get to see Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Main Creek, rocky, windswept beaches, and groves of shady Banksia trees. Allow about 4 hours for this one, and bring plenty of water.

Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk

Daylesford/macedon ranges.

One of the weird things about Werribee Gorge is how far away from actual Werribee it is. Instead of heading southwest, down the M1, you drive northwest, up towards Ballarat. After about 60 minutes, you’ll hit Werribee Gorge State Park; a tinder-dry network of sandstone canyons shaped over 500 million years.

There are a few different walking trails inside the Gorge, and most of them link up with one another. There’s a bit of everything here. On-trail, off-trail, lookouts, descents, climbs, river crossings, cable climbs, wildlife spotting and rock hopping. The circuit walk is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a gruelling 10km circuit with rock jumps and cable climbs. It also gets baking hot in summer. Pro tip: start with The Quarry and walk anti-clockwise. That’ll mean you finish on the gentler riverside track.

Den Of Nargun Circuit Walk

East gippsland.

The Den of Nargun is a bit further from Melbourne (just over three hours), but trust us, it’s worth the drive. It’s a beautiful forest loop trail that runs 5 kilometres through the Mitchell River National Park. This whole area is technically part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , which explores the culture and history of the Gunaikurnai people

The Circuit should take about an hour and a half. There are a few steep scrambles, but it’s mostly an ambling forest trail, winding past moss-covered boulders, little river gullies and several waterfalls. The halfway point is the Den itself. The Dream-story of Nargun speaks of a cave “inhabited by a fierce creature that was half human and half stone.” You’ll spot the cave beyond a small waterhole, but please be respectful—don’t climb inside.

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Tongue Point Walking Trail

Wilsons promontory.

One of the best walks at The Prom. One of the best walks in Victoria, really. The Tongue Point Walking Trail follows the headline to the tip of Tongue Point—a lick of shrub-covered land, poking out into the Darby Bay. Giant boulders tower over your head, and you get some truly epic views of Darby Swamp, Cotters Beach and the Vereker Range.

Tongue Point is a serious hike. It’s 9.4 kilometres—one way. The whole thing should take around 4.5 hours. The landscape here is weathered coastal heath, classic Prom country. The wildlife isn’t shy either: you can often spot echidnas and wombats snuffling across the path. If you have the time, make sure you take the short detour down to Fairy Cove (you’ll thank us later).

Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Any walk with ‘summit’ in the title is going to hurt. But Mount Oberon Summit Walk is definitely worth the sore thighs. Kicking off from the Telegraph Saddle carpark, Oberon is a steep slog, but it’s still one of the Prom’s shorter hikes (about 3.4 kilometres, one way). The ‘mountain’ is only 558 metres high, don’t forget.

You generally want to do this one at sunrise. If you time it right, you’ll get insane 360-degree views, just as the sun sweeps in from the eastern Prom. The waters sparkle turquoise. Look west and you can see past Little Oberon Bay, Norman Bay and Picnic Bay. If you’re hiking Oberon Summit at sunset (which is also a great idea) don’t forget to bring a torch. The nights get dark on the Prom.

Plenty Gorge Walk

South morang.

Plenty Gorge Park provides a spectacular backdrop for a weekend stroll with mates. If you are looking for a reprieve from the urban jungle and would appreciate a place to go bushwalking and wildlife watching, this is the destination for you.  

The Plenty Gorge Walk will take you along scenic tracks that lead to the wooded gorge and dividing river. You’ll want to keep a lookout for fellow wildlife as the bushland is home to echidnas, kangaroos, herons and swans. The hour-and-a-half walk starts and ends in the Red Gum picnic area so you’d be foolish not to pack a lunch to celebrate the completion of your trek.

Ironbark Basin Walk

Great ocean road.

Ironbark Basin Walk runs from the southwestern end of Bells Beach all the way to Point Addis, snaking inland around Jarosite Mine and the Point Addis Marine National Park. Depending on the tides, you can start at Point Addis carpark and walk east along the beach—or do it in reverse. Either way, you get views over a sweeping basin that runs all the way down to the coast. If you’re lucky, you might spot a few echidnas, too.

Ironbark isn’t a strenuous hike. Most of the trail is packed earth and gentle gradients. Just keep in mind a few things. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trail (there’s a lot of native birdlife at Point Addis, and the rangers are pretty keen on keeping it alive). Also, watch out for cliffs and landslips. Jarosite Headland, in particular, can get dicey after rain. Stay well back from the edge.

Warburton Redwood Forest Walk

Yarra valley, dandenong ranges.

The walk that launched a thousand Instagrams. The  Warburton Redwood Forest  got so popular after the COVID lockdown—when people were desperate for anything resembling a tree—that police had to shut it down. It’s back open now, but for best results, try and avoid the weekend crowds.

It’s easy to see why the  Cement Creek Redwoods  are so popular. The trunks rise 55 metres into the sky all around. The forest floor is a soft blanket of needles. Everything is quiet and muffled and still. The place practically screams Insta fodder. You’ll find this grove of California redwoods, Douglas firs and Bishop pines (1476 trees all up), about 14 minutes outside Warburton.

Editors note: Warburton Red Forest track is currently closed,  check in here for all updates . 

Kurth Kiln Walk

Kurth Kiln Regional Park is as rich in history as it is in nature. What was originally known for its kiln to make charcoal back in the second world war is now a popular spot for picnicking, camping and nature walking. This is a worthwhile pit stop for anyone exploring the stunning Dandenong Ranges.

