As much as we’d all love to be setting off on a seven-day hike every Saturday, occasionally we need to do other things, like work (ugh). As a lifelong Victorian hiker, Jess shares her top spots around the State for a day on the trails.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

Whether you’re looking for nature walks, hiking trails with panoramic views, bush tracks, peaceful bushland or a small park for some fresh air, you can just about close your eyes and jab your finger at a map of Victoria and find somewhere to walk.

But, the hit-and-miss method is pretty darn slow and our weekends are precious. Save time trawling the internet with this list of the best day hikes in Victoria. We’ve already got a pretty epic list of the best ones within two hours of Melbourne, so if you’re short on time I recommend you start there.

For those keen to jump in the car and find the hidden gems of our great state, grab your car keys, pull on some sensible footwear, and come with me to check out these short hikes within easy driving distance of both regional Victoria and the Melbourne CBD.

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Best Day Hikes in Victoria

1. The Pinnacle Walk and Lookout

Location: Grampians National Park
Distance: 4km return
Duration: 2-3 hours return
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours
Difficulty: Beginner (starting from Sundial) Intermediate (starting from Wonderland)

Visiting The Grampians is a right of passage for Australians, not just Victorians. And the highlight of a day trip to this delightfully mountainous region is watching the sunrise from The Pinnacle. There are two routes to get up to the lookout, each starting from a different car park.

Departing from Sundial car park is the flatter and shorter of the two options (110m elevation, about two hours return), but you’ll still need to do some rock hopping and you might get your feet wet. The bonus view of Lake Bellfield on the way back is pretty special.

Starting from Wonderland car park means you’re signing up for a bit more of a slog (280m elevation, three hours return) but it does come with rewards. My highlights were Bridal Veil Falls, walking through the Grand Canyon (the Aussie version!), and seeing Aboriginal rock art.

If you’re anything like me, eating is just about the only activity that threatens to overtake hiking on my list of favourite hobbies. Reception can be a bit shoddy around the mountains so save this list of the best places to eat in and around The Grampians for after your hike.

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2. Hotham Huts Walk

Location: Alpine National Park
Distance: 18km
Duration: 7-8 hours
Time from Melbourne: 4 hours, 30 minutes (via Bright)
Difficulty: Intermediate

Starting at Loch parking area and finishing where the Davenport Access Track meets the B500, the Hotham Huts Walk is a whopping 7-8 hour trip. I’ve walked it as an overnight hike but that’s the less common way to approach it, due to the lack of reliable water near the one overnight campsite.

With incredible views along the entire walk, the trail offers day hikers multiple spots for snack breaks to remember. We rested atop Mt Loch, swung our feet on the timber bench overlooking Swindlers Creek, and sat amongst the flowers in the meadow at Derricks Hut.

There’s plenty of trail variety too, from an exposed flat and rough dirt track to steep rocky shaded descents, it’ll keep you guessing the whole way.

If you’re keen to stick around and see more epic trails atop Mt Hotham, head to Diamantina Hut to try Victoria’s crowning jewel overnight hike – the Razorback Trail – or the lesser-known (crowd-avoiders this one’s for you!) Tom Keen Track up the Northwest Spur starting from Harrietville.

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Mt Loch Summit, Mt Hotham Huts Walk

3. Mount Bishop Summit Walk

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Distance: 7.4km return
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes return
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours 18 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate

If you like hiking in less crowded places, Mount Bishop Summit Walk is a great alternative to the ever-popular Mount Oberon Summit Walk. Beginning at the Lilly Pilly parking area (five minutes from Tidal River) the hike meanders steadily up towards a rocky outcrop with epic views across the west coast of Wilsons Prom.

It’s a great one to attempt for sunrise or sunset and is easy to walk in the dark with a clearly defined trail. Don’t freak out when you hear crashing amongst the trees, it’ll most likely be one of the many swamp wallabies in the area!

The weather is hard to predict on this stretch of coastline so it’s the luck of the draw if you’ll be met by a glorious sunrise or a wall of clouds, but as someone who’s enjoyed the clouds more often than not, I can confirm it’s epic regardless.

Want to extend your visit? Camp overnight at Tidal River Campground, check out the Big Drift or hit up the Southern or Eastern circuit trails for epic multi-day hiking experiences in the great outdoors.

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4. Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Distance: 6.8km return
Duration: 2 hours return
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours, 15 minutes by car
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate

While it’s not the highest mountain in Gippsland – that title goes to Mount LaTrobe – the Mount Oberon Summit Walk is an easy way for beginner hikers to get up high (558m high!) for spectacular views. The trail is widely considered the highlight of any visit to Wilsons Prom.

