7 Best Trail Running Destinations In Victoria

We’ve lined up some of the best trail running destinations in Victoria – from the Alpine National Park to the Great Ocean Road.

We acknowledge 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.

Victoria sure is jam-packed with trails. From the ocean side to mountain ridges and everything in between – it’s a trail runner’s dream.

I hate the saying ‘We’ve got it all!’ – but in Victoria, we bloody well do. You can stride your way through rainforests, across beaches or deep into bushland. You can tackle a section of the state’s great multi-day walking trails. Or you could even start planning an epic trail running challenge.

So what are you waiting for? Dive in!

1. Victoria’s Alpine National Park – Epic Trail Running Experiences

Victoria’s Alpine National Park is the home of epic traverses, leg-burning ascents and varied terrain. Pair this with endless mountain views and you’ll likely finish the day hurting – but wanting more.

In addition to the long ascents, forested tracks, and exposed ridges, you’ll find distance is not a limit in these mountains.

From short out and back trails to the 660km Australian Alps Walking Track and a bit of everything in between. If you don’t mind an uphill slog and want to test your fitness in the mountains – put this national park on your list.

Top Trails in Victoria’s Alps

Razorback to Mt Feathertop

Distance: 22km return

This 22km out and back trail starts at Diamantina Hut at Mt Hotham. It’s considered one of the best hikes in Victoria’s high country – and it’s equally as rewarding to run.

@_lachiet

The track takes you out along the ridge line with some gentle ascents and descents. Then a steep, rocky climb gets you to the summit of Mt Feathertop for views of the glorious Victorian Alps.

The Alpine Crossing

Distance: 37km one way

Take on the challenge of running this 37km track from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham. It offers a range of terrain and steep climbs leading to gentle descents.

@tim_ashelford

It’s an epic way to traverse some of the national park’s most scenic areas – and encounter a huge range of alpine flora and fauna along the way.

How To Get There

Victoria’s High Country is a 2.5 hour drive north east of Melbourne, on the Hume Highway.

Where To Stay 

Bright is the main township where you’ll find plenty of action in all four seasons. But a stay in Mt Beauty, Harrietville, or Porepunkah will give you a good dose of small town beauty – and a location close to the trail heads.

2. Trail Running on the Great Ocean Road – Brilliant Coastal Adventures

Coastal trails along the Great Ocean Road pair incredible ocean views with varied and hilly terrain. Some of Victoria’s premier multi-day walking trails are the perfect place to lace up and soak it all in.

If ocean views inspire you and you don’t mind a bit of sloggin’ it through the sand, a visit to this region might be just the adventure you need. Better still, you are never far from a good coffee or a chilly, post-run ocean dip.

Top Trails on the Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Walk

Distance: 104km (or shorter sections)

Pick a section of the 104km Great Ocean Walk and soak in the surroundings as you traverse coastal cliffs and sandy beaches.

The Great Ocean Walk

This trail gives access to areas of Victoria’s coastline that you can’t reach by car. So don’t be surprised to find it’s just you and some of the local wildlife out there. We recommend staying a few days in the area to hit multiple sections – you won’t regret it.

Surf Coast Walk

Distance: 46km (or shorter sections)

The 46km Surf Coast Walk, designed as a leisurely walking trail, is a challenge to run. But the rewards are epic coastal views, long stretches of trail with no one else in sight, and the odd wildlife encounter. The trail can be broken into sections so you can choose your distance and terrain – including gravel paths, bushland tracks and yep – sand!

Surf Coast Walk

How To Get There

The Great Ocean Road is a 1 hour drive south west of Melbourne, on the M1 Freeway.

Where To Stay 

There’s plenty of great coastal towns to stay in on the Great Ocean Road. Hang out at Torquay, Anglesea or Aireys Inlet to run the Surf Coast Walk – or check in to Apollo Bay or the Otway Ranges for the Great Ocean Walk.

3. Gariwerd / Grampians National Park – A Trail Running Haven

The rocky outcrops and forested trails of the Grampians are enough to fuel the stoke of any trail runner. The Indigenous history of Gariwerd and the abundant flora and fauna of this region give these mountains a spiritual feel.

While the trails promise plenty of vertical metres to be gained, the surroundings are more than enough to motivate you.

Start your run in the rainforest, ascend through Eucalyptus trees and wind your way through narrow rock corridors to emerge above the tree line – and sometimes above the clouds!