The Kurth Kiln Walk provides nature seekers with a trail immersed in forest flora and creek views. You’ll follow a loop up and down Tomahawk Creek to start and end your hour-long stroll at the historic kiln. This walk is dog friendly so you’re more than welcome to bring along your fury mate, as long as you keep them on a leash.

Flinders Peak, You Yangs National Park 

Little river.

Set out in the picturesque stretch of inland Victoria, the  Flinders Peak walk  is a decent 3.2km stroll through some of the state's most pristine bushland and terrain. Just over an hour from town, this one easily fits into the list as one of the bests walks near Melbourne. The medium-paced track also features a few stretches of elevation but it's all worth it once you take in that view. It's also doggo-friendly, fun for everyone. 

Cape Woolamai Circuit 

Phillip island.

Stretching across the giant open ocean on Phillip Island, the  Cape Woolamai circuit  is a 9.2km loop that will take the better part of a day. Looping around pink granite cliffs with secluded swimming holes and ocean views—it's hard to argue its place in the best walks Victoria list.       

1000 Steps Walk

Dandenong ranges.

If the  Kokoda Track Memorial Walk  was ever a secret, someone let it slip years ago. Come Sunday mornings, every active-wearing person east of the CBD descends on the ‘1000 Steps’ to huff and puff their way up the 3km track. Some puff more than others. 

Forged in the early 1900s, the ‘1000 Steps’ climbs through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. As the name suggests, it’s steep. You’ll definitely feel it in your quads the next day. Most of the steps are hand-cut timber or big slab stone. There are little rest stops here and there along the trail, too. These are good for wheezing, stretching and admiring the surrounding Manna Gums.

Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk

Healesville.

Just a short drive from the Healsville township you will find Maroondah Reservoir Park , an impressive 41-metre high dam wall offering walkers a new point of view to admire the diverse landscape. From here you can ogle formal gardens, forested slopes and the reservoir lake. You certainly won’t be stuck looking for a worthwhile view. 

The Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk encourages visitors to take a stroll along the dam wall. This is essentially a walk in the park with its paved route. But while the trail is an easy forty-five minutes the views are still just as rewarding. No matter the season, rain, hail or shine, Maroondah Reservoir Park Walk and its Edna Walling-style landscape are beautiful all year round. 

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Main image credit: Visit Vic | Supplied

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Arts & entertainment, design & style, travel & leisure, search concrete playground, the seven best one-day hikes near melbourne.

Swap the inner-city pavement for idyllic bush tracks, coastal walks and mountain peaks.

Lucky for us Melburnians, some of Australia's most breathtaking hiking terrain is within easy reach of the city limits. And, since hiking is a year-round activity in Oz, it's always a good time to swap the city streets for dirt roads, bush tracks and fresh air.

Victoria is plentiful in coastal walking trails , inland waterfalls , hidden swimming holes and alpine terrain — so whether you want to stop for a swim, stroll for half a day or spend the weekend trekking up a mountain, these walks will cover just about any whim and time constraint. Here's our pick of the best one-day hikes near Melbourne. It's about time you ticked them off, one by one.

Recommended reads: The Best Caves to Visit Near Melbourne The Best Melbourne Metro Walks The Best Bike Rides In and Around Melbourne The Best Country Towns to Visit on a Day Trip From Melbourne

Alexandra Milne

KALIMNA FALLS TRAIL, GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Hiking to Kalimna Falls is the ideal activity for a balmy afternoon, thanks to the cooling fern-framed waters that await you. Start off with a scenic drive to Lorne along the Great Ocean Road ; alternatively, the inland route is substantially quicker (though not nearly as picturesque). The hike itself is eight kilometres return from the Sheoak picnic area, with the option to back-track along the same path or via the 4WD-friendly Garvey Track.

Highlight of this walk are the peaceful lower falls — during off-peak hours, it feels like your own private swimming hole. If you like a bit of rock climbing, be sure to push on and head up to the 15-metre-high upper waterfalls as well.

Mark Watson for Visit Victoria

MOUNT FEATHERTOP VIA RAZORBACK TRAIL, ALPINE NATIONAL PARK

The Razorback Trail up to Mount Feathertop , Victoria's second highest peak, is a 22-kilometre return trek through the Alpine National Park — and it's not for the fainthearted, nor for windy days. But for all the commitment and hardship, this hike is truly worth it for the simply stunning views. Be sure to wear in your hiking boots prior to setting out and take lots of water and sunscreen. If you want to tackle the walk over two days instead, there is a campsite on the way up.

That said, even if you hike it all in one go, you'll need to stay one night in the area, since the park is located over five hours' drive northeast of Melbourne. Luckily, you won't have any trouble finding a cosy cabin to spend the night in — there are plenty of accommodation options at Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, Harrietville and Bright.

Steve Collis via Flickr

WERRIBEE GORGE CIRCUIT WALK, WERRIBEE GORGE STATE PARK

If you're looking for a hike that will get you home by lunchtime, head to Werribee Gorge State Park , located just an hour out of the CBD. Starting at the Quarry Carpark, the main circuit takes you around the top of the gorge and back down to the bottom. With the great rock faces looming on either side of you, it feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park — which makes sense, given Werribee Gorge has been forged by 500 million years of geological history.

The main circuit is around eight kilometres long, takes approximately three hours to complete and is clearly signposted. You're best not to attempt this trek after heavy rainfall though, as there's plenty of rock scrambling involved.

