10 Best Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne, Victoria 2026

Melbourne escape-artists are spoilt for choice when it comes to a weekend of hiking. Check out the ten best overnight hikes near Melbourne and get out there!

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Please note! Trails and conditions change all the time. For the most up-to-date info on a trail or park, please visit the Parks Victoria alerts page before heading out.

Whichever direction you decide to throw a metaphorical stone from the CBD, it’s likely to land on either 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 ten absolute pearler, overnight hikes near Melbourne. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Best Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne and Around Victoria

1. Mt Howitt and the Crosscut Saw

Distance: 14km return
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 322km

The overnight hike to Mt Howitt is one you might just have all to yourself.

The trail meanders up and down through snow gum wetlands, past the stunning and cosy Vellejo Gantner Hut (for emergency overnight use only), before summiting Mt Howitt.

From here you can head back the way you came and started climbing along one of the most stunning ridgelines in Victoria’s High Country, the Crosscut Saw. Find a clear and flat place to lay your tent, making sure to tightly secure it (it gets windy up here!) and positioning it for the perfect sunrise wake up call. 

@jamiehumbyphoto

Where to Camp

This one is up to you! Find a nice flat spot, protected from the wind to peg in your tent. There’s space near Vellejo Gantner Hut if you get stuck! There’s a toilet there, plus you can access fresh water from the nearby stream. 

Read More

2. Beeripmo Walk

Distance: 20.6km
Duration: 1-2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 221km

The Beeripmo Walk represents a challenge for the more experienced bushwalker, this rewarding two day walk winds through cool fern gullies and tall forests, taking in views across the surrounding hills of both Mount Cole and Buangor State Park.

The track offers extensive views of Mt Langi Ghiran, the Grampians to the south towards Mt Cole, and the Western Plains. The track is well defined and signposted and the walk has been designed for those seeking a relaxing walk with time to take in the beautiful surrounds.

Read more: Overnight Hiking Packing List: 20+ Must-Have Hiking Essentials

@whentotalkwhentolisten

Where to Camp

This walk starts at Richards campsite. The closest camp to the halfway point is Beeripmo Campground. Here you’ll find toilets and a rainwater tank which you can use to refill water bladders (make sure you boil or use a filtering system). The campground is quite pleasant, with about 10 sites with their own fire pits nestled amongst the eucalypt forest.

Read More

3. Mount Cobbler Summit

Distance: 8km return
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 319km

Although short in length the hike to the summit of Mt Cobbler in Alpine National Park is worth an overnight trip. Camp by the reflective Lake Cobbler the night before and wake early to summit the mountain with the sun!

The hike up Mt Cobbler is rocky in sections and nearly all up hill, but once at the top the trees drop away and a stunning rocky outcrop comes into view. From here you have a 360 degree views of layers and layers of mountains running off in each direction. The hike takes around two hours return, but allow a bit more time for brekky and sunrise watching on the summit.

@henry_brydon

Where to Camp

Lake Cobbler Campground – Camp right by this picturesque alpine lake the night before the hike. There’s also a campground around three-quarters of the way up the mountain as well.

Read More

4. Cathedral Range Northern & Southern Circuits

Distance: 24km
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 117km

With upturned sandstone peaks and razorback ridges (and just two hours north-east of Melbourne) Cathedral Range is one of the greatest mountain ranges in the state.

Start from Jawbone car park and head up a few kilometres of dirt vehicle track to find the start of Canyon Track and ascend Sugarloaf Peak. From there, make your way along Razorback Ridge to The Farmyard Campground.

The second day sees you follow the ridgeline all the way to Little Cathedral at the north end of the range, and then descend to follow Little River Track and Saint Bernards Track back to your car!

@disco_steww

Where to Camp

The park’s best known for its two popular day-hikes, the northern and southern circuits, but these can easily be linked together with an overnight stay at The Farmyard, a campground in a saddle, roughly in the middle of the range.

Read More

5. Lake Tali Karng – Hidden Lake Circuit

Distance: 30.7km
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 301km

The views and landscape of Tali Karng and its surrounds are so magnificent it’s easy to appreciate its special cultural significance.

The water in the lake is very cold and has a depth of up to 50 metres. It’s fed by the Snowden and Nigothoruk Creeks and the melted snow that runs off the Wellington Plains. Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland and this hike offers you an opportunity to explore deep into the heart of the valley.

@Bramt

Where to Camp

Camping is available at Nyimba Camp, the campground high above Lake Tali Karng, just near the trail that shoots down steeply to that hidden lake. There are toilets available but please note that camping on the shores of the lake isn’t permitted. 

