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The Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Victoria's Most Scenic Walks

Lace up your walking shoes and get set for an intrepid adventure, these are the the best hikes near Melbourne.

Hanging Rock

Whether you’re looking to go bush, hit the beach or explore winding country back roads – Victoria and Melbourne’s surrounds offer up beautiful walking routes that are just waiting to be explored. So lace up your walking shoes and get set for an intrepid adventure – these are the best hikes in or around Melbourne you need to know about. 

The Grampians Pinnacle Walk (Image Credit: Visit Grampians)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: The Grampians Pinnacle Walk

When it comes to jaw-dropping vistas, look no further than the Grampians. A trail for the experienced hiker, this 8.4km track offers sweeping views across the postcard-worthy Grampians National Park for those up to the challenge. Starting in Halls Gap, venture through the area's rugged mountain ranges past Splitter’s Falls before looping up to the Pinnacle lookout. If you're looking for something a little less strenuous, start your journey from the Sundial Car Park instead. Leave your Stan Smith’s at home for this one, this track requires sturdy footwear.

Distance: 8.5km (2.1km from Sundial Car Park)

Halls Gap, The Grampians

George Bass Coastal Walk (Image credit: Riparide)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: George Bass Coastal Walk

Wanderers, hikers and nature lovers alike will love trekking the George Bass Coastal Walk. Grab your pup or best hiking buddy and follow the folds of the land sitting high above the dramatic ocean landscape. 

This one-way 7km route (from Anderson to Kilcunda) takes you through some of the most rugged coastal scenery on the Bass Coast, featuring dramatic cliffs, woodland gullies and tucked-away coves. The views over picturesque Half Moon Bay will blow you away!

Few walks offer such breathtaking and diverse scenery, from the iridescent green hills dotted with cows to the pristine beaches nestled invitingly between the rocky outcrops. Afterwards, finish in pocket-sized Kilcunda for a well-deserved pub lunch or post-walk swim at scenic Kilcunda Beach. 

Distance: 7km 

Kilcunda, Gippsland 

Mount Bogong (Image Credit: Visit Victoria)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur Trail

This spectacular trail to the summit of Mount Bogong begins at the Mountain Creek picnic area and follows a vehicle track to the foot of the aptly named Staircase Spur, where the ascent begins through a forest of peppermint gums.

Bivouac Hut, about halfway along the climb, offers a welcome resting place for weary hikers. The track then passes snow gums and alpine scrub before opening out onto the summit plain. If walking to the summit of the state's tallest mountain sounds a little too demanding, there are easier walks that also begin at the picnic area.

You can also choose to make this an overnight hike. 

Distance: 21.5km (9-10 hours)

Alpine National Park, Victoria

Mornington Peninsula

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Mornington Peninsula Walk

At just under 100km, the Mornington Peninsula Walk links four shorter strolls along Victoria’s spectacular Peninsula rugged coastline. From beaches and historic landmarks to lighthouses and bushlands, this mighty adventure will take you a couple of days from start to finish. If you’re looking for a little less of a commitment, pick one of the shorter trails to tackle first. As their names suggest, the Coastal Walk and Bay Trail offer many vantage points to enjoy Mornington’s stunning bay views in an afternoon.

Distance: 97.5km (Two Bays Walking Track: 26km, Coastal Walk: 30km, Point Nepean Walk: 13.5km, Bay Trail 24km)

Mornington Peninsula 

Werribee Gorge

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Werribee Gorge Circuit

While technically still in Melbourne, the breathtaking Werribee Gorge feels a world away from the chaos of city life. And though it might be a little on the challenging side (complete with climbs, descents, and river crossings), this 10km bushwalk offers a genuine taste of outback adventuring within an hour of the CBD.

Distance: 10km

Werribee Gorge State Park, Pentland Hills

Image Credit - Daylesford Macedon Life

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: The Domino Rail Trail

A scenic 6km walk that starts at Trentham’s former railway station, the Domino Rail Trail follows the now disused tracks on an ambling journey through the local countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass everything from farmland to dense bush as you enter into the Wombat State Forest. Best finish up at a country pub for some well-deserved sustenance.

Distance: 6km

Victoria Street, Trentham

Bushrangers Bay Trail (Image Credit: Visit Mornington)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Bushrangers Bay Trail

The true definition of the ‘scenic route’, the Bushrangers Bay Hiking Trail begins on the well-appointed boardwalk to the famous Cape Schanck and its lighthouse, built back in 1859 alongside an awe-inspiring volcanic plug. The entirety of the walk is equally impressive, complete with sweeping ocean views over the wild coastline.

Distance: 6km 

Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck

Mount Oberon Summit Walk (Image Credit: @callumfrommelbourne)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Wilson’s Promontory is about as beautiful as they come. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, there’s the prospect of watching a glorious sunset over the water from the peak of the Mount Oberon Summit Walk. Add to that a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding national park and, well, what are you waiting for?

Distance: 6.8km

Wilson’s Promontory

Sherbrooke Falls Trail (Image Credit: Visit Victoria)

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Sherbrooke Falls Trail

There’s something magic in the air out in the Dandenong Ranges. Soak it all up on the Sherbrooke Falls Trail, as you wind your way past mossy river banks and lush ferns along the path to the gently trickling falls. Along the way, you’ll amble by towering sassafras and mountain ash – some of which are an impressive 200 years old.

Distance: 1.2km

Sherbrooke Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke

Hanging Rock Trail

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Hanging Rock Trail

You’ve likely heard of the legend surrounding Hanging Rock. A beautiful site, rich in history and mystery – this hiking trail passes through the area made famous by the iconic Australian novel (and film and TV series) Picnic at Hanging Rock. Offering beautiful views over the surrounding farmland and Macedon Ranges, it’s the perfect low-key day trip that comes complete with an intriguing back story.

Distance: 2km

Hanging Rock, Newham

Ironbark Basin Nature Walk

Best Hikes Near Melbourne: Ironbark Basin Nature Walk

Discover the point where the bush meets the beach on this breathtaking hike that winds from inland basin down to the sand below, hidden away between local favourites Bells Beach and (the clothing optional) Point Addis. Along the way, you’ll marvel at spectacular views of the famed Great Ocean Road coastline – and maybe even spot a few echidnas if you’re lucky.

Distance: 10.5km 

Bells Beach, Victoria

Yarra Bend Park Loop - Dights Falls

Best Hikes Melbourne: Yarra Bend Park Loop

For a city walk that will have you feeling a million miles away, the Yarra Bend Park Loop is a favourite of outdoorsy Melburnians. The 9.5km trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers a variety of different landscapes to enjoy along the way. Bring your pooch and take an easy stroll along the banks of the Yarra which is home to hundreds of Indigenous plants, native wildlife and resident local seal Salvatore who is often seen galivanting down the river. If you’re in the need of a little caffeine to get you on your way, the Fairfield Boathouse is the perfect spot.

Distance: 9.5km

Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield

Conquered all the best hikes near Melbourne, Victoria and looking for more sightseeing adventures? Check out our round-up of the best places to visit in Victoria and check out the best walks in Melbourne

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