Given it’s been awarded the most livable city in the world numerous times, it makes sense that Melbourne has great hiking trails. With so much choice, picking the right one can be tricky and time consuming – but not anymore!

 

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.

 

Melbourne has some stonking gorgeous day walks, bushwalks, and even overnight hikes that won’t take you a full day in the car to reach. Whether you’re looking for a trail to enjoy on your lunch break or somewhere to get lost over the weekend, Melbourne delivers.

Stay in the city and wander the Royal Botanic Gardens, Yarra Bend Park, or the Inner Circle Rail Trail. Enjoying landmarks like the historic Studley Park Boathouse, St Kilda Pier, and that absolutely random cow statue in Docklands, are all perks of urban walks in Melbourne’s CBD.

Shot by Visit Victoria

Shot by Visit Victoria

But if you’re more inspired by jaw dropping views, the sound of frogs burping, and the kind of silence you’ll never get in the CBD, you’ve got plenty of options too. You can head to the Dandenong Ranges National Park – the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is one steady uphill hike that’ll get your heart pumping! The Organ Pipes National Park is the ideal spot for a nature hit that’s closer to home, and you can’t beat the Mornington Peninsula for beachy vibes or the Macedon Ranges for a true blue bushwalking experience.

Overwhelmed by your options? I don’t blame you. I still consult We Are Explorers before I head out for a new trail too. To save you the guesswork, I’ve pulled together our favourite Melbourne hikes and trail guides into this one article to save you hours poking around. Ya welcome.

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Ultimate Guide to Melbourne Hiking Trails

1. Best Walks in Melbourne

Writer: Jess Nehme

 

Combine History and Stunning Views on The Bay Trail in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs, Photo by Kat Barber, Altona Foreshore path, walkers, shade, Victoria

Shot by Kat Barber

 

When you work in the CBD or only go there on the odd occasion, it’s pretty easy to forget that Melbourne is bursting at the seams with inner-city walking trails.

Once you start looking, you’ll notice opportunities for a city walk around every other corner. Head out once the sun goes down on a weeknight and every street in Melbourne is a beautiful place to be. From the peaceful hum of laughter floating down the alleyways from cafes and restaurants, to the stunning array of lights reflecting off the Yarra River, I’d happily be out there every night.

Alas, the reality of needing to work means that my Melbourne walks are generally limited to the odd occasion, weekend, or lunch break. Luckily, there are a tonne of excellent options for my feet to explore. With that in mind, I’ve collected my favourite walking spots for you to check out (I’ll be ignoring all complaints about the Yarra River featuring heavily – it’s gorgeous!).

Do you have a recommendation? Let me know in the comments and we’ll add it to the list!

  1. Merri Creek Trail
  2. The Yarra Trail
  3. Yarra Bend Park
  4. Capital City Trail
  5. Main Yarra Trail
  6. Albert Park Lake Loop Walk
  7. Foreshore Heritage Trail
  8. Bay Trail
  9. Edinburgh Gardens
  10. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail
  11. The Tan

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2. Awesome Sunset Hikes Around Victoria

Writer: Leah Furey

 

 

There’s no better way to finish a hike than watching the sun go down on another epic day. So we’ve rounded up seven awesome places to watch the sunset that are accessible from Melbourne! These stunning Victorian spots are the perfect place to get your fix of fresh air and inspirational sunsets.

An epic sunset always depends on the weather, so keep an eye on that to avoid disappointment if you’re met with a wall of clouds at the car park. Although, it is Melbourne, so be prepared to do everything right and still be hit with random cloud. It’s just the way it is.

Also, some of these sunset hikes require you to complete a return walk. If so, make sure you have a head torch and emergency supplies to help make this easy, and for safety in case of emergency.

If you think you’ll need a lift back, book ahead, as some places have limited taxi and transfer services.