Grampians National Park by Ain Raadik Photography via Visit Victoria

MOUNT ROSEA WALK, GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK

The Grampians are among the most spectacular mountain ranges in Victoria and are home to one of the region's most epic multi-day hikes . But if you're looking for a shorter stay, the 12-kilometre Mount Rosea Walk takes just four to five hours to complete — though that doesn't mean it's a total breeze, either. Without a clear path, you have to hunt for markers scattered along the trail and occasional rock scrambling keeps things interesting.

You'll also cross a suspended bridge at great heights along the way. And a four wheel drive is recommended to traverse the unsealed roads that lead to the walk. Given all that, this track is best tackled by those who are a little adventurous. While the national park is a three-hour drive out of the CBD, there are plenty of campgrounds and hotels in the area if you plan on staying the night.

Cameron Murray Photography for Visit Victoria

CURRAWONG FALLS TRACK, GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Aireys Inlet is a quiet town located 90 minutes from Melbourne. Close to both the beach and the Otways, the area boasts plenty of great hiking, but our pick is the trail that runs along Ironbark Gorge to Currawong Falls . Clocking in at just over 10 kilometres, this circuit starts at Distillery Picnic Area and takes around three to four hours to complete. There are a number of hikes that begin from the same spot, so make sure you pay attention to the signs to avoid getting lost.

Along the way, you'll pass through spring wildflowers in the Ironbark Forest, traipse through heathlands dotted with tree ferns and maybe even spot a few wallabies in the melaleuca swamp. Ancient flowering grass trees can also be seen throughout the trail. Once you've looped all the way back, you'll enjoy some seriously stunning vistas with the Split Point Lighthouse in full view.

Tamyka Bell via Flickr

MOUNT BOGONG VIA STAIRCASE SPUR TRAIL, ALPINE NATIONAL PARK

Mount Bogong is the tallest mountain in Victoria, and the Staircase Spur Trail — as the track is very appropriately named — will get you all the way to the summit. The 16-kilometre return walk can be completed in either one or two days as there are campsites with huts, drop toilets and water along the track. For primo views, be sure to check the weather beforehand and plan the hike on a clear day when you'll be rewarded with spectacular, panoramic vistas of the alpine area.

If you go in dreary weather, well, you're likely in for some discomfort and disappointment. Needless to say, this walk is best suited to those with hiking experience and decent fitness.

Visit Victoria

SURF COAST WALK, GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Surf Coast Walk is a whopping 44-kilometre track connecting the towns of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, though you don't have to cover the entire monster in one day. With 12 trail heads to choose from, just pick a section that suits you. The walk is one-way, but regular car shuttles and local buses run throughout the day (be sure to check the timetables ahead of time).

Your best bet is to leave early in the morning so you can fully enjoy the beachside walks before high tide — one of our favourites is Bells Beach. This popular hike is great for beginners, but not for those who hike for seclusion. But these astounding ocean views are well worth battling the crowds for.

Top Images: Razorback Trail by Mark Watson for Visit Victoria

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Day Trips From Melbourne

The Top 10 Day Trips From Melbourne

Marina is a freelance writer who began contributing to TripSavvy in 2019. She set off with a one-way ticket to Asia in 2017 and has been living and traveling abroad ever since.

Melbourne offers plenty of things to do, but if you want to venture away from the city for a but, you’ll get to experience a whole new breath of fresh air. We use that expression because a day trip to a different part of Victoria usually includes hikes, wildlife, beaches (and the occasional wine tasting). 

Most of these day trips require a car, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Be sure to give yourself enough time for the ride back so that you’re not driving in the dark. Kangaroos, as cute as they are, are a problem on the country roads—kind of like deer elsewhere. For day trips that include public transportation, be wary that it might extend your travel time due to stops along the way. 

No matter how you get there, you’re sure to find a nearby adventure just a few hours from the city. Here are the top 10 day trips from Melbourne.

Ballarat: Learn About the Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill

Ballarat is a charming town known for the 1850s Victorian gold rush. This part of Australian history is similar to the California Gold Rush, where there was a discovery of wealth in the mines of Ballarat. Sovereign Hill is an outdoor museum where you can take a guided tour of the gold mine and pan for real gold. The best part? The whole museum is in character, including actors in costume, horse-drawn carriages, and Wild West-style buildings. Sovereign Hill takes you back in time.

Getting There : If you rent a car from Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), it’s an hour and a half drive on Highway M8 toward Ballarat. Otherwise, you can take the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station. The train takes about 90 minutes and drops you off at Ballarat Railway Station. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk through town to Sovereign Hill or a seven-minute cab ride. 

Travel Tip : If you visit Ballarat during July, Sovereign Hill throws a month-long winter festival with Christmas lights, snow, and an ice skating rink.

Great Ocean Road: Drive Along the Southern Coast

The Great Ocean Road is a 150-mile stretch of road along Victoria’s southern coast, starting at Torquay and ending in Warrnambool. Along the way, there are stops for vantage points, wildlife encounters, waterfalls, and surfing. If you’re doing a self-guided road trip, be sure to stop at Bells Beach to watch the surfers. This beach is the spot where the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition is held each year during Easter. Have your camera ready for incredible rock formations at the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, and Bay of Islands. 

Getting There : While a lot of visitors complete this route over a couple of days or more, it’s possible to do the Great Ocean Road in one day if you start early. If you rent a car in the city, take M1 toward Warun. Then take the exit toward Torquay to begin your coastal road trip. You can also hop on a tour bus that will take you to all the top spots in one day.

Travel Tip : Looking for a spot to stop for lunch? Lorne or Apollo Bay are small towns on the Great Ocean Road, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs, and cafes.

