The 16 Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne 2025

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 hikes in Melbourne itself!

We’ve done some digging and sniffed out the best one-day hikes in and around 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?

Exit the car park for stunning views of our best national parks on your day trip or family outing to the best hiking trails and natural landscapes in the state.

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.

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1. Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail

Location: Mornington Peninsula National Park
Distance: 10km return
Time from Melbourne: 85 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Ideal weather conditions: Low winds and a clear sky

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 hike 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 via Visit Victoria

2. Point Nepean Hike

Location: Mornington Peninsula National Park
Distance: 14.5km
Time from Melbourne: 90 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Low winds and a clear sky

You can hike all the way out to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula along the Point Nepean Hike. 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

Location: You Yangs Regional Park
Distance: 3km return
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Clear sky and a light breeze

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!

Read more: Best Dog Friendly Walks Melbourne

@jessleenehme

4. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

Location: Upper Ferntree Gully, Dandenong Ranges National Park
Distance: 3km return
Time from Melbourne: 40 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: No rain and low humidity

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.

@jessleenehme

5. Sherbrooke Falls Trail

Location: Dandenong Ranges National Park
Distance: 2.4km
Time from Melbourne: 50 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Day after rain and mild temperatures

Starting from the Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground, the Sherbrooke Falls Trail is a peaceful alternative to the Insta-famous 1000 steps. Deep in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, it’s a gentle hike beneath towering ferns and stunning Mountain Ash trees on your way to the tranquil goodness of Sherbrooke Falls.

It’s one of the nicest short walks you can do in the Dandenongs and as far as walking trails go Sherbrooke Falls Trail is very well maintained. The waterfall is cute, but slightly underwhelming compared to the majestic forest all around it. Visit the day after rain for a more impressive waterfall.

@jabjab01

6. Werribee Gorge Circuit Hike

Location: Werribee Gorge State Park
Distance: 10km
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Low wind and some cloud cover

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! Head there on a day with low wind and some cloud cover for protection – it’s pretty exposed and the glare is intense. 

@scotty.runacres

7. Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit via Sugarloaf Peak

Location: Nanadhong (Cathedral Ranges)
Distance: 10.6km
Time from Melbourne: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Ideal weather conditions: Clear, dry day

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 Hike

Location: Lerderderg State Park
Distance: 13.5km
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Ideal weather conditions: Lower temperature (climbing is hot work!) and no rain

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

It’s also a deceptively challenging hike and unfortunately it’s not uncommon to see hikers and nature lovers heading out unprepared. While there’s picnic areas and a great mid-hike swimming hole, for most of your time out there you’ll be doing a steady uphill hike and you’ll need appropriate footwear, plenty of sun protection and a PLB, just in case.

There are also multiple river crossings to navigate so either bring sandals, or make sure your hiking boots are waterproof.

Lerderderg Gorge is just a short drive from Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the most challenging hikes in Victoria.

Read more: Lerdergerg Gorge Bushwalk Guide

@jessleenehme

9. Organ Pipes Trail

Location: Organ Pipes National Park
Distance: 3km
Time from Melbourne: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ideal weather conditions: Mild temperature and no rain

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 hiking 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 of the Organ Pipes National Park, but the Tessellated Pavement and Rosette Rock (with spokes like a wheel) give this baby hike major bang for your buck. The paths here are steep so it’s a festival of mud after and during rain. Try to time your visit for a dry day that’s not too sunny as shade is limited. 

Located on Traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People.

@jessleenehme

10. Hanging Rock Summit Hike

Location: Macedon Ranges
Distance: 3.8km loop
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Cool temperature with low wind

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.

Kids will scamper up there quicker than you can blink. There’s a narrow opening or two between rocks so keep a vigilant eye on your younger ones.

Learn about their weird geology on the famous Hanging Rock Summit Hike before hooking in for a picnic at the opulent picnic area. Located on Traditional Country of the Wurundjeri, the Djaara and the Taungurung people.

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
Ideal weather conditions: Mild temperature

This cute trail follows Merri Creek through Melbourne’s suburbs. As you hike 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. Keep an eye out for White-faced herons as you pass through the wetlands!

