Mountain ranges, sandy beaches, rugged bushland, and desert dunes call Victoria home. With a variety of hiking trails from multi-day adventures to quick day trips, there's plenty to get you out there exploring what this state has to offer.
To help you plan your adventure, we've put together a list of ten of our favourite hikes around Victoria.
Caution: Before any hike, always check relevant park management websites for updated information on track conditions, closures, or dangers.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Length: 10.2 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 318 m
- Need to know: Wear sturdy footwear as the track has very rocky and muddy sections. No dogs are allowed on the track. An anti-clockwise route is recommended.
Hikers traverse rugged terrain, steep ascents, and river crossings. The trail showcases stunning views of the gorge, with rocky outcrops and native flora. Notable features include the iconic Needles and a challenging rock scramble. The diverse landscape, from eucalyptus forests to riverbanks, provides a unique hiking experience. Exercise caution on the challenging sections and relish the rewarding panoramas along this captivating circuit.
- Duration: 3 - 4 hours
- Length: 8.5 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 488 m
- Need to know: Part of this route at the southern exit staircase is temporarily inaccessible, but you can still enjoy this trail as a return walk or with a slightly longer detour around the canyon with an extra 2 km.
The Halls Gap to the Pinnacle Loop offers a captivating hike through diverse landscapes. The walk begins in Halls Gap and winds through eucalyptus forests and rocky terrain. As you ascend, the trail unveils panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and once you reach the top, you'll have a 360-degree view of the Grampians. Descend through rugged slopes, completing the loop with a sense of accomplishment amidst the park's unique flora and fauna. We recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Duration: 5 - 6 hours
- Length: 16.6 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 657 m
- Need to know: Dog-friendly walk, accessible with public transport from Melbourne city. Steep incline at the start and rough descend towards the end.
With diverse terrain and stunning scenery, we highly recommend this loop if you've got time up your sleeve. The Mount Macedon Loop, nestled near Melbourne, offers nature enthusiasts a picturesque hiking experience. The diverse terrain includes lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning vistas, providing a rewarding challenge. For convenience, the Mount Macedon Regional Park is accessible via public transport, allowing easy commute options from Melbourne city. With well-marked paths and great views, both hikers and their dogs can enjoy this trail, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and fur parents alike.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Length: 6.4 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 254 m
- Need to know: The best time to visit this trail is September through May.
Meandering along rugged cliffs, this trail provides stunning views of the Southern Ocean. You'll encounter diverse wildlife and seabirds before reaching the main attraction—a thriving seal colony. Observe these majestic creatures basking on the rocks and playing in the water. The trail, though short, immerses hikers in the natural beauty of the area, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Duration: 6-8 days
- Length: 97 km (but can be done in sections)
- Elevation Gain: 2714 m
- Need to know: The best time to visit this trail is November to March. Not dog-friendly.
One of the longest multi-day hikes near Melbourne, the Great Ocean Walk is popular in the warmer months. Starting in Apollo Bay and hiking west to the Twelve Apostles, the hike takes between 6-8 days to complete and hugs the famous coastline of the Great Ocean Road.
Much of the walk follows the coast directly, with a few inland ventures that will pass over the undulating grassland and thick rainforests of the Great Otway National Park. Finally, the hike finishes at the world-famous Twelve Apostles landmark, a true sight to behold.
As this is a point-to-point walk, you'll need to sort transport back to your car at the end or take the bus from the Twelve Apostles back to Geelong.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Length: 9.5 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 334 m
- Need to know: Wilsons Promontory National Park is free for day-use visitors; however, permits are required for anyone planning an overnight hike in the park.
Begin in lush rainforest, traversing the Lilly Pilly Track with its vibrant flora. As you ascend towards Mount Bishop, the trail unveils panoramic views of surrounding valleys. Embrace the serenity at Mount Bishop's summit before descending through eucalyptus forests.
- Duration: 5 - 6 hours
- Length: 11.3 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 661 m
- Need to know: Bring plenty of water (we recommend over two litres) and sunblock. Some challenging rocky sections with steep climbs and bouldering.
This moderate hike offers a scenic adventure through lush forests and rocky terrains. Ascend to panoramic viewpoints for stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The trail, adorned with wildflowers, weaves through eucalyptus groves, creating a refreshing atmosphere. With well-marked paths, it's suitable for hikers seeking a moderately challenging — it's a grade 5 hike — yet rewarding experience with some physically demanding bouldering and rough, rocky sections.
- Duration: 2 - 3 hours return
- Length: 2.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 155 m
- Need to know: Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Lots of rock climbing/ scrambling along the track. Wear sturdy footwear.
Hollow Mountain in Grampians National Park offers a captivating hike through diverse landscapes. The trail begins with a gradual ascent, leading hikers through eucalyptus forests and rocky outcrops. As you climb, panoramic views unfold, showcasing the park's rugged beauty. The highlight is reaching the Hollow Mountain summit, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The descent takes you through unique rock formations, providing a rewarding and varied hiking experience.
- Duration: 7 hours one way
- Length: 32 km one way
- Elevation Gain: 379 m
- Need to know: No dogs are allowed on this trail.
The Mornington Peninsula Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views along rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. This scenic hike covers diverse terrains, from coastal bushland to sandy shores. Explore iconic landmarks like Cape Schanck and experience the tranquility of Bushrangers Bay. Don't miss the chance to encounter native wildlife and discover the rich biodiversity of this coastal gem.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Length: 13.4 km loop
- Elevation Gain: 474 m
- Need to know: We recommend hiking boots, to make the rock scrambling a bit easier. It's best to enjoy this park in the shoulder season and not directly after a heavy downpour, as the flooding river can be impassable. Not dog-friendly.
Lerderderg State Park offers a chance to escape and hike close to Melbourne. A popular destination for campers, the East Walk and Cowan Track Loop Walk is the most popular hike in the park, but as it's still a bit challenging, it's often not too busy.
The trail follows the Lerderderg River, so if the river is dry, prepare for rock hopping, but if it's wet, prepare to wade. From there, you'll climb steadily about 200 m towards the top of the Lerderderg Gorge. Views over the river and rugged bushland are stunning, plus you may spot a koala or Spotted Pardalote along the way!
The best way to enjoy this hike is to drive out from Melbourne and camp at the O'Briens Crossing campsite. Use this as a base to explore the park, including the East Walk.