Dandenong Ranges: Nature Hikes and Bushwalks

The Dandenong Ranges are a set of mountain ranges east of the city. It’s an excellent spot for hiking, cycling, or bushwalks. Among the hiking trail options are Mathias Track (four miles round-trip), Bartletts Track – Blackhole Loop (3.7 miles round-trip), and Burkes Lookout Mount Dandenong (under one-mile round-trip). The Kokoda Track Memorial (1,000 steps) is a popular trail known for its challenging stairs to the top of a hill. It’s set in a wet and cool rainforest environment and offers a peaceful escape from the big city. 

Getting There : From the city, it’s a 45-minute drive along M1 toward Ferntree Gully Road. By train, hop on the Belgrave train from Flinders Street Station. Get off at Upper Ferntree Gully Station, and the carpark is just down the road. 

Travel Tip : The Dandenong Ranges gets super busy with tourists and locals on the weekend. Skip the crowds and visit during a weekday or get there early.

Mount Buller: Ski or Snowboard

Have you ever thought about skiing in Australia? If you’re visiting Victoria from late June to early October, consider a trip to the snow. Mount Buller is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne and offers 22 lifts and 740 acres of skiable terrain. Don’t expect anything like the Swiss Alps—skiing in Australia is quite tame and family-friendly. You can rent gear at Mount Buller, and lift passes can be as cheap as AU$66, depending on the time of year. It is one of the largest ski villages in Victoria, with more than 30 restaurants and bars, plus plenty of accommodation options.

Getting There : You can rent a car and drive yourself to Mount Buller or catch the coach bus service that regularly runs during the winter season.

Travel Tip : If you decide to drive to Mount Buller, you must have snow chains for your car tires. There are regular checkpoints on the roads where local authorities will ensure that you are carrying chains. If you aren’t, it could result in a fine, and you might have to turn around. You can purchase or rent snow chains at service stations and rental shops as you get closer to the mountains. 

Yarra Valley: Wine Tasting

The cool and wet climate of Yarra Valley makes it a prime region for producing wine, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best way to experience the Yarra Valley is on a wine tour or by car service so that you can learn about the region while having a designated driver. It’s a big area, but be sure to stop at TarraWarra Estate . It’s a massive property on top of a hill with a cellar door, art gallery, and restaurant. You can do a wine tasting here for AU$10 a person. Yarra Valley is not only known for its wine, but also for producing artisanal cheese, rich chocolate, and craft beer.

Getting There : By car, it’s an hour’s drive from the CBD along M3 toward Maroondah Highway. Otherwise, search for a winery tour or car service that’s right for you and your group. With a car service, you can arrange the pick-up and drop-off location as well as which wineries you’d like to visit.

Travel Tip : For a fun way to experience Yarra Valley, check out this bicycle wine tour . You can cycle through the countryside while stopping at various vineyards and eateries along the way!

Phillip Island: Spot Fairy Penguins

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Phillip Island is a small island off the southern coast that’s known for its wildlife, beaches, and nature walks. The Nobbies is a coastal boardwalk where you can spot Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony by looking through the viewing binoculars. When the sun goes down, be sure to check out the Phillip Island penguin parade . At sunset, a colony of tiny fairy penguins make their way from the water onto the beach.

Getting There : Phillip Island is a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Take M1 and M420 to Phillip Island Link Rd. This is a toll route, so be wary of that if renting a car.

Travel Tip : The penguin parade is a popular event on Phillip Island. Tickets are required for general viewing, so if you know it’s something you want to do, book in advance.

Grampians National Park: Scenic Hikes

There are plenty of hikes within Grampians National Park . It just depends on how far you want to walk and how much of a challenge you’re craving. An easy and popular hike is the Balconies Walk, a one-mile hike to panoramic views of Victoria Valley. To break a sweat, Hollow Mountain is a two-hour hike with a bit of rock climbing involved. It leads to a wide-open view of Wimmera Plain. 

Getting There : Grampians National Park is a three-hour drive from the city along the Western Freeway. You can also take the train by getting on the V/Line at Southern Cross Station direct to Ararat with connecting coach services to other parts of the region.

Travel Tip : Pack a lunch and snacks for a day trip to the Grampians. There are very few restaurants in town.

Torquay: Beach and Surfing

Torquay is Australia’s surfing capital where you’ll find big swells, fearless surfers, and laid back beach culture. This town is where brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver were born, which you can learn about at the Australian Surf Museum . Bells Beach and Jan Juc Beach are the best spots to have a picnic and watch professional surfers shred the rolling waves. 

Getting There : It’s an hour’s drive from the city along M1 toward Warun. Take the exit toward Torquay. It’s possible to get to Torquay via public transportation, but it would take two trains, one bus, and two hours.  

Travel Tip : If you’re in town during Easter, try to catch the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition at Bells Beach.

Wilsons Promontory National Park: Hikes and Beaches

At the southernmost tip of mainland Australia is a vast national park called Wilsons Promontory . It’s a beautiful area for camping, hiking, and spotting wildlife. When you’re there, take on the Tidal River to Pillar Point hiking trail. It’s a quiet 2.5-mile walk with ocean views along the way. Mount Oberon is a four-mile return track that zig-zags up to the summit. Once you’re at the top, it’s unobstructed views of the surrounding park. 

Getting There : Wilsons Prom is a two and a half-hour drive from the city of Melbourne. Take the South Gippsland Highway (M420) until you reach the exit labeled Korumburra/Leongatha/Wilsons Promontory. Then follow the signs into the park. 

Travel Tip : Be sure to visit Squeaky Beach during your day trip to Wilsons Prom. It’s filled with pure white sand that literally squeaks under your toes. 