Read More

6. Lorne Waterfall Circuit 

Walked and written by Ivana Dancova

Distance: 28km
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 147km

An easy overnight hike, the Lorne Waterfall Circuit showcases some of the best waterfalls and ocean views that the Great Otway National Park has to offer.

The hike should take around 7-9 hours to complete but can be done as an overnight hike. It features an aesthetic blend of waterfalls, ocean views from a height, a dam, a fern gully with seemingly prehistoric fern trees, as well as a boulder canyon and other striking rock formations!

Photo by Parks Victoria

Where to Camp

Unfortunately Sharps Camping Area is now permanently closed, so I chose Allenvale Campsite instead and prepared for a big first day of 23km (estimated 6-8 hours) with a light 5km finish the next morning.

Read More

7. Mt McLeod

Walked and written by Anthony Green

Distance: 16km return
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 341km

@antgreenphoto

Where to Camp

Mount McLeod Hike-in Camping Area, around 8km along the Mt McLeod track from Reservoir Picnic Area. Bookings are required, with space for up to ten campers.

Read More

8. Razorback Trail 

Walked and written by Mitchell Hodge

Distance: 22km return
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 371km

The Razorback is a walking track that runs along the sharp, treeless ridgeline of the Australian Alps, meandering its way from Mt Hotham, all the way to Mt Feathertop. At 1922m, Feathertop is the second-highest peak in Victoria.

While the Razorback trail isn’t the only way to access Mt. Feathertop, it’s certainly the most beautiful way to experience it. You only dip below the treeline for a few short sections throughout the walk, providing expansive 360° views of the surrounding mountains for the majority of the hike.

@mydreamadventure

Where to Camp

The hike is overnight and requires a stay at the remotely-located Federation Hut, a kilometre or so from the Feathertop summit.

Read More

9. Mt Feathertop via Northwest Spur

Walked and written by Elisha Donkin

Distance: 21.5km
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 340km

This lesser-known trail takes you from a low-lying valley between Harrietville and Smoko (yep, ‘Smoko’) to the top of Mount Feathertop. The trail follows the Northwest Spur and is referred to as the Tom Kneen Track.

It’s one of the least used routes up Feathertop (with the Razorback and Bungalow Spur tracks being more popular), but it offers a gradual climb above the snowline from lush green forest to the bare peak of the mountain. Once you get to the summit, you have multiple options to get back down, depending on whether you can car shuffle with a friend.

@elishadonkin

Where to Camp 

Federation Hut is a popular camping option for those who want to split the hike into an overnighter.

Read More

10. Hotham Huts Walk 

Walked and written by Jess Barlow

Distance: 18km
Duration: 2 days
Distance from Melbourne: 373km

The Hotham Huts Walk in Victoria has everything a hiker could want in a summer walking trail. Elevation to keep you cool, views for miles, weather that keeps you on your toes, brightly coloured wildflowers that change every month… It has so much variety that you could visit the trail five times and always have a unique experience.  

@jessfromoutside

Where to Camp

With an average duration of seven hours, the Huts walk is mostly done as a day hike, but we chose to take our time and did it overnight, camping at Derrick Hut. 

Read More

Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne FAQs

How do I start hiking overnight?

Before heading out on an overnight hike there are a few essential things you need to do;

• Research the route – What’s the climate like this time of year? How difficult is the track and how far do you have to walk each day?
• Check your gear – Do you have all the gear you need for the hike? Check to make sure it’s still in working condition
• Submit a Trip Intention Form – Fill out a Trip Intention Form before you leave either with the police or local national parks group. Tell someone else you know the details of your trip and when you expect to be back
• Hire a PLB and pack your first aid kit – Make sure you’ve got a personal locator beacon on you. You can borrow them from the local police station or national parks offices

What is the most beautiful hike?

The most beautiful hike in this list is up to you to decide so try them all out and see for yourself! A standout, however is the Beeripmo hike with its gorgeous green fern gullies and views of Mt Langi Ghiran.

What is the hardest hike in Victoria?

The hardest hike in Victoria is most commonly deemed to be the Mt Bogong Circuit in Alpine National Park. This is due to its high altitude, length, steepness and rough terrain.

Feature photo thanks to Jamie Humby

Want Places to Hike Near Melbourne

• The Best Day Hikes Near Melbourne
• Best Day Trips From Melbourne
• The Best Multiday Hikes Victoria Has to Offer
• Best Bushwalks Melbourne

Looking Further Afield?

• Best Multi-Day Hikes in NSW 
• The Best Coastal Hikes on the Sunshine Coast, QLD
• Best Multi-Day Hikes in Tasmania