  1. Great Ocean Walk – Shipwreck Coast
  2. Razorback Trail – High Country
  3. Bayside Trail – Melbourne
  4. Two Bays Trail – Mornington Peninsula
  5. Boroka Lookout – Grampians National Park
  6. Mt Bishop Trail – Wilsons Promontory National Park
  7. Cape Woolamai Circuit – Phillip Island

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3. Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne

Writer: Jess Nehme

 

 

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 two 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.

  1. Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail
  2. Point Nepean Hike
  3. Flinders Peak
  4. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
  5. Sherbrooke Falls Trail
  6. Werribee Gorge Circuit Hike
  7. Cathedral Ranges Southern Circuit via Sugarloaf Peak
  8. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Hike
  9. Organ Pipes Trail
  10. Hanging Rock Summit Hike
  11. Merri Creek Trail
  12. The Yarra Trail
  13. Toorongo Falls Circuit
  14. Ironbark Basin – Bells Beach to Point Addis
  15. Cape Woolamai Circuit
  16. George Bass Coastal Walk

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4. Best Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne, Victoria

Writer: Jess Nehme

 

 

Melbourne escape artists are spoilt for choice when it comes to weekend adventuring. Check out our five best overnight hikes near Melbourne and get out there!

Whichever direction you decide to throw a metaphorical stone from the CBD, it’s likely to land either on a secluded forest trail, a wild and rugged coastal track, or plop into a remote mountain stream teeming with fish.

With the help of expert Victorian hikers who’ve conquered more trails than most of us have had hot dinners, we’ve simmered down the plethora of options to bring you, five absolute pearler, overnight hikes near Melbourne. Special thanks to Darren from Trail Hiking and Neil from Bushwalking Blog.

  1. Mt Howitt and the Crosscut Saw
  2. Beeripmo Walk
  3. Mount Cobbler Summit
  4. Cathedral Range North & South Circuit
  5. Lake Tali Karng – Hidden Lake Circuit

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5. Best Dog Friendly Walks Melbourne

Writer: Amy Fairall

 

15 Dog Friendly Walks Near Melbourne, Amy Fairall, photo by Visit Vic, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula, dog, ocean, person, pier, beach

Shot by Mark Chew

 

Finding a place to hike where your four-legged friend is allowed to join can be ruff. We’ve done the running around for you and dug up the best dog-friendly parks and hikes in and around Melbourne. We even made a list of dog-friendly walks in the nearby Mornington Peninsula!

Get the Guidebook: Melbourne for Dogs (Enter the code WAE15 at checkout for 15% off!)

So quit chasing your tail and get your nose on the scent of these epic dog-friendly walks. Don’t forget to check our guide to the best outdoor gear for dogs. And hey, if you and your doggo are really enjoying all the extra quality time outdoors, why not plan a dog-friendly camping trip?

Remember to take doggy bags to clean up after your pooch, and plenty of water for both of you. During summer be mindful that the pavement can be hot underfoot and most dogs don’t get around in shoes! Aim to walk during the early morning and evening during hotter months to be safe.

  1. Melbourne Bay Trail
  2. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail
  3. Yarra Bend Park
  4. Yan Yean Reservoir Park
  5. Mt Disappointment State Forest
  6. Cardinia Reservoir Park
  7. Seven Acre Rock
  8. La La Falls
  9. You Yangs Regional Park
  10. Surf Coast Walk
  11. Lake Elizabeth Circuit Walk
  12. Hastings Foreshore Reserve Circuit
  13. Millionaires Walk
  14. Shallow Inlet to Sandy Point Beach

Want more walks to enjoy with your doggo? Take them to one of Melbourne’s best dog beaches.

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6. The Best Bushwalks Near Melbourne

Writer: Jess Nehme

 

 

Escape the urban jungle and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s backyard on a bushwalk within arms reach of the CBD.

Drive around two hours in any direction from Melbourne’s CBD and find your way blocked by beautiful parkland, native forest, or a towering mountain range. Our bushland is a beautiful thing and lucky for us, there’s plenty of it to explore!

While you could go for a leisurely stroll around Albert Park Lake or a gruelling slog up Mt Donna Buang, a bushwalk gives you the best of both worlds.

