Where Can I Go Hiking In Melbourne?

The Best Melbourne Day Hikes

Excited to go on a bushwalk? If you're looking for a good hiking or walking route near Melbourne, here are some of the greatest options.

You Yangs Regional Park

Bring Dog with you! Between Melbourne and Geelong, you'll find the dog friendly You Yangs National Park. The Flinders Peak Hike, which is 3.2 kilometres long and leads to the highest point in the You Yangs, is the greatest walk to try (with your puppy). There are roughly 450 steps and an elevation gain of about 200 metres, so you may expect to be breathing heavily, but you'll feel like a real champion once you reach the top. The parking lot on Turntable Drive serves as the trail's beginning and ending point.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Beautiful views of Bass Strait may be seen from this coastal cliff top stroll. Starting from the Cape Schanck parking lot, hikers will traverse beach dunes, farmland, and a Banksia woodland. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, chirping birds, and maybe even a kangaroo bouncing across the open fields. Take a refreshing swim at the trail's eponymous beach at the end of your hike.

This hike is a good option for walkers who want to get the most out of their time in the great outdoors, since it provides stunning cliff top views and access to a private beachStart your trek through the scrub woodland two kilometres north of Cape Schanck at the Fingal Picnic Area. Lookouts are not only a great place to rest your weary feet, but also to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Mornington Peninsula's southern tip. Fingal Beach, which you will likely have all to yourself, can be reached at the bottom of many (and we do mean many) steps along the trail. If the tide is low, you can walk another two kilometres or more down the beach to Gunnamatta Beach, where such a loop path will bring you back to the beginning, or you can go the same way (which, yes, entails mounting all those steps). There are benefits to using this method: It's the stairs that you avoid. That it's twice as long a major drawback.

Steavenson Falls

This trip begins at the Steavenson Falls parking lot, giving hikers their first glimpse of one of the state's highest (and most beautiful) waterfalls right off the bat. After passing the De La Rue lookout, you'll be directed to start your trek on a hard gravel trail towards the Keppel Lookout. There are a lot of hills, and if it has rained recently, the route will be very slick, so make sure you have plenty of drink, food, and good shoes. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cathedral Ranges from the Keppel Lookout, which is halfway through the trek. Next, start heading back down towards Falls Road. You can extend your hike by exploring the fern gully if you still have some pep in your step.

Werribee Gorge

There are three reasons to go on this hike: the scenery, the rock scrambling, and, depending on the time of year, the swimming hole at the finish. The trail begins at the Meikles Point parking area and winds around the river and up the rocky summit from there. Then, make your way to the Eastern Lookout on the gorge's edge to take in a bird's-eye view of the park's most spectacular features.

A peculiar aspect of Werribee Gorge is its separation from the city of Werribee itself. It's recommended that you take the M1 south of Melbourne and then turn right (north-west) to head up to Ballarat. Around an hour's hike will get you to Werribee Gorge State Park, where you can explore a canyon system formed out of sandstone over the course of 500 million years. The Werribee Gorge Circuit, a Hike near Melbourne

Several hiking paths may be found within the Gorge, and several of them connect with one another. You'll find a little bit of everything in this collection. Trails, detours, descents, ascents, cable climbs, river crossings, wildlife sightings, and rock-hopping are all in a day's hike. Not everyone is cut out for the circuit walk. There are rock jumps and cable climbs during the course's gruelling 10 kilometres. In addition, summers can be extremely warm. For the best experience, begin your trek around The Quarry in the anticlockwise direction. As a result, you'll reach the end on the scenic route along the river.

Organ Pipes National Park

Nature is so strange. Twenty kilometres to the north of Melbourne, off the Calder Freeway, you'll find the stunning Organ Pipes National Park. The 2.5 million basalt columns in this 121-hectare park have been likened to organ pipes, hence the park's moniker. While at the park, take a stroll around the perimeter on the short circuit. Beginning at the information desk, the walk winds through the park's most notable attractions, such as the Tessellated Pavement, Keilor Plains, and the Organ Pipes.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Finished with the Ten Hundred Foot Walk? This trail in Sherbrooke Forest has a lot of the same verdant foliage as the more popular routes, but with fewer joggers. You can begin the Lyrebird Walk at Grants Picnic Ground by walking through the bird feeding area and along the first segment of the trail bearing that name. The lush vegetation and the occasional kookaburra can be seen if you stick to the occasionally steep trail and turn right at any curve.