Mornington Peninsula: Peninsula Hot Springs

For relaxation, take a day trip down the Mornington Peninsula to the natural hot springs. It’s a spa with thermal hot baths and private pools in a peaceful, outdoor setting. The Hilltop Pool, in particular, has a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding region. There are also options for dining, accommodation, wellness retreats, and massages if you’d prefer to upgrade your relaxation experience. 

Getting There : It’s about an hour and a half drive from Melbourne CBD to the hot springs. Take M3 towards Mornington Peninsula, then continue onto Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Browns Road to Springs Lane. There’s also a shuttle service that will take you to and from the hot springs from the city for AU$130. That price includes entry to the Bath House. The shuttle service is only available on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. 

Travel Tip : Get to the Peninsula Hot Springs before 9 a.m. for a discounted ticket. When you finish at the spa, continue a 20-minute drive to Sorrento for lunch at Rusty’s Cafe Bar and Grill .

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The Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne – Our Top Picks

If you’re looking for some of the best day hikes near Melbourne, you’re in luck. This area is filled with some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world, and there are plenty of trails to explore. Here are our top picks for the best day hikes near Melbourne.

The Dandenong Ranges National Park

Located just outside of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. There are plenty of trails to explore, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Some of the best hikes in the park include the Kokoda Memorial Walk and the Sherbrooke Falls Trail.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic drives in Australia, but it’s also home to some of the best day hikes near Melbourne. The coastal trails offer incredible views of the ocean, and the scenery is simply stunning. Some of the best hikes include the Great Ocean Walk and the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Located about 3 hours from Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory National Park is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. The park has a variety of hiking trails, including the Wilsons Promontory Circuit, the Mount Oberon Summit Walk, and the Squeaky Beach Trail.

The Grampians National Park

Located about 3 hours from Melbourne, the Grampians National Park is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Australia. The park has a variety of hiking trails, including the Pinnacle Walk, the Mackenzie Falls Walk, and the Wonderland Loop.

The Yarra Ranges National Park

The Yarra Ranges National Park is located just outside of Melbourne and is home to some of the best day hikes in the area. Some of the best hikes in the park include the Cathedral Ranges Circuit, the Mount Donna Buang Summit Walk, and the Warburton Redwood Forest Walk.

Overall, there are plenty of great day hikes near Melbourne, and these are just a few of our top picks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s something for everyone in this area. So get out there and explore the natural beauty that Melbourne has to offer!

In addition to the hikes we have mentioned, there are many other great day hikes near Melbourne that are worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with steep climbs and rocky terrain, or a more leisurely stroll through the countryside, there is something for everyone in this area.

We encourage you to get out and explore the natural beauty of Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Not only will you get some great exercise and fresh air, but you will also have the opportunity to connect with nature and take in some truly breathtaking scenery.

We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information about the best day hikes near Melbourne. By following our suggestions and exploring some of these stunning trails, you can experience the beauty of this area in a whole new way. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and hit the trails today!

Hiking the 1000 steps (Dandenong Ranges)

5 places to hike near brisbane, you may also like, hiking the grand canyon loop: blue mountains, hiking the spit bridge to manly walk, hiking mount solitary, hiking the royal national park coastal walk, 5 best places to hike near sydney, hiking mount coot-tha, hiking the yarra ranges national park, hiking wilsons prom.

The 6 best day trips from Melbourne without a car

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

A couple sit on the top of Hanging Rock in the Macedon ranges © FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock

Victoria may be perfectly suited to a good old-fashioned road trip , but visitors to Melbourne without their own set of wheels don't have to miss out on seeing the best of what this great Australian state has to offer.

Melbourne's excellent public transport connections mean travelers based in the city can hop on a train or bus to swap the buzz of busy streets for forest walking trails, spa towns and stream train rides – all without worrying about finding a parking space. Here's our guide to the best day trips from Melbourne.

1. Go for a picnic at Hanging Rock

Travel time: 1 hour

North of the city of Melbourne and a sacred site for the Wurundjeri people (the traditional custodians of the land here), enigmatic Hanging Rock  rises dramatically from the plains around it – the result of a volcanic eruption that created a multi-headed mound of lava.

Hanging Rock was made famous by Joan Lindsay’s novel describing the mysterious disappearances of Victorian-era schoolgirls on Valentine’s Day 1900. Picnic at Hanging Rock was later turned into the 1975 film by Australian director Peter Weir and the 2018 TV series starring Natalie Dormer and Yael Stone.

Hanging Rock also makes for an excellent day trip from Melbourne: it’s the perfect place for, well, a picnic. The Discovery Centre will fill you in on the area’s history and geology. After browsing its displays, climb the path to the top of the rock. For refreshments afterward, grab a snack or a beer at the popular Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend on the journey back.

How to get to Hanging Rock from Melbourne:  Hanging Rock is located to the northwest of Melbourne and trains run to Woodend from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne. From Woodend, it’s an 8km (5 mile) walk or cycle (BYO bike) or a 10-minute cab ride to Hanging Rock Reserve.

2. Cycle or walk the Warburton Rail Trail

At its height, Victoria ’s passenger train network stretched into every nook and cranny of the state. Sadly, that reach has long since gone, but over the last decade or so many of the former rail corridors have been transformed into "rail trails" – walking and cycling paths that cut through beautiful scenery and join up towns. The resulting trails are easy to walk or cycle making them an accessible, family-friendly day out.