These days we’re all pretty busy so it can be hard to get out to one of the many Melbourne hiking trails for an eight-hour adventure, but a lap around the block just doesn’t cut it. This list of bushwalks near Melbourne gives you a little bit of rugged bushland, incredible views, a Goldilocks amount of incline, and the flexibility to be back home in time for dinner.

  1. Flinders Peak Walk
  2. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
  3. Sherbrooke Falls Trail
  4. Organ Pipes Trail
  5. Hanging Rock Summit Walk
  6. Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk
  7. Cape Woolamai Circuit
  8. Californian Redwood Forest Loop Walk
  9. Margaret Lester Forest Walk
  10. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
  11. Lerderderg Gorge Circuit Hike
  12. Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck Trail
  13. Ironbark Basin – Bells Beach to Point Addis

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7. The Best Waterfall Trails Victoria Has to Offer

Writer: Pat Corden

 

 

Forget everything TLC ever told you; it’s time to go chasing waterfalls. More specifically, waterfalls in Victoria. And these are the top waterfalls near Melbourne and around Victoria.

Sure Victoria’s got the Great Ocean Road, the You Yangs Regional Park and the Yarra Valley, but it’s also got plenty of magnificent waterfalls for you to check out this weekend on an easy drive from Melbourne.

Whether you want to swim under the falling water, or just have a picnic and take in some natural beauty, we’ve got you covered with these beaut waterfall trails. Most involve a chunk of walking so make sure you take hiking boots as well as your togs.

Looking for some more fun getaways in Victoria? Check out our Victoria Adventure Hub.

  1. Wombelano Falls
  2. Rollasons Falls
  3. Trentham Falls
  4. MacKenzie Falls
  5. Erskine Falls
  6. Beauchamp Falls
  7. Hopetoun Falls
  8. Triplet Falls
  9. Agnes Falls
  10. Paradise Falls

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8. Best Trail Running Spots Near Melbourne

Writer: Leah Furey

 

Explorer’s Guide to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, Ben Savage, You Yangs Regional Park, couple, hike, forest

Shot by Ben Savage

 

What’s like walking but faster? Trail running! Generally, every walking trail you find is also suitable for jogging, walk-and-talks with your mates, and often riding bikes too. But if pounding the city streets on your daily run is getting a bit monotonous, it might be time to swap the pavement for some bushy trails.

The good news is you don’t need to be out in the mountains to go trail running – there are great trails right here in Melbourne.

Along with all the mental and physical benefits of running, trail running also provides the added benefits of being out in nature.

‘Trail running’ is simply running on any unmade or unsealed surface. The combo of uneven ground, hills, and obstacles, like branches to duck under or jump over, requires extra focus. Although it might be a slower run, the rougher terrain makes for an extra challenge.

To get you started, we’ve put together this handy list of the best trail running near Melbourne. From the city’s parks to some more challenging trails close by the city, we’ve got you covered! You’ll have forgotten what pavement looks like in no time.

  1. Princes Park
  2. Royal Botanical Gardens
  3. Albert Park
  4. Yarra Bend Park
  5. Mornington Peninsula
  6. You Yangs Regional Park
  7. Dandenong Ranges
  8. Werribee Gorge
  9. Mount Macedon
  10. Cathedral Ranges

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9. A Guide to Melbourne’s Bike Paths

Writer: Abby Vogelsang

 

A Guide to Melbourne's Bike Paths, Abby Vogelsang, Capital City Trail, ride, bike, smile

Shot by Abby Vogelsang

 

Uhh, this is a guide to hiking trails, why are we talking about bike paths? Because just about anywhere you can ride, you can also walk. Score. And thanks to the City of Melbourne and its bicycle plan, new cycling routes, parking spaces, and maintenance stations are cropping up all over town.

Melbourne’s bike trails are made with all levels of skill and fitness in mind. All the routes listed here cleverly avoid steep hills by following rivers, creeks, railway lines, and the coast.

Want more? Melbourne Map (Where to Ride) (Enter ‘WAE15’ at checkout for 15% off!)