Lerderderg State Park

There are a lot of bushes there. Authentic Victorian bush.In addition to its spectacular flora and fauna, Lerderderg is most famous for the 300-metre-deep valley it has carved through the stone and slate that make up the park. This hike begins at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area and goes in a complete round, largely following the river's meandering path. You'll be doing a lot of rock hopping, maybe seeing some ancient mining artefacts, and might even have to ford a river if the forecast calls for it.

Brisbane Ranges National Park

The Brisbane Ranges are a park that boasts some of the best wildflower viewing in the state, so don't let the name put you off. The best route to the creek begins at the Stieglitz Courthouse and continues along Stawell Street. Plants that have long since vanished from other parts of Victoria have been preserved in this area thanks to the unique geology and rocky gullies that can be found here.

Macedon Ranges

Hanging Rock provides a breathtaking panorama of the scenic area to the north of Melbourne. Forget about picnics and fancy clothes, and instead think about the stunning rock formations you'll see on your trip to the peak of Hanging Rock. The path can be rather steep at times, but the reward of getting up and personal with rocks that are estimated to be six million years old is well worth the effort.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Are you aware that sand dunes may be found just over two and a half hours south of Melbourne? It will take some bush bashing to reach this massive system of dunes, known as the Big Drift, as it is tucked away from the typical tourist route. It's best to begin at the campsite's rear and follow the trail as it winds through woods and fields to a final, very steep sand slope. Crawling up the sand is the better option because it is so steep and difficult to walk up. After you get to the top, you'll see what seems like an unending stretch of sandy land, broken up by glimpses of green trees and the ocean every once in a while.

Point Nepean National Park

Some of Victoria's earliest European settlements may be found in this area traditionally occupied by the Boonwurrung people. This 14.5-kilometer round-trip hike will allow you to see it all (along with some breathtaking views of the bay). The walk begins at the Point Nepean entry gate and travels over coastal and woodland roads, past the remnants of the Quarantine Station and other military structures from World War II. You can stop and turn around at any time throughout the route because of its varying flatness.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

This hike begins at the Telegraph Saddle parking lot and ascends Mount Oberon through a winding, forested path to a picture-perfect vista of the Tidal River, the shoreline, and the nearby offshore islands. Though the path itself isn't particularly exciting, the breathtaking views from the peak more than make up for it.

Cathedral Range State Park

The Cathedral Ranges are home to several excellent hiking trails, but Neds Gully Track is a terrific introduction. The trail to Neds Saddle and Neds Gully is a gradual ascent. The path then splits off towards Cathedral Peak, the park's highest peak at 840 metres. This one calls for at least a little bit of bushwalking experience on your part.

Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Getting to the top of any mountain is a gruelling ordeal. The ascent to the pinnacle of Mount Oberon may leave you with sore muscles, but it is well worth it. One of the shortest climbs, although being a tough uphill trek, begins at the parking lot at theOberon's Telegraph Saddle (about 3.4 kilometres, one way). Keep in mind that the peak of the mountain is just 558.12 metres above sea level. A climb up Mount Oberon, not far from Melbourne

When possible, you should schedule this for the first thing in the morning. There are amazing views in every direction when the sun comes up over the Eastern Prom. The water sparkles a vibrant turquoise colour. Those three bays—Norman Bay, Picnic Bay, and Little Oberon Bay—should be visible to the west. If you want to hike up Oberon Summit after dark, you need to have a flashlight.

Grampians National Park

There is a reason bushwalker keep returning to the Grampians. Even though it appears to be rough and rocky at first appearance, tourists will be pleasantly surprised to find hidden waterfalls, hollow mountains, and spectacular natural amphitheatres. Starting from the Sundial parking area, hikers can make their way over interesting geological terrain to a large hunk of rock that looks out over Fyans Valley, known as the Pinnacle. There is an alternative, more challenging route to the same location that begins at the Wonderland parking lot, if you're up for the physical challenge.

Great Otway National Park

The journey down to Beauchamp Falls can feel like you're slipping farther and further into a rabbit hole. One of the best-kept secrets in Victoria is a waterfall, so there's that. If you follow the signs through some mountain ash trees, then down a set of stairs, and then across some rocks, you'll eventually come to this breathtaking 20-metre-tall waterfall. Take your time and watch your step; the rocks are slick when wet, and the ascent up there is steeper than the descent.