The easiest rail trail to access from Melbourne is the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail . Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern edge into the Upper Yarra Valley, it’s a delightful 38km (24 mile) route that winds past farmland, native forests, the Yarra River and several small towns, with plenty of food options and charming old-fashioned pubs. Bring your own snacks and water for the main trail walk.

How to get to the Warburton Rail Trail from Melbourne: The trail starts in Lilydale on the eastern edge of Melbourne. Trains run to Lilydale from the center of the city. Bus 683 from Lilydale to Warburton mostly follows the trail, meaning you can hike a smaller section of the route and hop on the bus back to the start if you get tired.

3. Go off-roading on French Island

Travel time: 2 hours

French Island lies just beyond Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, in the center of Western Port Bay. Named by a French exploring expedition in 1802, it has maintained an air of mystery to mainlanders.

The local population and farming activities have waxed and waned over the centuries, and nowadays the islanders live largely off the grid. Considering that 70% of the island is a national park, and there’s no bridge from the mainland and no local transport services, it’s been difficult for visitors to get to grips with its history and landscapes.

Today, however, Naturaliste Tours does a regular tour of the island, with members riding aboard a chunky ex-mining vehicle that can handle the rough tracks that drive into its interior. Highlights include a visit to the Pobblebonk Swamp with its resident frogs, a drive through an abandoned chicory farm with its eerie deserted buildings and koala-spotting among the trees on the island, with the tour culminating in a visit to the  French Island General Store , the island’s only shop. Lunches, bike hire and accommodation are also available here.

How to get to French Island from Melbourne:  French Island is located southeast of Melbourne. To reach it, catch a suburban train to Frankston, then change to a V/Line train to Stony Point. From here the French Island ferry  sails at approximately two-hour intervals.

4. Step back in time at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat

Travel time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

The regional city of Ballarat was the epicenter of the Gold Rush of the 1850s – one of the greatest the world has ever seen. Over the following decades, the rough-and-tumble miners’ town grew into a graceful city, with plenty of frontier excitement along the way.

Those heady days are relived at Sovereign Hill , a historical village constructed around a former gold mine in the city’s suburbs. It’s an impressive place, with the streets lined by painstakingly researched replicas of buildings from the Gold Rush era, from pubs to Chinese temples. Many of these demonstrate crafts and trades of that period. There are several places to eat on-site, from the Hope Bakery to the dining room of the United States Hotel.

Family-friendly activities include gold panning, horse-and-carriage rides and a tour of an old mine shaft. To add to the fun, costumed actors regularly stage entertaining (and historically correct) performances throughout the site. If you have time, other local attractions worth a visit in the region are the Ballarat Wildlife Park and the acclaimed Art Gallery of Ballarat .

How to get to Ballarat from Melbourne:  Ballarat is situated to the west of Melbourne. Trains run direct from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Ballarat Station.

5. Soak in mineral springs in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Marketed as the "spa center of Victoria," these conjoined towns are hugely popular as a weekend getaway for Melburnians. Set among the scenic hills, lakes and forests of Central Highlands, it's a fabulous year-round destination where you can soak away your troubles in warm, mineral-rich waters and dine in some of regional Victoria's best eateries. The local population is an interesting blend of New Agers, urbanites and down-to-earth farmers and it's incredibly LGBTIQ+ friendly.

The health-giving properties of the area’s mineral springs were first claimed in the 1870s, attracting droves of fashionable Melburnians. The well-preserved and restored buildings show the prosperity of these towns, as well as the lasting influence of the many Swiss-Italian miners who came to work the tunnel mines in the surrounding hills. Aside from the various springs and bathhouses, there are also picnic spots, BBQ areas, children's playgrounds and walking trails to enjoy.

How to get to Daylesford from Melbourne:  The quickest way to get to Daylesford is to catch a train from Southern Cross Station in central Melbourne to Woodend, then hop on a bus to Daylesford.

6. Tour the Dandenongs on the historic Puffing Billy steam train

Taking a train to take a train ride sounds like a strange way to spend a day, but then Puffing Billy is no ordinary train. Holding fond memories for many Melburnians, the Puffing Billy is an iconic restored steam train that toots its way through the Dandenong mountain range from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook on a five-hour return trip.

It's possible to hop on and hop off en route to enjoy a picnic or walk and it's a great day out for younger travelers and train enthusiasts especially. A diesel locomotive replaces the steam engine on total fire ban days (these are days in Victoria when the heat is extreme and fires are not allowed to be lit anywhere).

How to get to Puffing Billy Railway from Melbourne:  The Puffing Billy Railway is located to the east of the city. The easiest way to reach it is by train from Parliament Station in central Melbourne to Belgrave Station.

This article was first published January 2019 and updated October 2023

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Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, Red Hill South, Victoria © Robyn Lea, Brand Victoria

6 great day trips from Melbourne

World-class wineries, grand ocean road trips, mineral-rich hot springs – discover them all easily within a day’s drive of Melbourne.

  By Ute Junker

Few cities are as perfectly positioned for day tripping as Melbourne. Just an hour or two out of town, you can find yourself walking through ancient rainforests, watching wild penguins and koalas, or admiring world-class art. Throw in pretty seaside towns, a 100-year-old steam train and some of the best restaurants in the country, and you have plenty of reasons to get out of town.

Soak up the delights of Daylesford

Lake House, Daylesford, Victoria © Andrew Vukosav, Visit Victoria

Where: a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne.