Most of these paths also feature wide lanes, making over-taking easy for those on a mission. There’s no time like the present to take advantage of Melbourne’s beautiful bike network!

  1. Capital City Trail
  2. The Bay Trail
  3. Main Yarra Trail
  4. Creek Trails
  5. Rail Trails

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10. Best Melbourne Walks Accessible by Public Transport

Writer: Jess Nehme

 

 

Ditch your car (and car park nightmares) and start your adventure on your doorstep with this list of the best Melbourne walks, hikes, and even island overnighters accessible by public transport.

The best part about taking public transport to a hike is that the adventure starts the moment you leave your house. Sure, it may be a familiar stroll to the train station, but when was the last time you did it with a hiking pack?

Even a small tweak to your routine – like a changed destination or more hardcore boots – is enough to jolt you into adventure mode.

If you’re up for trains and buses, don’t mind a surprise change of plans, or a ripper view, grab your Myki and let’s go!

  1. Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1,000 Steps)
  2. Coles Ridge Track
  3. The Organ Pipes Trail
  4. French Island West Coast Wetlands Walk
  5. Daylesford Circuit Walk
  6. Cape Woolamai Loop Walk
  7. Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
  8. Arthurs Seat to Kings Falls Walk
  9. Capital City Trail
  10. The Bay Trail

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11. Four Best Hikes in Melbourne’s Outer-East

Writer: John Feeney

 

 

The great thing about hiking in Melbourne, regardless of where you live, is that there are so many great day hiking tracks within a 60-90 minute drive of the CBD. Places like Werribee Gorge, the Mornington Peninsula, and High Country are home to some amazing and popular day hikes.

But, what about those not-so-popular locations? Those hidden hiking gems that don’t get a lot of love?

Here are my top four best hikes in Melbourne’s outer-east that really should be getting more attention.

Grab a guide for more ideas: Best Walks East of Melbourne (Enter ‘WAE15’ at checkout for 15%)

  1. Mt St Leonard and Condons Track
  2. Mount Dandenong Trail
  3. Olinda Falls and Valley Circuit
  4. Cumberland Falls Track

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FAQs Melbourne Hiking Trails

Can I take my dog with me if I’m heading to a trail in a national park?

National parks aren’t dog-friendly because even the smell of our furry besties can have negative impacts on native wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly campsites, beaches, holiday parks, and just the good old footpath to enjoy instead.

Where can I park my bike?

It’s legal to park your bike anywhere unless it’s obstructing others, breaking any local laws, or otherwise signposted. The best place to park is usually at dedicated bike hoops, the City of Melbourne has installed over 2,700 of these on streets around town. The city is also building free-to-use ‘Parkiteer’ bike parking cages near train stations.

What are the best hikes for a day trip from Melbourne?

The most iconic day trip walks in Melbourne are undisputedly Lerderderg Gorge, the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Arthurs Seat, and the toughest of them all, Sugarloaf Peak. Thanks to the beautiful scenery, locals are also pretty fond of the walks in Warburton and the nearby Dandenong Ranges National Park. If you’re in the mood for a lazier walking experience, check out this list of the best quick beach escapes from Melbourne too.

Naturally, this is very subjective and everyone has their favourites. Let us know yours in the comments!

Do I need a Parks Victoria permit before I can do any of these hikes?

No, you don’t need a specific Parks Victoria permit for most of these hikes (some will require bookings but that’ll be detailed so if you read our guide, you’ll be fine!), but it’s always a good idea to check the Parks Victoria website for any seasonal alerts, closures, or updates before you head out.

The car park at the 1,000 steps is always full. When’s the best time to go?

Such is the curse of the popular trail, and the 1,000 steps is easily the most popular trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Aim to head to the 1,000 steps outside of peak times like the weekend and before work. Midday or even mid-morning after all the early bird visitors have headed to the office is generally a safe bet.

 

Table of contents image by Taryn Hunter

Header image by @scotty.runacres

More Melbourne Hiking Trails (Yes, Really)

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.