Note: Beauchamp Falls is currently unavailable due to maintenance. For the most current information, contact Parks Victoria.

Tongue Point Walking Trail

Taking a stroll along is one of our all-time favourite activities. This is a great route for a stroll in Victoria, and one of our favourites. Tongue Point is a small, bush-covered peninsula that juts out into Darby Bay, and the Tongue Point Walking Trail leads there. Your head will be dwarfed by the massive stones above you, but the vistas of Cotters Beach, Darby Swamp, and the Vereker Range are breathtaking.

The trek to Tongue Point is arduous. One way, it's 9.4 kilometres. The entire process is estimated to take 4.5 hours. This area is typical Prom country, with its worn coastal heath. Echidnas and wombats can frequently be seen snuffling across the trail. Don't miss Fairy Cove if you're in the area; you'll be glad you made the detour.

Alpine National Park

Are you up for a challenge? The Alpine National Park in Victoria is home to a staggeringly lengthy 22-kilometre hike that, for obvious reasons, can only be performed during the warmer months. The trail that leads to Victoria's second-highest peak begins barely 2.5 km from Hotham Village at the Diamantina Hut. You'll spend most of your time on the trail above the treeline, making for a dangerous yet rewarding experience that rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of the mountaintop.

Point Nepean Walk

The fact that Sorrento and Rosebud are visited by so many tourists in a single day is regrettable. The Point Nepean Coastal Walk, however, is a fantastic way to see the southernmost part of the Mornington Peninsula, bordered by Bass Straight to the west and Port Phillip Bay to the east.

The Rip overlook, located midway between the starting point and the ending point of the circuit, offers spectacular views of Cheviot Beach, various gun turrets, and the ruins of Fort Nepean. The trail itself is rather easy hiking for the most part as it travels down the coast and up into the twisting Moonah forests. Shepherd Hut is one of the oldest limestone buildings in Victoria, and the historic gun emplacements are well worth a visit. The south-westerlies can howl off the Bass Strait after being blasted all the way from Antarctica.

Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk

Most Melburnians are familiar with Triplet Falls and Erskine Falls, but few have visited Toorongo Falls in West Gippsland. Instead, this short circuit track may be found in the woods to the north of Noojee, some two hours outside of town. Though you could accomplish everything in a day, we recommend staying the night at the Toorongo Falls Campground. Close to Melbourne is a walking circuit that includes the Toronto Falls.

There are two waterfalls on the Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk: Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls. The trail begins close to the campground and follows the river for some distance. To put it simply, it's laid back. There shouldn't be much of a challenge for even the youngest learners. It will take you roughly 90 minutes to complete the entire 2.2 kilometres. Ideal if you've already explored Melbourne on foot but want something different from the more well-known routes. Explore this link for further information.

Den Of Nargun Circuit Walk

Getting to the Den of Nargun from Melbourne takes a little over three hours, but you won't regret the trip. Located in Mitchell River National Park, this walk is 5 kilometres of gorgeous, forested hiking. The Bataluk Cultural Trail, which focuses on the heritage of the local Gunaikurnai people, passes through this region. den of margin walks around Melbourne's circuit.

The Circuit is timed at just over an hour and a half. Although there are a few strenuous ascents, most of the hike consists of a pleasant stroll through the woods through narrow river valleys, mossy boulders, and several cascading waterfalls. The Den is located about near the centre. In his dream, Nargun visits the cave where "a fearsome creature that really was half-human and half-stone" formerly resided. Beyond the puddle is a cave, which you should respect by not entering.

Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail

The scenic Bushrangers Bay, located just an hour's drive south of Melbourne, is a popular destination for day hikers. The Bay itself was honoured in honour of two fugitives from justice. Swimming is not strictly restricted at Bushrangers, although it is not without risk due to the rugged beach, deep rock pools, and severe rip currents.

Starting at the Cape Schanck parking lot, the Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail continues along the cliffs for a distance of 6 kilometres. You can see the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Main Creek, rocky, windswept beaches, and shady groves of Banksia trees; these are some of the best coastal vistas in all of Victoria. The duration of this activity is estimated at 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

Ironbark Basin Walk

The Ironbark Basin Walk begins at the westernmost end of Bells Beach and continues all the way to Point Addis, avoiding the Jarosite Mine and the Point Addis Marine National Park by staying inland. Walking eastward along the beach from the Point Addis parking lot is possible during low tide, and vice versa at higher tide. Both look out over a vast area that slopes down to the coast. You might even see some echidnas if you're lucky! Paths in Melbourne's Ironbark Basin.