Top Trails in the Gariwerd / Grampians region

Halls Gap to Pinnacles Loop

Distance: 8.5km loop

This 8.5km circuit starts in the town of Halls Gap and leads to Splitters Falls. From there you can loop in either direction up to the Pinnacle Lookout and back again.

It’s a steady uphill climb with some rock scrambling along the way. But it’s worth it for the incredible valley, lake and mountain views at the top.

Photo thanks to Visit Victoria

Grampians Peaks Trail

Distance: 164km! (or shorter sections)

Take your pick of the best of the Gariwerd / Grampians region by tackling part of the 164km Grampians Peaks Trail.

@disco_steww

The epic traverse of the mountain range is designed as a 13 day thru-hike. But if that pace is way too slow for you – then you’d better start planning your run.

Incredible views, plenty of wildlife and sacred Indigenous sites are waiting for you.

How To Get There

The Grampians National Park is 3 hour’s drive west of Melbourne, along the Western Highway.

Where To Stay 

Stay in the main township of Halls Gap, where you can run out the front door – or tent door – and on to the region’s best trails.

4. Wilsons Promontory National Park – A Trail Runner’s Paradise

The turquoise water and white sandy beaches of Wilson’s Prom might just be Victoria’s most idyllic location for a run.

Throw in steep ascents, beach crossings and forest trails – and you’ve got yourself a great trail running destination.

While Wilsons Promontory has long been a favourite destination for hikers – the trails are equally as great to run. Camp at the Tidal River Campground and simply set out along the neighbouring trails.

You might finish your run enjoying panoramic views from a nearby summit – or shaking white quartz sand out of your runners.

Top Trails in Wilsons Promontory

Three Bays Trail

Distance: 12.4km return

Run the beaches – literally – of Wilsons Promontory on this 12.4km out and back coastal track. The Three Bays Walk connects Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay, and Whisky Bay – three of the most stunning stretches of sand.

Photo thanks to Mark Watson, Visit Victoria

There are some short steep sections, but it’s the beach crossings that will really test your fitness. Make sure to check the tide before you go!

Mt Oberon Summit

Distance: 6.8km return

Scale Mt Oberon for some epic views of The Prom’s coastline and offshore islands. This 6.8km return trail is a vehicle access, switchback track which changes to stairs and some rock scrambling to get you to the summit.

The view from Mt Oberon summit

The challenge of the continuous uphill climb is balanced by the surrounding Eucalypts, Wattle trees and bird songs – plus the view is well worth the effort.

How To Get There

The Wilson’s Promontory National Park is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne, on the Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Freeway.

Where To Stay 

Stay at the Tidal River Campgrounds, to be close by to all the trailheads. Or find accommodation including campgrounds and cottages at nearby Yanakie or Sandy Point.

5. Marysville Region – Scenic Trails for All Skill Levels

Glide through lush forest and past cascading waterfalls while running the Marysville region trails. This beautiful destination – just 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne – has trail options for beginners and for anyone wanting longer distances or a variety of terrain.

A stay in Marysville gives you time to try a few of the local trails. Feel your worries slip away as you flow through the Marysville State Forest, explore Steavenson Falls or take a lap of Lake Mountain. Or take on a running challenge in the annual Marysville Marathon Festival – with various race distances, all run on the local trails.

Marysville could host a new national park! Peek Inside What Could Be the Great Forest National Park

Majell Backhausen running trails in the proposed Great Forest National Park | @jarrahlynch

Top Trails in Marysville

Keppel Lookout Circuit

Distance: 11km loop

Uneven ground, steep sections of track and potential for snow in winter makes this 11km circuit a challenging run.

Starting at the scenic Steavenson Falls, you cross Robertson Gully before a hard slog uphill to Keppel Lookout. You then traverse around the ridge, passing a couple of lookout points before completing the loop with a descent back to the waterfall.

Photo thanks to Rob Blackburn

Lake Mountain Summit Trail

Distance: 4.5km return

Cruise up to the summit of Lake Mountain and back on this 4.5km trail. The track starts at Lake Mountain Resort and passes three separate lookouts on the way to the top.

Photo thanks to Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria

A perfect way to fuel your run – with awesome views of the Victorian Alps. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna and remember June to September this trail is covered in snow. (Maybe pack some snow shoes instead?)