With a scenic Central Highland setting and a healthy dose of style,  Daylesford  makes for an easy day out. Spend the morning browsing the enticing shops and galleries. Highlights include the sprawling Paradise Bookshop, the atmospheric  Convent Gallery  and artist David Bromley’s spectacular studio and gallery, Bromley and Co . Follow that with an indulgent lunch at  Lake House , one of Australia’s best regional restaurants. Another good choice is  Frank and Connie's Kitchen  down the road in Hepburn Springs where you will also find the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa . Finish the day with a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters, and perhaps a massage, before heading back to Melbourne.

Get a taste of the Great Ocean Road

Lorne, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria

Unmissable experience

In the heart of the Otways is a spectacular forest of Californian Redwoods . Stroll through towering trees, visit nearby waterfalls and enjoy a picnic before continuing your journey.

Where: The Great Ocean Road begins 90 minutes south-west of the city, in Torquay.

The  Great Ocean Road  is best explored over a couple of days; however, if you only have a day, you can still take in the highlights of the eastern end of the route. Start your journey from Torquay, one of Australia’s best-known surf towns and home to both the Rip Curl and Quiksilver surfwear labels. A further 45 minutes down the road,  Lorne  is another charming seaside town, known for its lively arts scene (don’t miss  Qdos Arts ) and its one-kilometre (0.6-mile) long beach. You might like to grab some lunch here before continuing on to the Great Ocean Road's most famous sight the  12 Apostles . Nearby, the striking Loch Ard Gorge is also worth visiting before you head back to Melbourne.

Savour the Yarra Valley's wine and wildlife

Domaine Chandon Winery, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Adrian Brown, Tourism Australia

Where: about an hour drive north-east of the city.

Wineries aren’t the only attraction in the  Yarra Valley . Your first stop,  Coombe , is a historic house with heritage gardens that belonged to Australia’s first international opera star, Dame Nellie Melba. From here, it’s a quick drive to  Domaine Chandon , one of Australia’s premier producers of sparkling wine. After sampling the bubbles, head on to  Healesville Sanctuary  to encounter kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, lyrebirds, platypus and Tasmanian devils. Ready for some more wine tasting?  Innocent Bystander  and  TarraWarra Estate  are both recommended, and each has an excellent restaurant. Stop in at the  TarraWarra Museum of Art , which has a fabulous collection of acclaimed Australian artists such as Brett Whiteley, before heading back to Melbourne.

Green up in the Dandenongs

National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda, Victoria © Parks Victoria

Where: a one-hour drive east of Melbourne.

The  Dandenongs’  tall forests and glorious gardens are a perfect escape from the city. Start your adventures at  National Rhododendron Gardens . Its 42 hectares (104 acres) are filled with azaleas, camellias and cherries as well as rhododendrons. From here, it’s a short drive to Kallista, where Grants Picnic Ground is the start of a beautiful 6.6-kilometre (four-mile) circular walk in Sherbrooke Forest through fern-filled gullies where kookaburras and cockatoos make their homes. Continue on to another of the area’s charming villages, Belgrave, to take a trip into the past on a 100-year-old steam train known as  Puffing Billy . Book in for an on-board lunch and enjoy the return journey through the area’s towering forests before making your way back to Melbourne. 

Discover the natural beauty of Phillip Island

Forest Caves Beach, Phillip Island, Victoria © David Hannah, Visit Victoria

Where: about a two-hour drive south of the city.

Aim to reach the fishing village of San Remo before midday to watch the daily feeding of the pelicans and stingrays. From here, a bridge takes you to  Phillip Island . Take a walk around rugged Cape Woolamai with its striking pink granite cliffs and golden sweep of sand. Next stop for motor sport fans will be the  Grand Prix Circuit  that hosts the Motorcycle Grand Prix each October; take a guided tour or do laps with a professional driver. After lunch take an  eco-cruise  to admire one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. Finish the day at the  Penguin Parade , when hundreds of little penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach after a day swimming at sea. The island is also home to a koala reserve where you can walk along an elevated boardwalk to see koalas close up in their natural habitat.

Where to meet Australia's cutest animals

Go coastal on the Mornington Peninsula

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Red Hill South, Victoria © Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove

Where: about an hour south of the city.

Its pretty seaside villages, superb wineries and restaurants make the  Mornington Peninsula  a wonderful year-round destination. Take the inland route to reach the  McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery  at Langwarrin which showcases more than 100 works by well-known Australian artists. From here, start exploring the area’s celebrated wineries known for pinot noir and cool-climate chardonnay. Many of the best wineries, such as  Montalto  and  Ten Minutes by Tractor , also have acclaimed restaurants that are a great choice for lunch. After lunch, head to Peninsula Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in their thermal mineral baths before exploring historic seaside towns such as Portsea and Sorrento, which both feature well-preserved heritage buildings and beautiful beaches with great snorkelling. From Sorrento, enjoy the car ferry trip to the equally inviting town of Queenscliff, before heading back to Melbourne.

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The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the celestial event?

We know Americans should wear certified eclipse glasses when looking directly at the eclipse. And millions of Americans are in the eclipse's path of totality , the moment that occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun's light from reaching us. During totality, the eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path. If you plan to drive during this time, you may not only have to contend with traffic , but need to take steps to stay safe.

Here's what to know about driving during the eclipse.

Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away

Is it safe to drive during an eclipse?

It's safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse.

"Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," Diaz said.

Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving

It should go without saying, but authorities are also reminding people to not drive while wearing eclipse glasses .

The Missouri and Texas departments of transportation are both advising drivers to not wear eclipse glasses during the natural phenomenon and to focus on the road.

"Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving," reads a list of safety tips from the Texas department. Thousands people are expected to drive to towns along the path of totality, including Dallas, ahead of the eclipse.