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

Photo by Ewen Bell via Visit Victoria

12. The Yarra Trail

Location: North East Melbourne
Distance: 38km one way
Time from Melbourne: It’s in Melbourne!
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ideal weather conditions: Clear skies, low wind (unless it’s behind you and you’re walking one-way!)

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 hiking 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.

As you get closer to Eltham you’ll hike close by the Heide Museum of Modern Art, which has a fantastic outdoor section, well worth a wander around.

Heads up, this is a shared trail with cyclists so be a good hiker and keep your wits about you.

Photo via Visit Victoria

13. Toorongo Falls Circuit

Location: Toorongo Falls Reserve
Distance: 2.2km return
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 50 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ideal weather conditions: Visit after rain for the best views

This tranquil little hike 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
Ideal weather conditions: Mild temperature and clear sky

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!

Photo via Visit Victoria

15. Cape Woolamai Circuit

Location: Millowl (Phillip Island)
Distance: 8.5km loop
Time from Melbourne: 1 hour 45 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Ideal weather conditions: Clear sky and low wind

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 hike is located on the Traditional Land of the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people.

@jessleenehme

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
Ideal weather conditions: Clear sky and low wind

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. The hike meanders up and down and can get quite muddy so you’ll want to bring your hiking boots! 

Read more: Complete Guide to the George Bass Coastal Walk

@jessleenehme

Explore all Melbourne adventures

What’s the best month for hiking in Melbourne?

March to May and September to November are considered the best months to go hiking in Melbourne, and across Victoria. The weather is mild and you avoid the extreme heat of summer and lashings of rain common in winter.

This makes the hike a lot more pleasant, and you get to enjoy the autumn leaves and spring blooms – perfect!

@tarynhunter

Melbourne Day Hikes FAQs

How long is the walk in Organ Pipes National Park?

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!

What do I need to take with me on a day hike?

There are a few essentials every day hiker should have on them (trekking poles, boots, first aid kit…) and we’re so passionate about it, that we wrote a whole article about it! Check it out.

What should I wear on a day hike?

Overall we recommend taking layers so that you can stay comfortable no matter what the unpredictable Melbourne weather throws at you. We’ve detailed it all in this handy guide to dressing for day hikes.

What are the best walking trails for a coastal adventure?

In the epic contest between Victoria and New South Wales, we absolutely have them pipped at the post when it comes to hikes along the coast. From the Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail to the Point Nepean Hike and George Bass Coastal Walk, our beachside trails are second to none.

How difficult is the Hanging Rock Summit Walk?

As far as short walks go, the day trip to Hanging Rock’s Summit is a great one for the entire family. While it’s got a moderate level of difficulty, it’s only 3.8km long and can be handled by most people with moderate fitness levels. Make sure to enjoy the natural wonders and make use of the picnic areas before you leave!

What’s the difference between a national park, regional parks, and a state forest?

People have been asking this question forever, and even when you’ve read the answer before, it’s easy to forget! Refresh your memory with this explainer article. It covers just about all the parks, except car parks!

What are the best hiking boots for day hikes?

Check out our guide to what to look for in a good pair of hiking boots, and if you’re planning on doing any river crossings you’ll want to suss out this article about the best waterproof boots too. If you’re still not sold on the whole idea of boots, have a read of this comparison of trail runners vs hiking boots to help you make up your mind.

Are the best day hikes Melbourne has in Dandenong Ranges National Park?

Ah, not exclusively! Sure, some of Melbourne’s best day hikes are around Mt Dandenong, like the 1000 Steps and Sherbrooke Falls, but there are also great day hikes near Melbourne in the You Yangs, Werribee Gorge, at French Island, the Cathedral Ranges, and beyond.

If you want to keep it super local there are also plenty of options in Melbourne’s CBD in Yarra Bend Park and along the Yarra River.

What’s a good distance for a day hike?

10–20 km is ideal for most hikers, offering a good challenge while allowing time for breaks and scenery.

Does the Yarra Ranges National Park have good day hikes near Melbourne?

Sure does! There are so many great day hikes and outdoor adventures near Melbourne in this region that we published a guide to adventure in the Yarra Ranges. Check it out!

What are some great day hikes near Melbourne accessible by public transport?

Plenty Gorge Park and Yarra Bend Park offer scenic trails close to the city, while you can access longer hikes like the overnight French Island trail by catching public transport to Stony Point Station.

Feature image thanks to @ben.savage

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