How To Get There

Marysville is a 1.5 hour drive north east of Melbourne via Healesville and the scenic Black Spur Drive. A further 30 minute’s drive and you’ll be at Lake Mountain Resort.

Where To Stay 

Stay in Marysville, nestled in the valley below Lake Mountain. There’s plenty of accommodation options with country charm and you’ll feel a world away from the city.

6. Otways Region – Trail Running in the Rainforest

Victoria’s Otways are a great place for beginners to get into trail running. There are plenty of short trails through lush rainforest and beneath towering eucalyptus trees. Oh, and did we mention the waterfalls?

Whether you’re running a loop trail or an out-and-back, you’ll feel energised by the cool air and surrounding greenery.

The Otways are also a great place to try night trail running. There are plenty of short trails to get started, with the bonus of glow worms in the trees lining the path. Make sure you go with a mate and follow these night trail running tips.

Top Trails in The Otways

Stevensons Falls

Distance: 4.6km return

This 4.6km return walk takes you the long way to Stevensons Falls. This is an easy run that will no doubt inspire you to explore more of the Otways.

@megsbobs

Cruise through Douglas Fir trees before arriving at the viewing platform to see the spectacular 15 metre waterfall. Return back along the same trail – and start planning your next adventure!

Please Note: This trail has been impacted by recent weather events. Check the Victorian Government Explore Outdoors website for the most up to date details.

Beauchamp Falls

Distance: 6km return

This 6km return track is a descent through tall Eucalyptus trees and lush green rainforest to Beauchamp Falls.

The leaf-covered forest floor quietens your footsteps and you can just listen for your breath, the trickling of the streams and bird calls from the canopy above. Soak in the sight of the cascading falls and then test your stamina running back up to the carpark.

How To Get There

The Otway Region is a 3.5 hour scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, or you can also take a shorter inland route to get there.

Where To Stay 

Stay in the Otways to truly immerse yourself in nature – you’ll find everything from free campgrounds to 5-star eco lodges.

7. Lerderderg State Park: Wild Trail Running near Melbourne

Lerderderg State Park has a habit of flying under the radar as a trail running destination in Victoria. Unless you like your trails to be wild, rugged, and challenging. If that’s the case, this might just be your pick of the bunch.

It’s not known for postcard views – and you definitely won’t find a latte anywhere near the end of your run. But if you want to take on some truly rough trails, with river crossings and rock scrambles thrown in – this is the place to do it.

Top Trails in Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg Gorge Circuit

Distance: 8km loop

This is a challenging 8km loop that includes some river crossings, steep up and down sections, rock scrambling – and the potential for a heap of mud. What’s not to love? The Lerderderg Gorge Circuit uses multiple walking tracks and you do get some good views of the surrounding hills and valleys. However, it’s not well signposted, so you’ll need to do your research before setting out.

MacKenzies Flat to Grahams Dam

Distance: 3.7km return

If you want a wild run, without the challenge of distance, Mackenzies Flat to Grahams Dam is a good one. Starting at the Mackenzies Flat picnic area, this is a 3.7km run that’ll give you a little taste of what this state park has to offer. There are a couple of river crossings thrown in – with purposely placed stepping stones – so it’s best to avoid it after heavy rains.

How To Get There

The Lerderderg State Park is just a one hour drive from Melbourne, on the Western Highway.

Where To Stay  

There are free camping grounds in the Lerderderg State Park – first in, first served, no bookings required. But you could also easily stay in Melbourne and day trip it out there for your run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trail Running in Victoria

What Trail Running Events Are In Victoria?

With such quality trails, you’ll definitely find trail running events in these destinations. Take a look at Run the Gap, Surf Coast Century, and the Great Southern Endurance Run.

How Can I Get Started Trail Running? 

We’re glad you asked! Luckily we have this handy beginner’s guide to trail running. Dive in!

Coastal trails are calling! | Photo by Chris Ord @onelifewild

Plan Your Next Trail Running Adventure In Victoria!

There you have it – the best trail running destinations in Victoria. From lofty summits in the Alpine National Park to sandy beaches at Wilsons Promontory. What did you think? Did we miss any?

Share your thoughts in the comments and start planning your trip to Victoria already!

Looking for trails near the city? We reckon you’ll like the Best Trail Running in Melbourne.

Feature photo thanks to @jarrahlynch