One of the finest ways to fulfil your desire for a low-stress outdoor adventure is to visit one of Melbourne and larger Victoria's hiking and walking paths. While hiking is most popular in the summer, there isn't a better way to stay warm and get your heart rate up in the winter. We've compiled a list of top sites for Hiking in Melbourne with a variety of gorgeous paths, unusual wildlife, and local attractions.
1. Australian Alps Walking Track, Walhalla
For this one, you must rise early. A charming gold mining community, Walhalla has undergone few alterations since the 1900s. Additionally, it marks the start of the Australian Alps Walking Trail. Wander through the treetops above this unusual town before moving down into fern-filled gullies. This walk is fantastic since it leads all the way to Canberra.
If you feel tired somewhat, you may always walk to Thomson station and ride the vintage steam train back to Walhalla.
2. Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park is about a three hours drive from Melbourne's central business district. It's another point for hiking in Melbourne with a wide range of obstacles, from easy walks to challenging climbs. For example, to see MacKenzie Falls' splendour, you can either descend 260 steep stairs or scramble up the granite cliff walls to the Pinnacle Lookout. But if you want to see snow, you can hike to the top of Mt. William, the tallest point in the Grampians at 1167 meters. You will frequently notice snow coverings in the distance on chilly winter days.
3. Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail
Only an hour's drive south of Melbourne, Bushranger's Bay has long been one of the city's favourite day treks. Two escaped prisoners inspired the naming of the bay.
It is a little stretch of gravelly beach bordered by dark basalt cliffs, with sharp rock pools and some seriously terrifying rip currents.
The Cape Schanck parking lot starts the Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail, which extends 6 kilometers along the cliffs. The Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Main Creek, rocky, windswept beaches, and groves of shaded Banksia trees can all be seen from here, making it possibly the best coastal location in all of Victoria.
4. Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk
This short circuit track is located in the woods north of Noojee, about two hours drive from the city.
Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls are two waterfalls that are part of the Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk. The walk begins close to the campsite and follows the river for its whole length. There shouldn't be too much difficulty for children. It should take roughly 90 minutes to complete the entire 2.2-kilometer course.
It is an excellent alternative if you've previously completed some of Melbourne's more well-known hikes.
5. Flinders Peak Walk
This hike will take you to the highest peak of the You Yangs, starting from the Turntable parking lot. There are 450 steps, some of which have a high incline. The You Yangs, a group of unusual granite mountains between Melbourne and Geelong, are formed from flat, volcanic plains. The You Yangs is an excellent park for mountain biking and hiking. It features clearly marked horse paths, walking trails, and two mountain biking zones with more than 50 kilometres of thrilling terrain suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.
The park is also well-known for its rock climbing, breathtaking views, birdlife, bushwalks, and picnics.
6. Morning Peninsula Walk
The Mornington Peninsula Walk connects four shorter strolls around Victoria's stunning, rocky peninsula. This epic adventure will last for a few days from beginning to end, taking you to beaches, historical sites, lighthouses, and bushlands.
You can also select one of the shorter paths to tackle initially if you're looking for something with a little less of a commitment. The Coastal Walk and Sea Trail, as their names imply, provide numerous vantage points from which you can experience Mornington's breathtaking bay views.
7. The Domino Rail Trail
The Domino Rail Trail is a beautiful 6-mile walk that begins at Trentham's former train station and meanders through the surrounding countryside. It follows the non-functional tracks. As you reach the Wombat State Forest, you'll encounter everything from farmland to dense bush along the road.
It's best to end the day with some well-deserved food at a local pub provided at this point of Hiking in Melbourne.
8. Hanging Rock Trail
Rumoured to have been the location of bushranger "Mad Dog" Morgan's camp and made famous by the classic Australian book and movie, this 1.9-kilometre out-and-back walk to Hanging Rock peak is where you can have a picnic offers a birds-eye perspective of the nearby Macedon and Cobaw ranges.