A trip to Ironbark requires a rather easy climb. The terrain is mostly compacted earth with gentle inclines. One should keep a few things in mind. Due to the rangers' concern for the safety of the abundant local wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the trail at Point Addis. Avoid heights and watch out for landslides. If it rains, you should avoid Jarosite Headland. Please stay away from the cliff's edge.

Warburton Redwood Forest Walk

A stroll that inspired a thousand Instagrams. After lockdown, when people were looking for anything that resembled a tree, Authorities eventually forced to restrict access to the Warburton Redwood Forest because of its rising popularity.It's operational again, although it's best to avoid weekends if you want to get any work done. Hike through the redwoods of Warburton, Victoria's neighbouring forest

You can easily see why the Redwoods at Cement Creek are so well-liked. All together, the trunks soar 55 metres into the air. When you lie down on the woodland floor, you'll find a plush blanket of needles. There is complete silence and stillness all around. As a matter of fact, the setting virtually begs to be photographed on social media. A forest of Californian Douglas firs and Bishop pines located about 14 minutes from outside Warburton (1,476 trees in all).

1000 Steps Walk

If the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk was ever a secret, someone let on years ago. Every Sunday morning, people from all over the city's eastern suburbs converge to the '1000 Steps' to huff and puff their way up the three-kilometre course. Of course, some people just like to puff a lot. It would be nice if we had a $1 for every time we got passed on this trail.

The '1000 Steps' are a set of stairs built in the early 1900s that lead up the Dandenong Ranges. It's a steep hill, as the name implies. The next day, your quadriceps will be sore. The majority of the stairways are made of hand-hewn wood or large stones. The trail also features a few rest areas for hikers to take a break at. The nearby Manna Gums are worth a wheeze as you stretch and take in the view from here.

Conclusion

Many scenic forest hikes and walking paths may be found in and around the city. We've compiled a list of eight of Melbourne's best treks and climbs. It is now your responsibility to go and have a look. Werribee Gorge State Park is one of the best places to go trekking in Australia.

From the Keppel Lookout, you can see the Cathedral Ranges in every direction. Trek through a sandstone canyon system that has been forming for 500 million years. The basalt columns in Organ Pipes National Park have been compared to musical instruments. Some of Victoria's best places to see wildflowers may be the Brisbane Ranges. However, the 300-meter-deep ravine that Lerderderg excavated through the stone and slate is the feature for which it is best known.

There are several great routes in the Cathedral Ranges, but Neds Gully Track is a great place to start. Hiking this 14.5-kilometre circuit will provide spectacular views of Mount Oberon, the Tidal River, the coast, and the islands to the south. Mount Oberon is a good option if you're looking for a short but challenging hike. Beauchamp Falls, a 20-meter waterfall, is one of Victoria's best-kept secrets. Tongue Point is a bush-covered peninsula that protrudes into Darby Bay and is perfect for a stroll.

The Alpine National Park in Victoria, Australia, is home to an incredible 22-kilometre trek. The southernmost part of the Mornington Peninsula can be explored by taking the Point Nepean Coastal Walk. Toronto and Toorongo Falls can be seen on the same walking circuit close to Melbourne. Walks along Victoria's coast, such as the Ironbark Basin Walk and the Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail, are among the state's most beautiful sights. Within Mitchell River National Park lies the five-kilometre trek to the Den of Nargun.

These stairs, known as the "1000 Steps," were constructed in the early 20th century and provided access to scenic vantage points in the Dandenong Ranges. Take a hike through the redwoods of Warburton, Victoria's neighbouring forest. When added together, the height of the tree trunks is 55 metres.