The elevation rise is gradual, but continuous. If you don’t like plodding uphill, you’ll categorically dislike this hike. Starting from Telegraph Saddle car park, the walk is more of a vehicle access track than a standard narrow walking trail and is a wide, zig-zagging gravel path.

For hikers more accustomed to the variety of the forest and undisturbed natural beauty, it can be a bit on the boring side. But, before I start receiving hate mail for that comment, the amazing views over the southern tip of Victoria are well worth it.

If you’re chasing similar ocean views, give the nearby Cape Woolamai Walk at Phillip Island a go.

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5. Mushroom Rocks

Location: Baw Baw National Park
Distance: 3km return
Duration: 2-3 hours return
Time from Melbourne: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate – Advanced

Strange mushroom-shaped granite tors abound in this intriguing little playground. The Mushroom Rocks are covered in moss and nestled amongst the ferns, Snow gums, and Mountain Ash of the temperate rainforest. Listen out for Eastern whipbirds and Superb lyrebirds as you hike – if you’re quiet you might just see one!

This walking trail is part of the Australian Alps Walking Track, so if you’re considering upping the ante from short hikes to 680km thru-hikes, this short but tough trail is the perfect preview. Estimated duration of this hike varies a little more because it depends on your fitness level – even more experienced hikers get a surprise with the terrain on this one.

This walk is located in an alpine region and an area prone to fires and is often unsuitable to hike year-round. Make sure to check park warnings and weather forecasts before you head out. It’s also a less-maintained track than the others on this list so bushwalking experience and quality hiking boots are a must.

Read more: The 9 Best Multiday Hikes Victoria Has To Offer

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6. Keppel Lookout Trail

Location: Yarra Ranges National Park
Distance: 11km
Duration: 5 hours
Time from Melbourne: 2 hours by car
Difficulty: Advanced

Starting from a non-descript parking spot 2km away from the Steavenson Falls car park down Falls Road, this circuit hike on the outskirts of Marysville is a great way to escape the city and surround yourself with nature. It’s best attempted in an anti-clockwise direction so you can maximise your time enjoying the views you’ve hiked so hard to achieve.

Keppel Lookout marks the highest point on this trail and it’s pretty cool to see the Yarra Valley and Cathedral Ranges State Park laid out below you from the viewing platform. On a cloudy, foggy day you might find that the furthest you can see is your hand holding onto the railing, which is pretty much all I saw at the lookout when I attempted the hike without checking the weather forecast first.

This walking track is hard and steep. While there’s no rock scrambling involved, the Keppel Lookout Trail is technical underfoot. You’ll need a good level of fitness to enjoy the walk and have the energy to appreciate the natural beauty of Steavensons Falls, the beautiful forest, and memorable (even if they’re a wall of white!) lookouts.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

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7. Genoa Peak Walk

Location: Croajingalong National Park
Distance: 3.4km return
Duration: 2 hours return
Time from Melbourne: 5 hours, 55 minutes by car
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate

Chasing 360° views? This remote hike in East Gippsland will give you all the thrills and despite being short, really packs a punch. It begins with a nature walk through densely packed trees and culminates in multiple steel ladders, rock scrambling, and a nerve-inducing climb up a caged ladder to a small elevated viewing platform.

On a clear day, nature shines in all her glory. You’ve got the ocean, Gabo Island, and Mallacoota on one side and views inland towards NSW on the other. Even when it’s cloudy the rays of sunlight popping through the clouds are a stunning sight.

It’s a relatively easy trail for the most part – with only the final 200m or so presenting a more challenging obstacle, particularly for those who are nervous with heights.

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8. Mount Stirling Loop Walk

Location: Mount Buller
Distance: 14.5km return
Duration: 4-5 hours return
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours, 15 minutes by car
Difficulty: Intermediate

This circuit walk kicks off from Telephone Box Junction, which despite being on a dirt road is easily accessible by 2WD. This one is better suited to intermediate hikers as reception is patchy, the terrain is on the tough side, and you’ll need to carry plenty of water with you. It’s often recommended to hike this anti-clockwise but I’ve never heard a compelling reason for this and it’s enjoyable in both directions.

Highlights include getting to see some epic Victorian High Country huts and the gnarly, lone Snow gum atop the 1747m high Mount Stirling that’s estimated to be over 320 years old. Given it gets completely covered by snow every year and still manages to emerge looking pristine every spring, it’s worth a look.