This area for hiking in Melbourne is rich in wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a wide variety of birds, as well as an abundance of wildflowers. The short trek begins at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre and will get your heart rate up with some steep areas that can be hazardous on rainy days. However, the hike's main draws are the iconic mound of massive granite tors and the 6-million-year-old rocks and granite boulders.
9. Organ Pipes National Park
A lovely place to hike in Melbourne is Organ Pipes National Park, where Jackson Creek meanders at the base of the ancient volcanic basalt columns and offers chances for water play and serene picnic areas.
The entire Organ Pipes route will lead you past the park's three geologically significant features: the tessellated pavement, rosette rock, and basalt columns that resemble organ pipes, giving the park its name.
Although there are some mountainous places, the track is generally of good quality throughout the park.
10. Lerderderg State Park
One of the nicest places for hiking in Melbourne if you want to feel far away from anywhere is this one! At the Lerderderg State Park, which features wildlife, untamed wilderness, and the Lerderderg River in a deep valley cut through the park's sandstone and slate, you'll feel much further away than you actually are.
This stroll begins at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area and spends a sizable chunk of its length following the river's flow. You'll have to perform some rock-hopping and perhaps even cross a river.
11. Steavenson Falls
This walk can be started at the Steavenson Falls parking lot, allowing you to begin your trip with a view of one of the tallest (and most impressive) waterfalls in the state.
You'll start your ascent on a rocky gravel trail after passing the De La Rue overlook if you follow the signs to the Keppel Lookout. There are many hills, and if it has recently rained, the trail may be extremely slippery, so be ready: pack plenty of water, food, and strong shoes.
The hike's halfway point, the Keppel Lookout, offers sights that, on a clear day, extend over to the Cathedral Ranges.
12. Cathedral Range State Park
Although Neds Gully Track is a terrific location to start, there are many beautiful walks to take in the Cathedral Ranges. Neds Saddle and Neds Gully are reached after a steady ascent. The park's highest peak, Cathedral Peak, is reached from there at an elevation of 840 meters via a route that splits off.
The road meanders through arid woodlands and forested gorges, passing a variety of habitats and wildlife. The trail is suitable for experienced bushwalkers and frequent hikers because it is easy to follow yet has uneven ground. The trail splits at Ned's Saddle, offering a variety of tougher trails for fearless and fit hikers.
13. Echo Flat Walk
Near Melbourne, Lake Mountain offers some of the best places for bushwalking. It is an excellent opportunity to discover Victoria's alpine terrain, with various pathways set out for your enjoyment. The treks range in difficulty from short (250 meters) to long (eight kilometres), with some locations offering breathtaking views and places to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Starting at Lake Mountain Village, the Echo Flat Walk is a short interpretive stroll along the ski tracks.
14. Point Nepean Walk
One of the best areas to walk and explore is the 542-hectare Point Nepean National Park, which has a variety of paths of varying lengths and a wealth of sights to view along this magnificent coastline walk. Depending on your speed and how much time you spend touring the old historic quarantine station and World War II military defences, the entire 14.5km return walk should take 2-4 hours. You may reach the point of the well-known Point Nepean by taking the beach and forest trails, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff, and Bass Strait across the Bass Strait.
15. Beauchamp Falls Walk
Beauchamp Falls, a 3 km hike that leads to one of Victoria's best-hidden waterfalls that cascades for 20 meters, must be included on any list of the most fantastic trails for hiking in Melbourne. Starting at the picnic area, the occasionally challenging walk leads you through mountain ash forests filled with big myrtle beach, blackwood, and thick ferns to the viewing platform. When wet or on the steep parts of the hike, the track can be somewhat treacherous. Another stunning waterfall is available nearby at Hopetoun Falls, which is only down the road from Beauchamp Falls if you're looking for a shorter hike.
Put on a pair of walking boots and head out onto the wilderness. Some of the best places for Hiking in Melbourne are only a short drive from Melbourne, making them ideal for day trips. Wander through routes along coastal cliffs, follow huge rainforest trees to gushing waterfalls, and ascend peaks that look out over vast plains.