Content Summary

• While it's common knowledge that Melbourne is home to some of the world's best coffee, it could be better known that the city also offers a wide variety of beautiful walking trails and forest treks.
• If you're planning your first hike, you should familiarise yourself with our advice for novices.
• Here are some of the greatest options if you're looking for a good hiking or walking route near Melbourne.
• You'll find the dog-friendly You Yangs National Park between Melbourne and Geelong.
• The Flinders Peak Hike, which is 3.2 kilometres long and leads to the highest point in the You Yangs, is the greatest walk to try (with your puppy).
• If the tide is low, you can walk another two kilometres down the beach to Gunnamatta Beach, where such a loop path will bring you back to the beginning, or you can go the same way (which, yes, entails mounting all those steps).
• After passing the De La Rue lookout, you'll be directed to start your trek on a hard gravel trail towards the Keppel Lookout.
• On a clear day, you can see the Cathedral Ranges from the Keppel Lookout, which is halfway through the trek.
• Then, make your way to the Eastern Lookout on the gorge's edge to take a bird's-eye view of the park's most spectacular features.
• A peculiar aspect of Werribee Gorge is its separation from the city of Werribee itself.
• It's recommended that you take the M1 south of Melbourne and turn right (northwest) to head up to Ballarat.
• Around an hour's hike will get you to Werribee Gorge State Park, where you can explore a canyon formed out of sandstone over 500 million years.
• The Werribee Gorge Circuit, a Hike near Melbourne Several hiking paths may be found within the Gorge, and several connect.
• For the best experience, begin trekking around The Quarry in the anticlockwise direction.
• Twenty kilometres to the north of Melbourne, off the Calder Freeway, you'll find the stunning Organ Pipes National Park.
• In addition to its spectacular flora and fauna, Lerderderg is most famous for the 300-metre-deep valley it has carved through the stone and slate that make up the park.
• The Brisbane Ranges is a park that boasts some of the best wildflower viewing in the state, so don't let the name put you off.
• Forget about picnics and fancy clothes; instead, think about the stunning rock formations you'll see on your trip to the peak of Hanging Rock.
• The path can be rather steep at times, but the reward of getting up and personal with rocks estimated to be six million years old is well worth the effort.
• It will take some bush bashing to reach this massive system of dunes, known as the Big Drift, as it is tucked away from the typical tourist route.
• Some of Victoria's earliest European settlements may be found in this area traditionally occupied by the Boonwurrung people.
• This 14.5-kilometre round-trip hike will allow you to see it all (along with some breathtaking views of the bay).
• The Cathedral Ranges is home to several excellent hiking trails, but Neds Gully Track is a terrific introduction.
• The trail to Neds Saddle and Neds Gully is a gradual ascent.
• The ascent to the pinnacle of Mount Oberon may leave you with sore muscles, but it is well worth it.
• Remember that the mountain's peak is just 558.12 metres above sea level.
• A climb up Mount Oberon, not far from Melbourne. You should schedule this for first thing in the morning.
• If you want to hike up Oberon Summit after dark, you must have a flashlight.
• The journey down to Beauchamp Falls can feel like slipping further into a rabbit hole.
• One of the best-kept secrets in Victoria is a waterfall, so there's that.
• Don't miss Fairy Cove if you're in the area; you'll be glad you made the detour.
• The Alpine National Park in Victoria is home to a staggeringly lengthy 22-kilometre hike that, for obvious reasons, can only be performed during the warmer months.
• The trail that leads to Victoria's second-highest peak begins barely 2.5 km from Hotham Village at the Diamantina Hut.
• The Point Nepean Coastal Walk is a fantastic way to see the southernmost part of the Mornington Peninsula, bordered by Bass Straight to the west and Port Phillip Bay to the east.
• Most Melburnians are familiar with Triplet Falls and Erskine Falls, but only some have visited Toorongo Falls in West Gippsland.
• It will take you roughly 90 minutes to complete the entire 2.2 kilometres.
• Getting to the Den of Nargun from Melbourne takes over three hours, but you will be okay with the trip.
• The scenic Bushrangers Bay, located just an hour's drive south of Melbourne, is a popular destination for day hikers.
• Starting at the Cape Schanck parking lot, the Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail continues along the cliffs for 6 kilometres.
• Due to the rangers' concern for the safety of the abundant local wildlife, dogs are not allowed on the trail at Point Addis.
• After the lockdown, when people were looking for anything that resembled a tree, Authorities eventually forced them to restrict access to the Warburton Redwood Forest because of its rising popularity.
• Hike through the redwoods of Warburton, Victoria's neighbouring forest. You can easily see why the Redwoods at Cement Creek are so well-liked.
• If the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk was ever a secret, someone let on years ago.
• Every Sunday morning, people from all over the city's eastern suburbs converge to the '1000 Steps' to huff and puff their way up the three-kilometre course.
• The '1000 Steps' are a set of stairs built in the early 1900s that lead up the Dandenong Ranges.