Make the most of your time at Victoria’s most accessible big hill by enjoying a trip to the Mt Buller Summit and a short hike down the western face of the mountain as part of Australia’s only Via Ferrata experience – Rockwire. Or stay a week and see all of the High Country Huts on the iconic Buller Huts Trail.

Want more walks nearby? Check out our list of the best day hikes in Victoria’s High Country.

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9. Koondrook Red Gum Forest Walk

Location: Gunbower State Forest
Distance: 13.2km return
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours, 20 minutes by car
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate

This relatively off-the-radar walk is so close to the NSW border that it almost missed out on being included on this list. But with over 200 species of birds, plus plenty of kangaroos, Broad-shelled turtles and Banjo frogs, the unsealed Turtle Loop Walk in Koondrook Red Gum Forest is one that nature-loving hikers cannot afford to miss. Psst, don’t forget your camera!

Signage along the route is fantastic so you’ll also learn about the canopy above you, the wetlands you’re passing through, and the history of the Barapa Barapa people and pioneer families who used to live off this land. There are also Indigenous artefacts like scar trees, tools, and shell middens to observe and read about. The wetlands are prone to flooding and it can get a bit swampy after substantial rain so time your visit accordingly to avoid trudging through mud.

If you want a slightly shorter trail, give the Eagle Loop (9.1km) a go. It has everything the Turtle Loop does, just with slightly less distance. Or give your legs a break and take your bike for a lazy cycle instead. This walk is also dog-friendly provided they stay on lead. Note that Gunbower State Forest is right next door to Gunbower National Park – where dogs are strictly not allowed. Make sure you’re in the State Forest if you’re bringing your doggo along. 

Want some more options for a good dog-friendly day hike? Check out our list of the best hikes for dogs in Victoria.

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10. Den of Nargun

Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 5km return
Duration: 90 minutes return
Time from Melbourne: 3 hours, 20 minutes by car
Difficulty: Intermediate

This is one of the best hikes in Australia – not kidding. The hike is only a few hours in length, the view over the gorge rim is gorgeous (pun intended!), and the halfway point gives you a bonus, even bigger den than the one you’re doing the walk to see! It’s my favourite day hike (yes it beats Steavenson Falls, Cape Schanck, Hanging Rock, and the You Yangs) and I enjoy it more with each visit.

The loop drops you into a stunning moss-covered oasis following a dry creekbed to the Den of Nargun. Best visited after rain, the waterfall here is pretty nice but the cave behind it is the real showstopper. There are stalactites and stalagmites to enjoy from afar before you continue on the circuit to Deadcocks Den – the larger red-walled behemoth home to many lizards…and lizards without legs.

The trail is straightforward, easy to navigate, and varied. It’s the perfect day hike to introduce non-hikers to hiking. I love it so much that I’ve written a detailed guide to the Den of Nargun Walk with everything you need to know.

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FAQs Best Day Hikes Victoria

What are the best hikes within two hours of Melbourne?

There are so many trails a stone’s throw from Melbourne that we made a list of them. My favourites include the Flinders Peak Walk in the You Yangs, the Sherbrooke Forest Walk, Sugarloaf Peak in the Cathedral Ranges, and the Lerderderg Gorge Walk.

What are the best coastal walking trails in Victoria?

You can’t go past the George Bass Coastal Walk, the Great Ocean Walk (which can be done in sections), or the Bushrangers Bay and Two Bays walking trails at Cape Schanck in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. If you’re chasing island vibes, head to the Cape Woolamai Walk on Phillip Island for breathtaking views across Bass Strait.

What else can you do in Mornington Peninsula National Park?

The Mornington Peninsula isn’t only a great destination for hiking. Hit up the beach for a surf, fossick in rockpools or visit the Peninsula Hot Springs. Leave your car at the Cape Schanck car park and check out the famous lighthouse, or bring your pooch along to enjoy one of the dog-friendly walking trails in the area.

Where’s the Surf Coast Walk?

The popular Surf Coast Walk stretches 44km between Point Impossible and Fairhaven encompassing some of the most loved towns on the Great Ocean Road – Torquay, Aireys Inlet, and Angelsea.

What are the best walks on Phillip Island?

Phillip Island has some great spots for walking. Besides the one at Cape Woolamai, check out the meandering Forrest Caves Beach walk, see a shipwreck on the Kitty Miller Bay Malk and stop at the cafe for a hot drink overlooking the lavender garden during the loop walk on Churchill Island.

What’s the best day hike for history buffs?

Head out to Point Nepean and visit the old quarantine station. There are many great walks here but the pick of the bunch is the 1km mosey out to Fort Nepean to see military fortifications dating back to the 1880s.

Victoria is the place to hike!

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.