Several state transportation departments  released similar warnings  ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming's, for example, warned people traveling to the state about how they wouldn't be able to see the road with solar eclipse glasses on.

"When the glasses are worn, a person shouldn’t be able to see anything except the solar eclipse, which is why it is unsafe for a person to wear them when driving," the warning reads.

"Eclipse glasses are for eclipse viewing, not driving. They shouldn’t be treated like normal sunglasses," Diaz said.

5 Multi-Day Hikes in the U.S. for Luxury Travelers

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 10, 2024

The Wallowa Mountains are one of many natural spaces you can explore on these hikes.

Photo by Mark Lemaire/Shutterstock

Looking for a way to spend time outdoors, crush miles, and explore backcountry wilderness—but aren’t too keen on cooking your meals over a camp stove or sleeping in the dirt? No problem. These five hikes around the United States offer ample time in nature, but you can still kick it in relative luxury and style at the end of the day. That way, you’re practically guaranteed to be rested and rejuvenated for another round of hiking on Day Two (or Three or Four).

Minam River Lodge, Wallowa Mountains

• Book now: Minam River Lodge ; $295–$795

Located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Eastern Oregon, the Wallowa Mountains are a popular spot for backpacking among Pacific Northwesterners. Those who want to explore the backcountry without lugging all their gear for a few nights in the woods can enjoy the big views and quiet stillness of the region thanks to the Minam Lodge.

The wilderness lodge is only accessible by foot (via an eight-and-a-half-mile hike on Horse Ranch Trail from Moss Springs Trailhead), horseback riding, or flying in via chartered plane. It offers accommodations like private cabins and lodge rooms, plus wood-fired hot tubs to soak your tired feet and legs. There is a three-night minimum, so take some time to explore the miles of wilderness trails around the lodge, too, including the stunning Backbone Ridge Trail or North Minam Meadows.

Lodges along the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park

• Book now: Hike Lodge to Lodge in Shenandoah National Park ; $50–$431 per night

For a luxurious introduction to the famed Appalachian Trail, head to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for a two- or three-night self-guided tour along this brief but scenic stretch of the 2,190-mile trail, You’ll hike from Lewis Mountain Cabins to Big Meadows Lodge to Skyland, which are operated by authorized park concessionaire Delaware North Parks and Resorts at Shenandoah.

Each day, you’ll trek between seven to nine miles through deciduous forests and past soft green peaks, traveling from one night’s accommodations to the next. Big Meadows and Skyland offer hikers packed lunches and trail memorabilia if you book a hiking package in advance online or by calling the reservation line. (You can also book each stay individually, but lunch won’t be included.) The reservations office will also share contact info for shuttle services to take you back to your car at the end of the one-way journey.

Valley of the Moon, Sonoma Valley

• Book now: Valley of the Moon ; $1,925 per person

Less of a point-to-point hike and more of a self-guided tour of state and local parks, the Sonoma Valley Hikers Trek offered by California-based Wine Country Trekking is a combination of long hikes in picturesque locations such as Kenwood and Glen Ellen, wine tastings overlooking vineyards, and dinner at local restaurants. And yes, breakfast, wine samples, and luggage transfers are included. Over five days and four nights, you’ll spend three days hiking (the first and last days are reserved for arrival and relaxing before departure) about eight to nine miles per day up mountains, past lakes, and through orchards. You’ll also partake in picnic lunches, sip wine from local vineyards, and relax at luxury inns along the way. Depending on the day, you may be transported to and from trailheads for occasionally strenuous hikes, or you may hoof it to each destination. Either way, you’ll have earned your libations at the end of the day.

Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon National Park

• Book now: Phantom Ranch ; $213 per night
• Book now: Wildland Trekking ; from $1,650 per person

For a truly majestic and worthwhile hiking experience, lace up your boots, stock up on electrolytes, and hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in Arizona for a stay alongside the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch . While more rustic than luxurious, these stone cabins still offer essential amenities, including bedding, a private bathroom, and towels, plus heat and air-conditioning. There’s a central shower house, and the Phantom Ranch Canteen is open for breakfast and dinner (you’ll want to order packed lunches for hikes).

While with good physical fitness you can hike down either Bright Angel or North Kaibab Trail in one day and back up the next (though you can also stay a few nights), we recommend you stay longer if you can. The views from the bottom of the canyon, including verdant riparian environments along the creeks and river and towering red cliffs on every side, are arguably more impressive than from the rim. Usually, reservations are available only via lottery, which must be entered months in advance. Prefer a guided trip? Wildland Trekking , a third-party tour operator, offers an all-inclusive two- or three-day hike and stay at Phantom Ranch.

Ozark Highlands Trail, White Rock Mountain and Lake Fort Smith State Park

• Book now: White Rock Mountain Lodge and Cabins ; $133–223 per night
• Book now: Lake Fort Smith State Park ; $155–$175 per night

Located in Northwest Arkansas, the 270-mile Ozark Highlands Trail is brimming with hiking opportunities that run through state parks and the Ozark National Forest. While the whole trail can be completed as a thru-hike over a few weeks, visitors can tackle a section or two and still see plenty of waterfalls, rivers, and forested trails. Book a private cabin at Lake Fort Smith State Park (operated by the park), the trail’s starting point in Northwest Arkansas, and you can experience 17 miles of the trail before stopping at a private cabin at White Rock Mountain Lodge and Cabins , operated by White Rock Recreation Management. Both destinations are fully equipped with kitchens and private bathrooms, but you’ll have to bring your own linens to White Rock Mountain. (Note: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation back to the starting trailhead.)

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