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

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 waiting to be explored. 

So lace up your walking shoes and get set for an intrepid adventure – these are the best hikes in Melbourne - or surrounding suburbs and towns - you need to know about. Whether you're new to hikes and long walks, or have been doing them for years, these are the routes and trails you need to know about for multiple levels of expertise.

The Grampians Pinnacle Walk

When it comes to jaw-dropping vistas and stunning views upon a cliff top, 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 Samba's at home for this one, this track requires sturdy footwear.

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

Halls Gap, The Grampians

The Domino Rail Trail

A scenic six kilometre 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

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

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 seven kilometre 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 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 (nine to 10 hours)

Alpine National Park, Victoria

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

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

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

Dandenong Ranges Trail

The Dandenong Ranges Trail can be done as a multi-day hike or divided into a series of seven separate day walks. Stretching over 72 kilometres, this train extends from Gembrook to Lylydale, and is a beautiful hike that can be enjoyed by people of all levels of fitness. The full walk takes between four to seven days to complete, depending on pace, and was actually created by a local resident by the name of Jason Williams. Today, this is a popular hiking trail for fitness enthusiasts and casual walkers on their daily stroll.

Gembrook to Lilydale

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 

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 stunning views of the ocean over the wild coastline.

Distance: 6km 

Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck

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

Ironbark Basin Nature Walk

Discover the point where the bush meets the beach on this breathtaking hike a one and a half hours drive from Melbourne that winds from inland basin down to the sand below, hidden away between 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

Flinders Peak Walk

This family friendly walk is one of the best hikes in Melbourne, only a one hour drive from the CBD. Flinders Peak is the highest point in the You Yangs regional park. The walk starts at Turntable car park, where you will then ascend the 450 steps to reach the top of Flinders Peak Lookout and enjoy stunning views of the regional park from above.

Distance: 3km (1.25 hours)

Finders Peak Walk, Little River

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.